Volatile gases versus IV propofol to protect the brain during craniotomy
Official title: Effect of Volatile-based Versus Total Intravenous Anesthesia on Cerebral Homeostasis and Neucognitive Function in Patients Undergoing Elective Craniotomy for Brain Tumor Excision.
Run by Aristotle University Of Thessaloniki · NCT06779890 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial tests whether using volatile anesthetics (sevoflurane or desflurane) or a propofol-based total intravenous anesthesia during craniotomy for brain tumor affects brain oxygen balance, swelling, and early thinking after surgery.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 4 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 84 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Aristotle University Of Thessaloniki Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Thessaloniki and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 12, 2025 |
| Main results expected | September 30, 2026 |
| Study ends | September 30, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | October 1, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06779890 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults with ASA physical status 1–3 scheduled for elective or semi-elective craniotomy for brain tumor resection who can give informed consent are the intended participants.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with prior craniotomy at the same site, morbid obesity, preexisting delirium or cognitive impairment, significant heart block or very low heart rate, pregnancy, use of certain alpha-2 agonists, or severe liver or kidney failure are excluded and unlikely to benefit from the trial findings.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Adults having elective or semi-elective craniotomy for brain tumor resection receive standard induction with remifentanil and propofol and neuromuscular blockade, then are maintained with either low-flow volatile anesthesia (sevoflurane or desflurane) or propofol via target-controlled infusion. Continuous hemodynamic monitoring (ClearSight), BIS, NOL analgesia monitoring, arterial line sampling and ipsilateral jugular bulb catheterization are used to measure cerebral oxygenation, metabolic markers and derived parameters at predefined time points. Protective ventilation and standardized arterial and jugular blood gas panels are applied to control physiologic variables. The study excludes patients with prior craniotomy at the same site, morbid obesity, preoperative delirium or cognitive disturbance, significant heart conduction problems, pregnancy, certain antihypertensive regimens, or liver/renal failure.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the results could help clinicians choose the anesthesia method that better preserves brain oxygenation and reduces postoperative swelling and cognitive problems after tumor surgery.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work shows anesthetic choice can change cerebral physiology, but conclusive evidence that one approach improves postoperative cognitive outcomes after brain tumor surgery is limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * ASA-PS 1-3 (American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status classification) * Elective or semi-elective craniotomy for brain tumor resection * Signed informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * History of craniotomy at the same site * Morbid obesity * Delirious person before surgery * Cognitive disturbances * Preoperative heart rate (HR) \<45 beats/min or second or third degree AV block * Treatment with a-methyldopa, clonidine or other a2-adrenergic agonist * Pregnancy * Liver or renal failure
Where it's running
-
AHEPA University Hospital
Thessaloniki, Greece Recruiting -
Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki, Greece Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Georgia Tsaousi, Professor — Aristotle University Of Thessaloniki
- Study coordinator: Georgia Tsaousi, Professor
- Email: tsaousig@otenet.gr
- Phone: +302310994855
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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.