Effects of SCALP Block on Postoperative Analgesia in Craniotomy Surgery

Patients undergoing craniotomy surgery often experience severe postoperative pain. This pain can affect the patient's hemodynamics, disrupt sleep patterns, and prolong hospital stays. Sudden increases in heart rate and blood pressure due to pain may lead to elevated intracranial pressure in patients, potentially causing morbidity and mortality. Opioids are commonly used to mitigate hemodynamic fluctuations and reduce postoperative pain; however, they may delay recovery, contribute to excessive sedation, and affect postoperative neurological examinations. Additionally, opioids have adverse effects such as nausea, vomiting, and respiratory depression. Alleviating hemodynamic instability and postoperative pain are critical concerns for neuro anesthesiologists. Regional analgesia techniques are employed in neurosurgery patients because they minimize anesthesia requirements, alleviate pain, and allow for neurological assessment with a lower incidence of systemic complications.The scalp block was developed due to its potential benefits as an effective regional anesthesia technique that supports the advancement of delicate brain surgeries such as functional and microsurgeries.

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Key information

Conditions

Analgesia Agnosia Nervous System Diseases Neurobehavioral Manifestations Neurologic Manifestations Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Perceptual Disorders Signs and Symptoms

Age range

18 year–65 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Konya City Hospital

Konya, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

In this study, we hypothesize that patients who receive a SCALP block will have lower postoperative Numerical Rating Scale scores and consume less total analgesia.

Our primary objective is to evaluate postoperative numerical rating scale scores in patients undergoing craniotomy surgery with a SCALP block.

Our secondary objectives are to assess the total amount of rescue analgesia consumed, the time to first rescue analgesia, patient satisfaction, and any possible complications. The study was planned as a prospective, randomized, controlled, double blind. At each clinic, an anesthesiologist randomly allocated patients to two significant groups using numbered opaque sealed envelopes: Group S (patients receiving SCALP block) and Group C (patients getting just multimodal analgesia). The anesthesiologists responsible for the randomization process were not involved in any other sections of the trial, and the individuals executing the SCALP blocks procedure were not engaged in other areas of the research. Additionally, the researcher who intervened, the participants, and the analyzer were blinded to the details of the study. After the surgery, two different anesthesia technicians recorded the primary and secondary results of the study.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

18-65 years
General anesthesia
American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I-III

Exclusion criteria

Contraindications to regional anesthesia
Coagulation disorders
Known allergy to local anesthetics
Infections at the block site
Pregnant patients
Emergency cases

Treatment and study plan

Scalp block

Other

After the surgical procedure, patients in Group S were placed in a semi-sitting position. Following skin antisepsis with 5% povidone-iodine, a sterile drape was applied. A circumferential scalp block with 2 cc of 0.25% bupivacaine was done on each of the supraorbital, supratrochlear, zygomaticotemporal, auriculotemporal, greater occipital, and lesser occipital nerves that supply the forehead and scalp with sensory information. The procedure was performed bilaterally. The supratrochlear and supraorbital nerves were blocked at the brow, close to the upper middle edge orbit, and over the supraorbital notch that could be felt. The zygomaticotemporal nerve was blocked between the posterior edge of the zygomatic arch. The auriculotemporal nerve was blocked at the level of the tragus. The greater and lesser occipital nerves were blocked at the medial and lateral thirds of the superior nuchal line.

Primary outcomes

Scalp

Time frame: One day

Our primary objective is to evaluate postoperative numerical rating scale scores in patients undergoing craniotomy surgery with a SCALP block. (Numerical rating scale score 0-10 point. 0= Very Bad, 10= Very Good

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Konya City Hospital

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Effects of SCALP Block on Postoperative Analgesia in Craniotomy Surgery: A Prospective, Randomized Controlled, Double-Blind Study

Important dates

Study start: 2024
Primary completion: 2024
Study completion: 2024
First posted: Sep 19, 2024
Registry last updated: Nov 12, 2024

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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