Propofol Target-Controlled Infusion Versus Dexmedetomidine for Sedation During Chronic Subdural Hematoma Surgery Under Local Anesthesia

October 27, 2026 updated by: Hammami Rabeb, National Institute of Neurology, Tunisia

Propofol Versus Dexmedetomidine for Sedation During Chronic Subdural Hematoma Surgery: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial

Chronic subdural hematoma is a collection of old blood on the surface of the brain that mainly affects older adults. It is often treated by draining the blood through a small hole in the skull (burr hole), under local anesthesia combined with intravenous sedation while the patient keeps breathing spontaneously. Propofol and dexmedetomidine are the two sedatives most commonly used for this purpose.

This randomized pilot study will compare how well each drug maintains a moderate and stable level of sedation during surgery. Sixty adults will be randomly assigned to receive either propofol by target-controlled infusion or dexmedetomidine. The main outcome is the percentage of surgical time spent at the target sedation level, defined as a Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS) score between -2 and -3.

The study will also compare the time needed to reach the target sedation, breathing and cardiovascular side effects, sedation failures, recovery time, and surgeon and anesthesiologist satisfaction. The results will be used to estimate the sample size of a future confirmatory trial.

Study Overview

Status

Status

Indicates the current recruitment status or the expanded access status.
Not yet recruiting

Conditions

Conditions

The disease, disorder, syndrome, illness, or injury that is being studied. On ClinicalTrials.gov, conditions may also include other health-related issues, such as lifespan, quality of life, and health risks.

Intervention / Treatment

Intervention / Treatment

A process or action that is the focus of a clinical study. Interventions include drugs, medical devices, procedures, vaccines, and other products that are either investigational or already available. Interventions can also include noninvasive approaches, such as education or modifying diet and exercise.

Detailed Description

Design: single-center, prospective, randomized (1:1), controlled, parallel-group pilot trial.

Randomization: computer-generated list in fixed blocks of 4, prepared by a person not involved in the study. Allocations are concealed in sequentially numbered, opaque, sealed envelopes opened in strict order in the operating room immediately before sedation starts.

Masking: the patient, the surgeon, and the postoperative outcome assessor are blinded to group allocation; the syringe and infusion line are covered with an opaque sleeve. The anesthesiologist, who administers the sedative and scores the intraoperative RASS, is not blinded.

Standardized sequence (identical in both arms): T0 start of sedative and sufentanil 5 µg IV; T0 + 10 min lidocaine 2% with epinephrine infiltration by the surgeon (maximum 5 mg/kg); T1 skin incision; T2 burr hole drilling; T3 end of skin closure and discontinuation of the sedative in both arms; T4 modified Aldrete score ≥ 9.

Sedation monitoring: RASS scored before sedation and every 5 minutes using a standardized procedure. Target sedation: RASS -2 to -3. If RASS ≥ +1, a cause (pain, hypoxia, bladder distension, position) is sought and treated before increasing the sedative.

Sedation failure: dose ceiling reached for at least 10 min with RASS > -2 on two consecutive assessments; persistent agitation (RASS ≥ +2 on two consecutive assessments); rescue with a non-protocol sedative; conversion to general anesthesia or intubation; persistent desaturation (SpO2 < 92% for ≥ 30 s despite oxygen and airway maneuvers); or major hemodynamic instability requiring discontinuation of the sedative or continuous vasopressors.

Statistical analysis: modified intention-to-treat population (all randomized patients who received at least one dose of the study drug), with a supportive per-protocol analysis. After a sedation failure, all remaining time until T3 is counted as outside the target. Comparisons are exploratory and reported with 95% confidence intervals. Hemodynamic changes are analyzed using summary measures per patient.

Sample size: no data exist on the primary outcome in this setting; 30 patients per group were chosen according to published recommendations for pilot trials (Julious 2005; Whitehead 2016). Feasibility criteria: recruitment of ≥ 8 patients per month, ≥ 70% of eligible patients randomized, titration algorithm followed in ≥ 80% of patients, and complete primary outcome data in ≥ 90%.

Study Type

Study Type

Describes the nature of a clinical study. Study types include interventional studies (also called clinical trials), observational studies (including patient registries), and expanded access.
Interventional

Enrollment (Estimated)

Enrollment

The number of participants in a clinical study. The "anticipated" enrollment is the target number of participants that the researchers need for the study.
60

Phase

Phase

The stage of a clinical trial studying a drug or biological product, based on definitions developed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The phase is based on the study's objective, the number of participants, and other characteristics. There are five phases: Early Phase 1 (formerly listed as Phase 0), Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3, and Phase 4. Not Applicable is used to describe trials without FDA-defined phases, including trials of devices or behavioral interventions.
  • Phase 4

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Contact

Study Contact

The name and contact information for the person who can answer enrollment questions for a clinical study. Each location where the study is being conducted may also have a specific contact, who may be better able to answer those questions.

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

The key requirements that people who want to participate in a clinical study must meet or the characteristics they must have. Eligibility criteria consist of both inclusion criteria (which are required for a person to participate in the study) and exclusion criteria (which prevent a person from participating). Types of eligibility criteria include whether a study accepts healthy volunteers, has age or age group requirements, or is limited by sex.

Ages Eligible for Study

18 years and older (Adult, Older Adult)

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Genders Eligible for Study

All

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Age 18 years or older
  • Confirmed diagnosis of unilateral chronic subdural hematoma scheduled for burr-hole surgery under local anesthesia with sedation
  • Glasgow Coma Scale score ≥ 13
  • Baseline Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale score of 0 or -1 before any sedation
  • ASA physical status I to III
  • Written informed consent signed by the patient

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Refusal to participate
  • Allergy or contraindication to propofol or dexmedetomidine
  • Major cognitive impairment preventing understanding of instructions
  • Receptive aphasia preventing RASS assessment
  • Baseline heart rate < 50 beats per minute
  • Second- or third-degree atrioventricular block without a pacemaker
  • ASA III with decompensated respiratory disease (COPD on long-term oxygen therapy, severe asthma)
  • Body mass index > 35 kg/m²
  • Inability to understand the language without an available interpreter
  • Participation in another clinical trial

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

  • Primary Purpose: Supportive Care
  • Allocation: Randomized
  • Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
  • Masking: Double

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm

Participant Group / Arm

A group or subgroup of participants in a clinical trial that receives a specific intervention/treatment, or no intervention, according to the trial's protocol.
Intervention / Treatment

Intervention / Treatment

A process or action that is the focus of a clinical study. Interventions include drugs, medical devices, procedures, vaccines, and other products that are either investigational or already available. Interventions can also include noninvasive approaches, such as education or modifying diet and exercise.
Experimental: dexmedetomidine

Dexmedetomidine sedation titrated to a RASS of -2 to -3, combined with lidocaine 2% with epinephrine infiltration and a single dose of sufentanil 5 µg IV, for burr-hole surgery under local anesthesia with spontaneous breathing.
Drug: Dexmedetomidine

Loading dose of 1 µg/kg over 10 minutes, then 0.6 µg/kg/h. Increased by 0.2 µg/kg/h every 10 minutes if RASS > -2; decreased by 0.2 µg/kg/h if RASS = -4; temporarily stopped if RASS = -5, apnea or airway obstruction, and restarted at a rate reduced by 0.2 µg/kg/h once RASS ≥ -3. Range 0.2 to 1.0 µg/kg/h. Stopped at the end of skin closure.

Other Names:
  • Precedex
Active Comparator: propofol

Propofol sedation by target-controlled infusion titrated to a RASS of -2 to -3, combined with lidocaine 2% with epinephrine infiltration and a single dose of sufentanil 5 µg IV, for burr-hole surgery under local anesthesia with spontaneous breathing.
Drug: Propofol (Astra-Zeneca)

Target-controlled infusion (Schnider model, effect-site mode) started at an effect-site concentration of 1.0 µg/mL. Increased by 0.3 µg/mL every 5 minutes if RASS > -2; decreased by 0.3 µg/mL if RASS = -4 and by 0.5 µg/mL if RASS = -5, apnea, or airway obstruction. Maximum 3.0 µg/mL. No manual boluses. Stopped at the end of skin closure.

Other Names:
  • diprivan

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Primary Outcome Measures

In a clinical study's protocol, the planned outcome measure that is the most important for evaluating the effect of an intervention/treatment. Most clinical studies have one primary outcome measure, but some have more than one.
Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Percentage of time within target sedation
Time Frame: Intraoperative, from skin incision to end of skin closure (approximately 1 hour)

Percentage of the time between skin incision and end of skin closure spent with a Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS) score between -2 and -3 (scale range -5 [unarousable] to +4 [combative]). RASS is scored every 5 minutes; each score is assumed valid until the next one. After a sedation failure, all remaining time is counted as outside the target.
Intraoperative, from skin incision to end of skin closure (approximately 1 hour)

Secondary Outcome Measures

Secondary Outcome Measures

In a clinical study's protocol, a planned outcome measure that is not as important as the primary outcome measure for evaluating the effect of an intervention but is still of interest. Most clinical studies have more than one secondary outcome measure.
Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Time to target sedation
Time Frame: From start of sedation until target sedation is first reached (up to 1 hour)

Time from the start of the sedative to the first RASS score between -2 and -3, in minutes.
From start of sedation until target sedation is first reached (up to 1 hour)
Surgeon and anesthesiologist satisfaction
Time Frame: Immediately after the end of skin closure

Satisfaction rated by the surgeon and by the anesthesiologist on a 5-point Likert scale (from very satisfied to very dissatisfied).
Immediately after the end of skin closure
Recovery time
Time Frame: From end of surgery until recovery, assessed up to 2 hours

Time from discontinuation of the sedative to a modified Aldrete score ≥ 9 (or return to baseline neurological status in patients with hemiparesis), in minutes.
From end of surgery until recovery, assessed up to 2 hours
Incidence of respiratory adverse events
Time Frame: From start of sedation until discharge from the post-anesthesia care unit (up to 4 hours)

Number of patients with apnea (> 20 s), hypoventilation (respiratory rate < 8/min or loss of the capnography waveform), desaturation (SpO2 < 92% for ≥ 30 s), upper airway obstruction or need for ventilatory assistance.
From start of sedation until discharge from the post-anesthesia care unit (up to 4 hours)
Incidence of hemodynamic adverse events
Time Frame: From start of sedation until end of surgery (approximately 1 hour)

Number of patients with bradycardia (heart rate < 50 bpm), hypotension (mean arterial pressure < 65 mmHg or decrease > 25% from baseline) or hypertension (systolic pressure > 160 mmHg or increase > 20% from baseline), and need for corrective treatment.
From start of sedation until end of surgery (approximately 1 hour)
Sedation failure rate
Time Frame: Intraoperative (approximately 1 hour)

Proportion of patients with efficacy failure (dose ceiling with RASS > -2, persistent agitation, non-protocol rescue sedative) or procedural failure (conversion to general anesthesia, persistent desaturation, major hemodynamic instability).
Intraoperative (approximately 1 hour)

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Sponsor

Sponsor

The organization or person who initiates the study and who has authority and control over the study.
National Institute of Neurology, Tunisia

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start (Estimated)

Study Start

The actual date on which the first participant was enrolled in a clinical study. The "anticipated" study start date is the date that the researchers think will be the study start date.
November 1, 2026

Primary Completion (Estimated)

Primary Completion

The date on which the last participant in a clinical study was examined or received an intervention to collect final data for the primary outcome measure. Whether the clinical study ended according to the protocol or was terminated does not affect this date. For clinical studies with more than one primary outcome measure with different completion dates, this term refers to the date on which data collection is completed for all the primary outcome measures. The "anticipated" primary completion date is the date that the researchers think will be the primary completion date for the study.
April 30, 2027

Study Completion (Estimated)

Study Completion

The date on which the last participant in a clinical study was examined or received an intervention/treatment to collect final data for the primary outcome measures, secondary outcome measures, and adverse events (that is, the last participant's last visit). The "anticipated" study completion date is the date that the researchers think will be the study completion date.
April 30, 2027

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

First Submitted

The date on which the study sponsor or investigator first submitted a study record to ClinicalTrials.gov. There is typically a delay of a few days between the first submitted date and the record's availability on ClinicalTrials.gov (the first posted date).
October 27, 2026

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

The date on which the study sponsor or investigator first submits a study record that is consistent with National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review criteria. The sponsor or investigator may need to revise and submit a study record one or more times before NLM's QC review criteria are met. It is the responsibility of the sponsor or investigator to ensure that the study record is consistent with the NLM QC review criteria.
October 27, 2026

First Posted (Actual)

First Posted

The date on which the study record was first available on ClinicalTrials.gov after National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review has concluded. There is typically a delay of a few days between the date the study sponsor or investigator submitted the study record and the first posted date.
November 3, 2026

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

Last Update Posted

The most recent date on which changes to a study record were made available on ClinicalTrials.gov. There may be a delay between when the changes were submitted to ClinicalTrials.gov by the study's sponsor or investigator (the last update submitted date) and the last update posted date.
November 3, 2026

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

The most recent date on which the study sponsor or investigator submitted changes to a study record that are consistent with National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review criteria. It is the responsibility of the sponsor or investigator to ensure that the study record is consistent with the NLM QC review criteria.
October 27, 2026

Last Verified

Last Verified

The most recent date on which the study sponsor or investigator confirmed the information about a clinical study on ClinicalTrials.gov as accurate and current. If a study with a recruitment status of recruiting; not yet recruiting; or active, not recruiting has not been confirmed within the past 2 years, the study's recruitment status is shown as unknown.
October 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

Keywords

Additional Relevant MeSH Terms

Other Study ID Numbers

Other Study ID Numbers

Identifiers or ID numbers other than the NCT number that are assigned to a clinical study by the study's sponsor, funders, or others. These numbers may include unique identifiers from other trial registries and National Institutes of Health grant numbers.
  • INNMBHN-16/2026
  • approval number 16/2026 (Other Identifier: Ethics Committee of Institut National Mongi Ben Hmida de Neurologie, approval number 16/2026)

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?

NO

IPD Plan Description

Individual participant data will not be shared publicly; anonymized data may be made available upon reasonable request to the principal investigator.

Drug and device information, study documents

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product

No

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product

No

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

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