Ketamine or Dexmedetomidine as an Additive to Scalp Block for Brain Tumor Surgery
Official title: Efficacy of Ketamine Versus Dexmedetomidine as an Adjuvant to Bupivacaine in Scalp Block in Adults Undergoing Supratentorial Brain Tumor Excision Surgeries for Hemodynamics and Pain Control, Double-blinded Randomized Study
Run by Cairo University · NCT07698665 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial tests whether adding ketamine or dexmedetomidine to bupivacaine for scalp blocks improves pain control after supratentorial brain tumor removal.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 20 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 90 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Cairo University Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Cairo, Governorate and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | July 30, 2026 |
| Study ends | July 30, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | July 13, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07698665 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 20–60 with ASA II-III undergoing supratentorial brain tumor excision, planned scalp block, and expected surgery under six hours.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who do not respond to scalp block or who have contraindications to ketamine or dexmedetomidine may not experience benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized, double-blind trial compares ketamine 2 mg/kg versus dexmedetomidine 1 µg/kg as adjuvants to 0.5% bupivacaine in scalp blocks for adults undergoing supratentorial brain tumor excision. Primary aims include analgesia quality, opioid use, and intraoperative hemodynamic stability. Eighty participants are enrolled and allocated equally to each group, with outcomes assessed intraoperatively and postoperatively. The study follows CONSORT guidelines and is conducted at Cairo University Hospitals, with ethics approval and written informed consent obtained.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the preferred adjuvant could provide better pain control and reduced opioid needs after brain tumor surgery.
How similar studies have gone: Prior regional anesthesia studies support the use of adjuvants to scalp blocks for improved analgesia, though findings vary by agent and patient population.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age from 20 to 60 years, both sexes, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status II-III, Supratentorial tumor excision, Supine Position. and operation time: less than 6 hours. Exclusion Criteria: * Patient refusal, disturbed consciousness level (Glasgow Coma Scale \[GCS\] \< 15). Patients who required reintubation during the study period, those not extubated. immediately after surgery, or those who awoke with neurological deficits impairing. pain assessments were excluded from the final analysis, history of psychotic disorders or previous surgeries, Poor cognitive function. Postictal state or uncontrolled/recurrent seizures, known allergy to dexmedetomidine or ketamine, difficult intubation (Mallampati score \> III) or multiple intubation attempts, operation duration \> 6 hours, renal dysfunction (creatinine \> 1.2 mg/dL, BUN \> 20 mg/dL), heart block and patients with chronic headache disorders or those receiving chronic analgesic therapy (for \>3 months) were excluded.
Where it's running
-
Cairo university
Cairo, Governorate, Egypt Recruiting -
Cairo university Hospitals. kasralainy
Cairo, Egypt Recruiting
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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.