Clinical Research Directory
Browse clinical research sites, groups, and studies.
The Association Between Bilateral Intermediate Cervical Plexus Block and Salivary Biomarkers of Surgical Stress Response Following Total Thyroidectomy
Sponsor: University Hospital Dubrava
Summary
The aim of this study is to evaluate how an ultrasound-guided bilateral intermediate cervical plexus block affects the surgical stress response in individuals undergoing total thyroidectomy. The primary objective is to quantify this physiological response through the analysis of specific stress and inflammatory biomarkers collected from the participants' saliva. The clinical trial will encompass a total of 48 patients, randomized equally into two distinct cohorts of 24 participants each. The control group will undergo standard total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA), whereas the experimental group will receive the bilateral intermediate cervical plexus block in combination with the TIVA protocol. It is hypothesized that integrating this regional nerve block with total intravenous anesthesia will significantly attenuate the surgical stress response, evidenced by a reduction in salivary biomarker concentration, compared to utilizing TIVA alone during thyroid surgery. Validating this hypothesis would offer robust scientific evidence to advocate for the routine integration of the bilateral intermediate cervical plexus block into standard anesthetic practices for total thyroidectomy. Ultimately, this approach aims to minimize perioperative stress and facilitate a more rapid postoperative recovery for patients.
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - Any
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
48
Start Date
2026-08-01
Completion Date
2027-04
Last Updated
2026-07-23
Healthy Volunteers
No
Interventions
Ultrasound guided bilateral intermediate cervical plexus block
Following the induction of general anesthesia in the study group, an ultrasound-guided bilateral intermediate cervical plexus block will be performed. The cervical plexus is visualized on the screen as a small cluster of hypoechoic nodules beneath the posterolateral border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle and immediately above the prevertebral fascia. After sterile preparation, a 22-gauge needle is inserted under ultrasound guidance in a lateromedial direction. The needle tip is positioned within the specified space, approximately 2 cm medial to the skin entry point. Following a negative aspiration test, 10 mL of 0.25% levobupivacaine is injected and visualized on the ultrasound screen. The same procedure will be repeated on the contralateral side.