Using S-ketamine to enhance pain relief in children after hypospadias surgery

Analgesic Effects of Caudal S-ketamine for Supplementation of Ropivacaine Caudal Analgesia in Children With Hypospadias

Phase 4 Interventional First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University · NCT05922605

This study is testing if adding S-ketamine to a pain medication can help children feel less pain for longer after hypospadias surgery.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment44 (estimated)
Ages3 Months to 18 Years
SexMale
SponsorFirst Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Guangzhou, Guangdong)
Trial IDNCT05922605 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of S-ketamine as an additive to ropivacaine for caudal analgesia in children undergoing hypospadias surgery. Forty-four children will be randomly assigned to receive either a combination of ropivacaine and S-ketamine or ropivacaine with saline. The study will monitor postoperative pain levels using a standardized scoring system at various intervals. The goal is to determine if S-ketamine can prolong the duration of pain relief compared to ropivacaine alone.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 3 months to 18 years, weighing less than 28 kg, and scheduled for elective hypospadias surgery.

Not a fit: Patients with congenital abnormalities of the lower spine, hypersensitivity to local anesthetics, or preexisting neurological diseases may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide longer-lasting pain relief for children undergoing surgery, reducing the need for additional pain medications.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that ketamine can enhance analgesia when used as an additive, but the specific use of S-ketamine in this context is less established.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* informed parent consent, ASA I or II children, between 3months and 18 years of age,and weighing \<28kg, scheduled for elective hypospadias surgery with general anesthesia will be recruited.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients who have congenital abnormalities of lower spine and meninges.
* Patients with hypersensitivity to any local anesthetics
* Children with coagulation disorders
* Presence of Infections at puncture sites
* Preexisting neurological disease
* Refusal to consent by parent/guardian

Where this trial is running

Guangzhou, Guangdong

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.
Conditions Postoperative AnalgesiaS-ketaminePediatricsCaudal BlockHypospadias
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.