Pre-emptive Scalp Injection of Triamcinolone Acetonide Plus Ropivacaine for Post-Craniotomy Pain in Children A Randomized Study

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating postoperative pain management in children aged 2 to 12 years who undergo craniotomy surgery. This study focuses on improving pain control, which is challenging due to the difficulty of assessing pain in young children and the added complications from craniotomy such as changes in consciousness and sleepiness. The trial evaluates whether using a combination of the steroid triamcinolone acetonide and the local anesthetic ropivacaine can better relieve pain after surgery compared to ropivacaine alone. Participants are assigned to one of two groups. One group receives a mixture of 0.2% ropivacaine with triamcinolone acetonide injected under the scalp along the incision before surgery. The other group receives only ropivacaine injected in the same way. The volume of the injection is adjusted based on the length of the incision and recorded by investigators. This pre-emptive scalp infiltration aims to reduce pain by blocking inflammatory mediators around the wound. During the study, researchers will monitor pain levels using the Faces, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability (FLACC) scale at 24 hours after surgery. The study includes children with good physical health status who are expected to recover fully within 2 hours after surgery. Safety and pain relief are carefully assessed to understand how well the treatments work and to monitor any side effects throughout the postoperative period.

Pre-emptive Scalp Infiltration with Triamcinolone Acetonide Plus Ropivacaine for Post-Craniotomy Pain in Children