Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Adjunct Nerve Blocks in Mohs Micrographic Surgery on the Face and Scalp
Abramson Cancer Center at Penn Medicine
Summary
This study seeks to determine whether adjunct regional nerve blocks reduce pain and anxiety in adult patients undergoing Mohs micrographic surgery for face and scalp skin cancers. Participants will be randomized to one of two arms: (1) placebo regional nerve block with sterile normal saline or (2) adjunct regional nerve block with lidocaine. All patients receive local infiltration with lidocaine for complete anesthesia.
Description
This study is a prospective, randomized, single-center clinical trial involving adult patients undergoing Mohs micrographic surgery for cutaneous malignancy on the face and scalp. Patients will be randomized into one of two study arms: 1. Placebo Nerve Block Group: Placebo regional nerve block with sterile normal saline plus standard local infiltration with 0.45% lidocaine with 1:200,000 epinephrine. 2. Experimental Nerve Block Group: Regional nerve block with 0.45% lidocaine with 1:200,000 epinephrine plus standard local infiltration with 0.45% lidocaine with 1:200,000 epinephrine. Pain sco…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Age ≥18 years. * Scheduled to undergo MMS. * Lesions on the face or scalp, defined as the region superior to the mandibular margin anteriorly, superior to the external occipital protuberance posteriorly, and superior to the mastoid processes laterally. * Tumor diameter plus anticipated stage 1 MMS margin ≥2 cm in diameter OR any tumor on the lip, nose, or eyelid. * Ability to complete patient reported outcome measures in English. Exclusion Criteria: * Known allergy or contraindication to lidocaine or epinephrine. * Chronic opioid use or pre existing pain disorders that…
Interventions
- OtherNerve Block
0.45% lidocaine with 1:200,000 epinephrine
- OtherPlacebo Nerve Block
Sterile normal saline
Location
- Perelman Center for Advanced MedicinePhiladelphia, Pennsylvania