Improving pain management after pituitary surgery
Official title: Effect of Sphenopalatine Ganglion Block With Bupivacaine on Postoperative Pain in Patients Undergoing Endoscopic Pituitary Adenoma Resection
Run by Hamilton Health Sciences Corporation · NCT06353529 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Phase | Phase 4 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years to 100 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 108 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Hamilton Health Sciences Corporation Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hamilton, Ontario) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 25, 2024 |
| Main results expected | April 2026 |
| Study ends | July 2026 |
| Registry record updated | March 12, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06353529 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include adult patients aged 18 years or older who are scheduled for endonasal pituitary adenoma resection.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with pre-existing chronic pain conditions or contraindications to the nerve block procedure may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
Hamilton General Hospital
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Dr. Kesava Reddy, MD — Hamilton Health Sciences Corporatin
- Study coordinator: Dr. Kesava Reddy, MD
- Email: reddy@hhsc.ca
- Phone: 905-521-2100
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.