Pain relief for children after brain surgery using a local anesthetic and steroid

Pre-emptive Scalp Infiltration with Triamcinolone Acetonide Plus Ropivacaine for Post-Craniotomy Pain in Children

PHASE4 · Beijing Tiantan Hospital · NCT06779396

This study is testing a combination of a local anesthetic and a steroid to see if it can help reduce pain after brain surgery in children aged 2 to 12 while avoiding the side effects of stronger pain medications.

Quick facts

PhasePHASE4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment128 (estimated)
Ages2 Years to 12 Years
SexAll
SponsorBeijing Tiantan Hospital (other)
Locations1 site (Beijing, Beijing Municipality)
Trial IDNCT06779396 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of pre-emptive scalp infiltration with triamcinolone acetonide combined with ropivacaine to manage postoperative pain in children undergoing craniotomy. The study aims to improve pain control while minimizing the side effects associated with systemic opioids. By evaluating the analgesic effects of this combination treatment, the trial seeks to enhance recovery outcomes for pediatric patients. The trial includes children aged 2 to 12 years who are expected to recover fully within two hours post-surgery.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are children aged 2 to 12 years who are undergoing elective craniotomy and are expected to recover fully within two hours postoperatively.

Not a fit: Patients who may not benefit from this study include those with allergies to local anesthetics, chronic headaches, or severe underlying health conditions.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve pain management for children after craniotomy, leading to faster recovery and reduced reliance on opioids.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that local anesthetics combined with steroids can enhance postoperative analgesia, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

-(1) Age 2 to 12 years. (2) American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I or II. (3)Participates with an anticipated fully recovery within 2 hours postoperatively.

(4)Informed consent by parent(s) and/or legal guardian.

Exclusion Criteria:

\- (1) Allergy to local anesthetics. (2) Pediatric patients aged\>12 or \<2 years. (3) Under medication with analgesic drugs. (4) Psychiatric disorders. (5) Uncontrolled epilepsy. (6) Chronic headache. (7) Peri-incisional infection. (8) Coagulopathy or bleeding disorder. (9) Patients who are expected to remain intubated and mechanical ventilation after surgery.

(10) Emergency craniotomies. (11) Patients with cardiac insufficiency or severe kidney or liver diseases. (12) Patients whose authorized surrogates are unwilling to participate in the study

Where this trial is running

Beijing, Beijing Municipality

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Pain, Postoperative Children, Postoperative Pain, Pre-emptive Scalp Infiltration, Triamcinolone Acetonide

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.