Improving recovery after thyroid surgery with a nerve block
Superficial Cervical Plexus Block and Quality of Recovery After Thyroidectomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This study is testing if a special nerve block can help people recover better and feel less pain after thyroid surgery compared to a placebo.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 2 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 160 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Yale University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (New Haven, Connecticut) |
| Trial ID | NCT06002152 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to determine if a superficial cervical plexus block using bupivacaine enhances the quality of recovery for patients undergoing thyroid surgery compared to a saline placebo. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either the nerve block or placebo while under anesthesia before their surgery. They will complete a preoperative survey and a recovery survey on the first postoperative day to assess their recovery quality. The study seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of the nerve block in reducing postoperative pain and improving overall recovery in the context of modern pain management practices.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 years or older scheduled for thyroid surgery with an American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status classification of I-III.
Not a fit: Patients who may not benefit from this study include those with contraindications to the medications used, non-English speakers, or those undergoing repeat thyroid surgery.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved recovery experiences and reduced reliance on opioid medications for patients after thyroid surgery.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that superficial cervical plexus blocks can effectively reduce pain in thyroid surgery, but this specific approach in the context of modern pain management is being evaluated for the first time.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Aged 18 years or older * American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status classification I-III * Provision of signed and dated informed consent form * Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for the duration of the study * Scheduled for thyroid surgery * Access to smartphone device or computer with internet connection and has an email address Exclusion Criteria: * Non-English speaking * American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status classification \> III * Have an intolerance or contraindication to the medications involved in the study * Undergoing repeat thyroid surgery * Undergoing surgery with planned neck dissection * Plan for admission post-operatively * Positive pregnancy test on day of surgery (for participants with child-bearing potential) * Refusal to participate
Where this trial is running
New Haven, Connecticut
- Yale School of Medicine — New Haven, Connecticut, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Jaime Hyman, MD
- Email: jaime.hyman@yale.edu
- Phone: 203-785-2802
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.