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RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT07222241

Comparing Numbing Techniques in Mohs Micrographic Surgery

Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Adjunct Nerve Blocks in Mohs Micrographic Surgery on the Face and Scalp

Sponsor

Abramson Cancer Center at Penn Medicine

Enrollment

150 participants

Start Date

Jan 27, 2026

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Skin Cancer FaceSkin Cancer Scalp

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.

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 Years

Inclusion Criteria5

  • 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 Criteria8

  • Known allergy or contraindication to lidocaine or epinephrine.
  • Chronic opioid use or pre existing pain disorders that may interfere with pain reporting.
  • Presence of scar tissue at the anatomic site of local infiltration or nerve block that may alter anesthetic penetration.
  • Concurrent multi site Mohs procedure.
  • Signs of skin and soft tissue infection at the anatomic site of local infiltration or nerve block.
  • Inability to understand or complete pain and satisfaction assessments.
  • Pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • Use of sedatives or anxiolytics prior to the procedure.
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Interventions

OTHERNerve Block

0.45% lidocaine with 1:200,000 epinephrine

OTHERPlacebo Nerve Block

Sterile normal saline

Locations(1)

Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

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NCT07222241