RecruitingNot Applicable

Ketamine Versus Dexmedetomidine as an Adjuvant in Scalp Block in Supratentorial Brain Tumor Excision Surgeries

Egypt90 participantsStarted 2026-01-01

Plain-language summary

Supratentorial brain tumor surgeries are associated with significant nociceptive stimulation and postoperative pain, which may adversely affect patient outcomes. Scalp block has emerged as an effective regional anesthetic technique to improve analgesia and reduce opioid consumption. Objective: To compare efficacy of ketamine versus dexmedetomidine as adjuvants to bupivacaine in scalp blocks for supratentorial brain tumor surgeries, focusing on analgesia, opioid consumption, and hemodynamic stability. Methods: This randomized double-blinded controlled trial included 80 patients undergoing supratentorial tumor excision, allocated equally into two groups: Group K received bupivacaine with ketamine (2 mg/kg), and Group D received bupivacaine with dexmedetomidine (1 µg/kg). Intraoperative hemodynamics, fentanyl consumption, postoperative pain scores (NRS), analgesic requirements, and complications were assessed.

Who can participate

Age range

20 Years – 60 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: * Age from 20 to 60 years, both sexes, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status II-III, Supratentorial tumor excision, Supine Position. and operation time: less than 6 hours. Exclusion Criteria: * Patient refusal, disturbed consciousness level (Glasgow Coma Scale \[GCS\] \< 15). Patients who required reintubation during the study period, those not extubated. immediately after surgery, or those who awoke with neurological deficits impairing. pain assessments were excluded from the final analysis, history of psychotic disorders or previous surgeries, Poor cognitive function. Postictal state or uncontrolled/recurrent seizures, known allergy to dexmedetomidine or ketamine, difficult intubation (Mallampati score \> III) or multiple intubation attempts, operation duration \> 6 hours, renal dysfunction (creatinine \> 1.2 mg/dL, BUN \> 20 mg/dL), heart block and patients with chronic headache disorders or those receiving chronic analgesic therapy (for \>3 months) were excluded.

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

Analgesic efficacy of dexmedetomidine versus ketamine as adjuvants in scalp blocks

Timeframe: 6 hours

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07698665

SponsorCairo University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2026-07-30

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Regional Anesthesia Morbidity trials