Sphenopalatine ganglion block to improve the surgical field during endoscopic pituitary removal
The Efficacy of Ultrasound Guided Sphenopalatine Ganglion Block as Adjuvant to General Anesthesia Regarding the Quality of Surgical Field in Trans-Sphenoidal Endoscopic Hypophysectomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This trial will try an ultrasound-guided sphenopalatine ganglion block with bupivacaine and dexamethasone alongside general anesthesia to see if it improves the surgeon's view and reduces postoperative pain for adults aged 21–60 having endoscopic trans-nasal pituitary surgery.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 70 (estimated) |
| Ages | 21 Months to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Cairo University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Cairo) |
| Trial ID | NCT07569952 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Adults undergoing elective endoscopic transsphenoidal hypophysectomy at Cairo University will receive an ultrasound-guided suprazygomatic sphenopalatine ganglion block with bupivacaine plus dexamethasone in addition to standard general anesthesia. The study will record the quality of the surgical field during the procedure and measure postoperative pain relief. Eligibility is limited to ASA I–II patients aged 21–60 who are not on anticoagulant therapy and have no relevant drug allergies. Outcomes will compare intraoperative visualization and early postoperative analgesia against standard anesthesia care.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 21–60 with ASA Physical Status I or II who are scheduled for elective endoscopic trans-nasal resection of a pituitary adenoma and have no contraindications to the block medications or anticoagulation.
Not a fit: Patients with higher surgical risk (ASA III–IV), those on blood-thinning medications, with allergies to study drugs, on chronic pain therapy, or who experience intraoperative vascular injury are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the block could give surgeons a clearer operating field and reduce postoperative pain, potentially lowering blood loss and improving recovery.
How similar studies have performed: Sphenopalatine ganglion block has been used successfully for nasal and facial pain and some nasal procedures, but its specific role in improving the surgical field during endoscopic pituitary surgery is limited and not well established.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age between 21 and 60 years. * American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Physical Status I or II. * Undergoing elective endoscopic trans-nasal resection of pituitary adenoma. Exclusion Criteria: * Patient's refusal * ASA Physical Status III or IV patients * Patients receiving drugs influencing blood coagulation * Allergy to any of the drugs utilized in this study * History of chronic pain therapy * Inadvertent intra-operative vascular injury
Where this trial is running
Cairo
- Cairo University — Cairo, Egypt (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Nada A Fathy, MSc
- Email: nashrsf@gmail.com
- Phone: 00201094049394
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.