Efficacy of Tachosil as Dural Sealant Compared to Standard Treatment (NCT00999999) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedPhase 4
Efficacy of Tachosil as Dural Sealant Compared to Standard Treatment
Switzerland241 participantsStarted 2009-10
Plain-language summary
Main objective of this trial is to assess the hypothesis whether the application of TachoSil® as a dural sealant improves the quality of craniotomy procedure and outcome in general compared with standard dural closure techniques in a controlled and randomized way. As a primary endpoint the investigators look at possible postoperative occurrence of CSF pads or leakages needing any kind of intervention until day 30 after the primary craniotomy. Furthermore, the investigators will look at other surgery-related complications and at pharmacoeconomic endpoints such as hospital stay or cost of the implant. Overall, the results of this study will provide important information on whether or not the adjunct of a relatively expensive implant on a routinely basis for the closure of elective craniotomies is safe and effective, or not.
To date, TachoSil® is often used in neurosurgery and other surgical disciplines in a non-standardized fashion also to prevent CSF leakage after dural closure. So far, adverse events directly related to the product have not been reported. Theoretically, any implant may be associated with a higher incidence of postoperative infections (e.g. epidural, subdural or subgaleal empyema). On the other hand, it is not known whether or not the application of TachoSil® on the dural suture may reduce CSF leakage.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Neurosurgical indication for craniotomy and opening of dura to access cerebral structures/pathologies (discussed in the indication conference of board certified neurosurgeons at the University Hospital of Basel).
* The list of pathologies includes:
* primary or secondary benign/malignant brain tumors
* aneurysms
* arterious-venous malformations
* cavernomas
* pituitary adenomas
* temporal lobectomy (epilepsy surgery)
* longterm posttraumatic revisions.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Presence of subdural empyema/abscess or any kind of infection affecting/infiltrating the dura mater
* Emergency for trauma
* Previous surgery on the same site
* Cases, where water-tight dural suture is not possible (intraoperative exclusion decision)
* Known hypersensitivity to TachoSil®
* Participation in another study
* Pregnancy
* Inability to read and understand the participant's information
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Occurence of CSF pad or leakage needing any kind of intervention.