Improving pain management after pituitary surgery

Effect of Sphenopalatine Ganglion Block With Bupivacaine on Postoperative Pain in Patients Undergoing Endoscopic Pituitary Adenoma Resection

Phase 4 Interventional Hamilton Health Sciences Corporation · NCT06353529

This study is testing whether a special pain relief technique using a nerve block can help people feel less pain after having minimally invasive pituitary surgery.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment108 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 100 Years
SexAll
SponsorHamilton Health Sciences Corporation Academic / other
Locations1 site (Hamilton, Ontario)
Trial IDNCT06353529 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of a sphenopalatine ganglion block using bupivacaine for pain management in patients undergoing minimally invasive pituitary surgery. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either the nerve block, a placebo, or a sham treatment during their surgery. Pain levels will be assessed at multiple time points within the first 24 hours post-surgery to determine the impact of the intervention on postoperative pain and medication needs. The study aims to enhance recovery and improve patient outcomes following surgery.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adult patients aged 18 years or older who are scheduled for endonasal pituitary adenoma resection.

Not a fit: Patients with pre-existing chronic pain conditions or contraindications to the nerve block procedure may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce postoperative pain and the reliance on pain medications for patients undergoing pituitary surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown positive results for the use of sphenopalatine ganglion blocks in other surgical contexts, but research specifically in pituitary surgery is limited.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* adult patients (18 yrs or older)
* undergoing endonasal pituitary adenoma resection

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with pre-existing chronic pain conditions requiring antidepressants (serotonin reuptake inhibitors), benzodiazepines, gabapentin, or opioid drugs
* contraindications to the performance of SPGB such as known allergy to used medications
* chronic alcohol abuse
* uncontrolled systemic arterial hypertension
* severe kidney or liver diseases
* cardiomyopathies or sustained cardiac arrhythmias (permanent paroxystic atrial fibrillation or other sustained supraventricular rhythmic anomalies)

Where this trial is running

Hamilton, Ontario

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions PituitaryPain, PostoperativeNerve blockBupivacaineSphenopalatine Ganglion
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.