Using Dexmedetomidine for Pain Control in Children After Tonsil and Adenoid Surgery
Dexmedetomidine Use in Suprazygomatic Maxillary Nerve Blocks for Pediatric Adenotonsillectomy Pain Control
This study is testing if a new pain relief method using a specific nerve block with or without a medication can help children feel less pain after having their tonsils and adenoids removed.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 90 (estimated) |
| Ages | 6 Months to 18 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Stanford University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Palo Alto, California) |
| Trial ID | NCT05208892 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effectiveness of the suprazygomatic maxillary nerve (SZMN) block for managing postoperative pain in pediatric patients undergoing tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy. Participants aged 6 months to 18 years will be randomized into three groups: one receiving the SZMN block, another receiving the SZMN block with dexmedetomidine, and a control group receiving standard care. The study aims to assess pain scores, opioid consumption, and various postoperative outcomes over a 14-day period. The goal is to determine if the SZMN block, particularly with dexmedetomidine, can enhance pain control and reduce complications.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are pediatric patients aged 6 months to 18 years scheduled for tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy.
Not a fit: Patients requiring urgent surgical intervention or those with complex medical histories may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve pain management and reduce opioid use in children after tonsil and adenoid surgery.
How similar studies have performed: While the SZMN block is established for other procedures, its application in T&A with dexmedetomidine is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Ages 6 months - 18 years * Give consent/parental consent to participate in study * Patients undergoing tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy Exclusion Criteria: * Participants who do not consent or have parental consent * Patients who require urgent/emergent intervention * Patients who undergo additional combined surgical procedures with separate incisions (in addition to the adenotonsillectomy) * Patients with known difficult airway, clinical hemodynamic instability, coagulopathy, chronic pain history, chronic pain medication use, and unrepaired congenital heart disease * Patients under age 6 months
Where this trial is running
Palo Alto, California
- Lucile Packard Childrens Hospital — Palo Alto, California, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Stephanie Pan, MD — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Ban CH Tsui, MD
- Email: bantsui@stanford.edu
- Phone: (650) 200-9107
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.