Nerve Blocks for Vocal Cord Surgery

This trial explores whether a numbing injection, known as a superior laryngeal nerve block, can reduce coughing and pain after vocal cord surgery. The study compares this treatment to a saline placebo. It targets individuals planning surgery to remove non-cancerous lesions on their vocal cords. Eligible participants must have a confirmed benign vocal cord lesion and plan to undergo surgery for it. As a Phase 2 trial, this research measures the treatment's effectiveness in an initial, smaller group, offering participants an opportunity to contribute to significant medical advancements.

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

Research has shown that superior laryngeal nerve blocks, which are numbing injections, are generally safe and well-tolerated. Studies have found that this procedure can effectively relieve pain during vocal cord surgeries.

In one study, patients who received this nerve block experienced positive short-term results and tolerated the procedure well. Another study found that using ultrasound to guide these nerve blocks reduces complications, enhancing safety.

Unlike the standard treatments for vocal cord issues, which often involve surgical techniques or systemic medications, the superior laryngeal nerve block offers a targeted approach. This method uses a combination of bupivacaine, a local anesthetic, and triamcinolone acetate, a steroid, delivered directly to the nerve near the vocal cord lesion. This targeted delivery can reduce pain and inflammation precisely where it's needed, potentially enhancing recovery and minimizing side effects compared to more generalized treatments. Researchers are excited about this approach because it promises quicker relief and recovery without affecting the entire body, making the procedure more efficient and patient-friendly.

In this trial, participants will receive either a Superior Laryngeal Nerve Block or a placebo during their vocal cord surgery. Research has shown that numbing the throat with a Superior Laryngeal Nerve Block can reduce symptoms like coughing and pain after vocal cord surgery. Studies have found that patients receiving this nerve block experience fewer issues, such as sore throats and coughs, compared to those who do not. This procedure involves numbing the throat to ease discomfort during and after surgery. Initial findings suggest it might also improve voice quality after surgery. Overall, this nerve block appears to be a promising option for reducing post-surgery problems in vocal cord patients.¹³⁵⁶⁷