Evaluating ultrasound-guided scalp block for pain management in brain surgery
Effectiveness of Ultrasound-guided Scalp Block for Supratentorial Craniotomy: a Randomised Controlled Trial
This study is testing if using an ultrasound-guided scalp block can help reduce pain and lower the need for opioids in patients having brain surgery.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University Malaysia Sarawak Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Kuching, Sarawak) |
| Trial ID | NCT06127628 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to assess the effectiveness of ultrasound-guided scalp blocks in managing postoperative pain for patients undergoing elective supratentorial craniotomies. It compares the use of ropivacaine 0.375% scalp block against standard pain management practices. The study will also evaluate the impact of this intervention on opioid consumption and intraoperative hemodynamic parameters such as blood pressure and heart rate. The findings could significantly enhance perioperative care in neurosurgery.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients classified as American Society of Anesthesia class I to III who are scheduled for elective supratentorial craniotomies.
Not a fit: Patients with contraindications to scalp block, chronic pain, or those undergoing emergency surgeries will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved pain management and reduced opioid use for patients undergoing craniotomy.
How similar studies have performed: While the effectiveness of ultrasound-guided scalp blocks is being explored, this specific application in supratentorial craniotomy is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * All American Society of Anesthesia class I to III patients undergoing elective supratentorial craniotomies under general anaesthesia. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Refusal to participate in the study 2. Contraindications to the performance of scalp block, such as local infections 3. Allergy to ropivacaine hydrochloride 4. Age \< 18 years old 5. Undergoing emergency craniotomies, posterior fossa surgery, or burr holes surgery 6. Pre-existing chronic pain (defined as persistent or recurrent pain lasting \> 3 months) 7. History of drug addiction (illicit substances and opioids use) or chronic alcohol abuse 8. Presence of uncontrolled systemic arterial hypertension, severe cardiovascular disease, severe kidney or severe liver diseases 9. Predicted to require postoperative ventilation in the intensive care unit 10. Psychiatric disorders, serious neurological diseases, or reduced consciousness GCS \< 14
Where this trial is running
Kuching, Sarawak
- Sarawak General Hospital — Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Samuel Tsan, BMedSc, MD, MAnaes, FCAI
- Email: tehsamuel@unimas.my
- Phone: +6082-581000
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.