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

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.

NCT Number	NCT07698665
Lead Sponsor	Cairo University
Conditions	Regional Anesthesia Morbidity, Supratentorial Brain Tumor, Acute Pain
Enrollment	90 participants
Start Date	2026-01-01
Primary Completion	2026-07-30 (estimated)
Study Completion	2026-07-30 (estimated)
Updated on ClinicalTrials.gov	2026-07-13