Clinical trial NCT04474366
Conditions: Gender Dysphoria Opioid Use Pain, Postoperative
Sponsor: University of California, San Francisco
Start date: 2020-06-16; Completion date: 2022-04-30
Enrollment: 50 participants; Allocation: RANDOMIZED; Intervention model: PARALLEL

Brief summary:
Despite recent advancements with regional and local anesthesia, postoperative pain continues to be a major concern for patients undergoing breast surgery. Opioids, often in combination with NSAIDS and/or gabapentioids, have been the main pharmacologic pain control strategy in the postoperative period. The pectoral nerve block is a regional anesthetic technique, which is effective at providing postoperative anesthesia in breast surgeries. However, this has only been studied in oncologic-related breast operations. It is our aim to study the effects of pectoral regional nerve blocks in patients undergoing breast reduction for gender affirmation. The overall goal is to establish an effective pain control regimen utilizing regional anesthetic techniques in this patient population. The specific objective of this proposal is to evaluate the effectiveness of these blocks on perioperative and postoperative analgesia. The hypothesis is that participants undergoing gender-affirmation breast surgery who receive a pectoral nerve block will have less perioperative and postoperative pain as well as reduced opioid consumption compared to those receiving a placebo. Participants who are undergoing gender affirmation breast reduction surgery will be randomized to either receive a preoperative nerve block or to receive a placebo. Intraoperative and postoperative opioid requirements will be compared in addition to post-operative pain scores. Participants will be asked to fill out a pain diary during their first week postoperatively. They will also be asked to document if, and when, narcotic pain medication was required for pain control. The two groups will be compared to determine if there was any difference in pain scores as well as narcotic medication requirements.

Detailed description:
All participants will be seen in clinic with the attending surgeon anywhere from two weeks to a few months prior to the date of surgery. Participants will also have a pre-op visit with anesthesia a few weeks before surgery. They will undergo a standard anesthesia preoperative evaluation, which will include a medical chart review, physical exam, and appropriate laboratory studies. The preoperative evaluation will be identical for those participating in the study and those who do not. If no contraindications to the Pectoralis Nerve Block (PECS I and II block) are identified by the surgeon and/or anesthesiologist, participants will be approved to participate. The participants will be introduced to the study either during their clinic visit prior to surgery or over the telephone a few days prior to surgery. All questions will be answered by one of the study investigators. A study consent will be obtained from the participants and they will then will be randomized into either control (sham block) or experimental (PECS I and II block) group.

On the day of surgery, as per standard of care, each participant will undergo a general anesthetic in the same manner with conventional perioperative management. During induction of anesthesia, up to 2mg of midazolam and/or up to 100mcg of fentanyl will be given. The above protocol will be followed regardless of study participation and study group (if participating). After induction of anesthesia, the nerve blocks, or control blocks, will be performed. The regional anesthesia team will be involved in all patients, whether in the control or intervention group. All patients will be come and go regardless of group.

Group 1 (control) will receive an injection of 20ml of saline between the pectoralis minor and serratus anterior muscles bilaterally and 10ml of saline between the pectoralis minor and pectoralis major muscles bilaterally.

Group 2 (treatment) will receive an injection of 20ml of 0.2% Ropivacaine between the pectoralis minor and serratus anterior muscles bilaterally and 10ml of 0.2% Ropivacaine between the pectoralis minor and pectoralis major muscles bilaterally. (Not to exceed 225mg or 3.5mg/kg).

PECS I and II Block Technique: Performed in the supine position with the arms abducted 90 degrees at the shoulder. Using an ultrasound transducer in the parasagittal plane, the axillary artery and vein are identified just inferior to clavicle and medial to coracoid process. Additionally, the 2nd rib is identified and the transducer is slid inferiorly until the 3rd and 4th rib are identified. At this point the pectoralis major, minor, and serratus anterior muscles are seen. Then the block needle is inserted through the skin and advanced into the fascial plane between pectoralis minor and serratus anterior muscles. After negative aspiration, the anesthetic is injected into the plane watching for hydrodissection of the muscles. A total volume of 20ml is injected. Then the needed is withdrawn until the tip is located in the fascial plane between the pectoralis major and minor muscles. 10ml of anesthetic is injected into this plane.

General anesthesia is maintained in the standard fashion. The anesthesiologist will administer Fentanyl as he or she feels necessary during the operation. Post operatively, in the PACU, participants will be given IV hydromorphone as needed for pain. Pain scales will be documented at set time points post operatively and participants will be given pain diaries to document these pain scores as well as their opioid consumption. All patients will be sent home with a prescription for 20 tablets of Norco 5mg/325mg. Participants will be asked to document their pain scores at the following post op time points: 1 hour, 2 hours, 4 hours, 6 hours, 12 hours, 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours, 1 week. Participants will return their pain diaries at the 1 week post operative visit. This visit is a standard of care follow up visit.

Arms: arm 1: Control group will receive an injection of 20ml of saline between the pectoralis minor and serratus anterior muscles bilaterally and 10ml of saline between the pectoralis minor and pectoralis major muscles bilaterally. arm 2: Intervention group will receive an injection of 20ml of 0.2% Ropivacaine between the pectoralis minor and serratus anterior muscles bilaterally and 10ml of 0.2% Ropivacaine between the pectoralis minor and pectoralis major muscles bilaterally (Not to exceed 225mg or 3.5mg/kg).
Interventions: intervention 1: Ropivacaine 0.2% Injectable Solution intervention 2: Saline (0.9%)
Intervention descriptions: intervention 1: Ropivacaine 0.2% Injectable Solution injected as part of the Pectoralis Nerve Block intervention 2: Saline injection as sham block in identical fashion as Pectoralis Nerve Block

Protocol documents:
Prot_SAP_000.pdf: 
 
 
 
 
 
THE EFFECT OF PECTORAL BLOCKS ON 
PERIOPERATIVE PAIN IN SIMPLE MASTECTOMY AND 
BREAST REDUCTION IN GENDER AFFIRMATION 
SURGERY 
 
NCT04474366 
 
2/4/23 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 
 
Protocol Synopsis 
TITLE 
THE EFFECT OF PECTORAL BLOCKS ON PERIOPERATIVE 
PAIN IN SIMPLE MASTECTOMY AND BREAST REDUCTION IN 
GENDER AFFIRMATION SURGERY 
SPONSOR 
Esther Kim, MD 
N
FUNDING 
ORGANIZATION 
N/A 
NUMBER OF SITES 
1 
RATIONALE 
Post operative pain as well as use of narcotics is a major concern for 
patients undergoing breast surgery.  Regional anesthesia techniques 
have shown favorable results in oncologic breast surgeries but have 
not been studied in gender affirmation breast surgery. 
STUDY DESIGN 
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 4 study. 
PRIMARY 
OBJECTIVE 
Post operative pain scores 
SECONDARY 
OBJECTIVES 
Intraoperative and post operative opioid consumption, length of 
stay/time to discharge after surgery 
NUMBER OF 
SUBJECTS 
50 
SUBJECT 
SELECTION 
CRITERIA 
Inclusion Criteria:  All ASA I-III transgender patients, ages 18-65, 
undergoing gender confirmation breast reduction surgery by a single 
surgeon at a single center  
Exclusion Criteria:  previous breast surgeries, current breast cancer or 
history of treatment for breast cancer, current chronic pain syndromes, 
coagulopathy, allergy to local anesthetics, infection at the injection 
site  
TEST PRODUCT, 
DOSE, AND ROUTE 
OF 
ADMINISTRATION 
20ml 0.2 % Ropivacaine injected between pectoralis minor and 
serratus anterior.  10ml 0.2% Ropivacaine injected between pectoralis 
minor and pectoralis major 
 
CONTROL 
PRODUCT, DOSE 
AND ROUTE OF 
ADMINISTRATION 
20ml normal saline injected between pectoralis minor and serratus 
anterior.  10ml 0.2% Ropivacaine injected between pectoralis minor 
and pectoralis major 


DURATION OF 
SUBJECT 
PARTICIPATION 
AND DURATION OF 
STUDY 
Subjects will be in the study for 1 week post surgery.  The total 
duration of the study is expected to be 1 year. 
CONCOMMITANT 
MEDICATIONS 
Post operatively, only Norco (5mg/325mg) will be prescribed  
EFFICACY 
EVALUATIONS 
 
PRIMARY ENDPOINT 
• 
Post operative pain scores 
SECONDARY 
ENDPOINTS 
• 
Perioperative and postoperative opioid consumption 
• 
Length of stay/time to discharge 
OTHER 
EVALUATIONS 
None 
SAFETY 
EVALUATIONS 
Incidence of adverse events 
PLANNED INTERIM 
ANALYSES  
N/A 
STATISTICS 
Primary Analysis Plan 
Primary endpoint will use the Numeric Rating Scale for objective data 
on post operative pain.   The mean and standard deviation for each 
group will be used to apply a standard t-test to assess for statistical 
significance between the two groups. 
Rationale for Number 
of Subjects 
Sample size was guided by existing studies in alternate populations 
with similar study designs. Experiments focusing on post operative 
pain in breast surgery using regional nerve blocks showed statistical 
significance with sample sizes ranging from 34 to 80 patients. It is our 
conclusion, with the aid of prior data, that this study can be 
sufficiently powered with 50 total participants.  
 
 


1 
BACKGROUND 
Since first described in 2011, the Pecs 1, and more recently, Pecs 2 block, have been shown to be 
effective in reducing post operative pain in breast surgery. Additionally, the Pecs 1 and 2 block 
have had success with intraoperative pain reduction leading to a decrease in intraoperative 
narcotic requirements. However, all of the existing data is in the oncologic breast surgery 
population. No data exists on the efficacy of Pecs blocks on patients undergoing gender 
affirming breast reduction surgery. There is also limited data on the effect of pain beyond the 
immediate post operative period in patients who received the Pecs blocks. It is our belief that the 
Pecs 1 and 2 blocks will provide perioperative and post operative pain relief in this novel 
population as well and reduce post operative narcotic consumption.  
1.1 
Overview of Non-Clinical Studies 
N/A 
1.2 
Overview of Clinical Studies 
There is ample data showing PECS I and II blocks have efficacy in reducing pain scores as well 
as opioid consumption postoperatively various breast surgery populations.   
2 
STUDY RATIONALE 
Existing data for PECS blocks is restricted to oncologic breast operations.  There have been no 
studies done on perioperative pain control techniques in gender affirmation breast reduction 
operations.  Understanding the efficacy of this intervention will help guide management for this 
population. 
2.1 
Risk / Benefit Assessment 
Nerve blocks are performed under sterile conditions with topical application of chlorhexidine to 
minimize risk of infection. Ultrasound guidance is used to help avoid needle-to-nerve contact 
and intravascular injection of local anesthetic. Intravascular injection can also be avoided by 
frequent aspiration during local anesthetic injection. Visualization of local anesthetic spread 
around the desired nerve is highly predictive of a successful block.  
In this study, the nerve blocks are performed in the operating room. In the operating room, the 
blocks are performed while vital signs are continuously monitored using non-invasive blood 
pressure monitoring and pulse oximetry. Emergency medications and equipment is readily 
available.  
 
3 
STUDY OBJECTIVES 
3.1 
Primary Objective 
The primary objective is to assess the efficacy of PECS blocks on pain control in gender 
affirmation breast reduction surgery. 


3.2 
Secondary Objectives 
The secondary objective is to analyze the rates of opioid consumption in patients in this 
population receiving PECS blocks  
4 
STUDY DESIGN 
4.1 
Study Overview 
This is a prospective, randomized controlled study of the preoperative PECS I and II block for 
patients undergoing gender affirmation breast surgery at UCSF. The enrolled patients will be 
randomized to receive either a PECS I and II block with local anesthetic ropivacaine, or have a 
sham block. All patients will receive general anesthetic for the breast reduction/simple 
mastectomy.  
The patients will be assessed intra and post operatively. Our primary outcome will be the post 
operative pain scores using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). Secondary outcomes that will also 
be investigated include: Opioid requirements intraoperatively and post operatively, length of stay 
and time to discharge from recovery room.  
Total duration of subject participation will be one week.  Total duration of the study is expected 
to be 1 year 
5 
CRITERIA FOR EVALUATION 
5.1 
Primary Efficacy Endpoint 
     Reduction in NRS pain score by 2 points 
5.2 
Secondary Efficacy Endpoints 
• 
Opioid Consumption: Reduction in postoperative opioid consumption by 20% 
• 
Length of stay: Reduction in length of stay by 60 minutes 
5.3 
Safety Evaluations 
• 
Incidence of adverse events 
6 
SUBJECT SELECTION 
6.1 
Study Population 
Subjects with a diagnosis of gender dysphoria who meet the inclusion and exclusion criteria will 
be eligible for participation in this study.   
6.2 
Inclusion Criteria 
1. Ages 18-65 
2. ASA 1-3 
3. Undergoing gender confirmation breast reduction surgery at UCSF by study surgeon 


6.3 
Exclusion Criteria 
1. Previous breast surgery 
2. Current breast cancer or history of treatment for breast cancer 
3. Chronic pain syndromes 
4. Coagulopathy 
5. Allergy to local anesthetics  
6. Infection at injection site 
7 
CONCURRENT MEDICATIONS 
All subjects should be maintained on the same medications throughout the entire study period, as 
medically feasible, with no introduction of new chronic therapies. 
7.1 
Allowed Medications and Treatments 
Standard therapy is allowed except for treatments noted in the exclusion criteria described above 
and as noted in the prohibited medications section below.   
Prohibited Medications and Treatments 
The following medications are prohibited during the study and administration will be considered 
a protocol violation. 
• 
Narcotics not prescribed as part of the study 
8 
STUDY TREATMENTS 
8.1 
Method of Assigning Subjects to Treatment Groups 
Patients will be randomized into a treatment group or control group using simple randomization. 
Due to the objectives of the study, the identity of test and control treatments will not be known to 
investigators, or patients.  The following study procedures will be in place to ensure double-blind 
administration of study treatments.  A computer-generated random number will be assigned to 
each patient.  Even number will indicate treatment while odd number will indicate control group.  
The surgeon and the patient will be blinded.  The study coordinator will communicate with the 
anesthesiologist which group the patients were allocated to and therefore which medication to 
administer.   
The study blind will be broken on completion of the clinical study and after the study database 
has been locked. 
During the study, the blind may be broken only in emergencies when knowledge of the patient’s 
treatment group is necessary for further patient management.  
8.1.1 
Formulation of Test Product 
Naropin is a formulation of Ropivacaine, developed by Fresenius Kabi, for local or regional 
anesthesia. 
Formulation and Placebo 


 
Naropin 
Placebo 
Active Ingredient, mg/mL 
Ropivacaine 2mg/mL 
Normal (0.9%) Saline 
 
8.1.2 
Formulation of Control Product 
A placebo solution (0.9% saline) will be used for those in the control group  
8.1.3 
Packaging and Labeling 
There will be no alteration of the drug labeling or packaging.  The surgeon will be kept blinded 
by refraining from discussion with the anesthesiologist as to which group the patients are 
allocated to.  The surgeon will also be absent during the regional anesthetic procedure.  Patients 
will be anesthetized during the regional anesthetic procedure and will not be told which group 
they were allocated to until the study is completed.  
8.2 
Supply of Study Drug at the Site 
8.2.1 
Dosage/Dosage Regimen 
Group 1 (control) will receive an injection of 20ml of saline between the pectoralis minor and 
serratus anterior muscles bilaterally and 10ml of saline between the pectoralis minor and 
pectoralis major muscles bilaterally.  
Group 2 (treatment) will receive an injection of 20ml of 0.2% Ropivacaine between the 
pectoralis minor and serratus anterior muscles bilaterally and 10ml of 0.2% Ropivacaine between 
the pectoralis minor and pectoralis major muscles bilaterally. (Not to exceed 225mg or 
3.5mg/kg).  
8.2.2 
Dispensing 
All injections (treatment group and control group) will be performed by qualified, certified 
anesthesiologist.  No alterations to drug dispensing will be made.  
8.2.3 
Administration Instructions  
Performed in the supine position with the arms abducted 90 degrees at the shoulder. Using an 
ultrasound transducer in the parasagital plane, the axillary artery and vein are identified just 
inferior to clavicle and medial to coracoid process. Additionally, the 2nd rib is identified and the 
transducer is slid inferiorly until the 3rd and 4th rib are identified. At this point the pectoralis 
major, minor, and serratus anterior muscles are seen. Then the block needle is inserted through 
the skin and advanced into the fascial plane between pectoralis minor and serratus anterior 
muscles. After negative aspiration, the anesthetic is injected into the plane watching for 
hydrodissection of the muscles. A total volume of 20ml is injected. Then the needed is 
withdrawn until the tip is located in the fascial plane between the pectoralis major and minor 
muscles. 10ml of anesthetic is injected into this plane.  


8.3 
Supply of Study Drug at the Site 
8.3.1 
Storage 
No changes will be made to the current medication storage protocol  
8.4 
Study Drug Accountability 
N/A 
8.5 
Measures of Treatment Compliance 
N/A 
9 
STUDY PROCEDURES AND GUIDELINES 
Prior to conducting any study-related activities, written informed consent and the Health 
Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) authorization must be signed and dated 
by the subject or subject’s legal representative.  If appropriate, assent must also be obtained prior 
to conducting any study-related activities. 
9.1 
Clinical Assessments 
9.1.1 
Concomitant Medications 
All concomitant medication and concurrent therapies will be documented at the clinic visit prior 
to surgery.  Dose, route, unit frequency of administration, and indication for administration and 
dates of medication will be captured. 
9.1.2 Demographics  
Demographic information (date of birth, gender, race) will be recorded. 
9.1.3 Medical History  
Relevant medical history, including history of current disease, other pertinent respiratory history, 
and information regarding underlying diseases will be recorded. 
9.1.4 
Physical Examination 
A complete physical examination will be performed by either the investigator or a 
subinvestigator who is a physician at the clinic visit prior to surgery.  Qualified staff (MD, NP, 
RN, and PA) may complete the abbreviated physical exam at all other visits.  New abnormal 
physical exam findings must be documented and will be followed by a physician or other 
qualified staff at the next scheduled visit. 
9.1.5 
Vital Signs 
Body temperature, blood pressure, pulse and respirations will documented at each visit.  


9.1.6 
Adverse Events 
Information regarding occurrence of adverse events will be captured throughout the study. 
Duration (start and stop dates and times), severity/grade, outcome, treatment and relation to 
study drug will be recorded on the case report form (CRF). 
10 EVALUATIONS BY VISIT 
10.1 Pre-operative clinic visit 
1. 
Review the study with the subject (subject’s legal representative) and obtain written 
informed consent and HIPAA authorization and assent, if appropriate. 
2. 
Assign the subject a unique screening number. 
3. 
Record demographics data. 
4. 
Record medical history, including a history of XX, diagnosis date, and prior XX 
treatments. 
5. 
Record concomitant medications. 
6. 
Perform a complete physical examination. 
7. 
Perform and record vital signs. 
8. 
Perform and record results of blood pressure testing. 
9. 
Schedule subject for surgery 
10. 
Randomize subject 
10.2 Date of Surgery 
1. 
Come and go surgery with PECS block or placebo depending on randomization.  
Postoperatively, patients discharged with standardized pain regimen as well as pain diary.  
While still in PACU, patients will begin documenting pain scores. 
10.3 Post operative appointment (1 week post op) 
1. 
Record any Adverse Experiences and/or Review subject diary for adverse experiences.  
2. 
Collect pain diary 
3. 
Record changes to concomitant medications. 
4. 
Perform physical examination. 
5. 
Perform and record vital signs. 
11 ADVERSE EXPERIENCE REPORTING AND DOCUMENTATION 
11.1 Adverse Events 
An adverse event (AE) is any untoward medical occurrence in a clinical investigation of a patient 
administered a pharmaceutical product and that does not necessarily have a causal relationship 
with the treatment.  An AE is therefore any unfavorable and unintended sign (including an 
abnormal laboratory finding), symptom or disease temporally associated with the administration 
of an investigational product, whether or not related to that investigational product.  An 


unexpected AE is one of a type not identified in nature, severity, or frequency in the current 
Investigator’s Brochure or of greater severity or frequency than expected based on the 
information in the Investigator’s Brochure. 
The Investigator will probe, via discussion with the subject, for the occurrence of AEs during 
each subject visit and record the information in the site’s source documents.  Adverse events will 
be recorded in the patient CRF.  Adverse events will be described by duration (start and stop 
dates and times), severity, outcome, treatment and relation to study drug, or if unrelated, the 
cause. 
AE Severity 
The National Cancer Institute’s Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) 
Version 3.0 should be used to assess and grade AE severity, including laboratory abnormalities 
judged to be clinically significant. The modified criteria can be found in the study manual.  If the 
experience is not covered in the modified criteria, the guidelines shown in Table 1 below should 
be used to grade severity.  It should be pointed out that the term “severe” is a measure of 
intensity and that a severe AE is not necessarily serious. 
Table 1.  AE Severity Grading 
Severity (Toxicity Grade) 
Description 
Mild (1) 
Transient or mild discomfort; no limitation in activity; no medical 
intervention or therapy required. The subject may be aware of the sign 
or symptom but tolerates it reasonably well. 
Moderate (2) 
Mild to moderate limitation in activity, no or minimal medical 
intervention/therapy required. 
Severe (3) 
Marked limitation in activity, medical intervention/therapy required, 
hospitalizations possible. 
Life-threatening (4) 
The subject is at risk of death due to the adverse experience as it 
occurred. This does not refer to an experience that hypothetically 
might have caused death if it were more severe. 
 
AE Relationship to Study Drug 
The relationship of an AE to the study drug should be assessed using the following the guidelines 
in Table 2. 
Table 2.  AE Relationship to Study Drug 
Relationship 
to Drug 
Comment 
Definitely 
Previously known toxicity of agent; or an event that follows a reasonable temporal 
sequence from administration of the drug; that follows a known or expected response 
pattern to the suspected drug; that is confirmed by stopping or reducing the dosage of 
the drug; and that is not explained by any other reasonable hypothesis. 


Probably 
An event that follows a reasonable temporal sequence from administration of the 
drug; that follows a known or expected response pattern to the suspected drug; that is 
confirmed by stopping or reducing the dosage of the drug; and that is unlikely to be 
explained by the known characteristics of the subject’s clinical state or by other 
interventions. 
Possibly 
An event that follows a reasonable temporal sequence from administration of the 
drug; that follows a known or expected response pattern to that suspected drug; but 
that could readily have been produced by a number of other factors. 
Unrelated 
An event that can be determined with certainty to have no relationship to the study 
drug. 
11.2 Serious Adverse Experiences (SAE) 
An SAE is defined as any AE occurring at any dose that results in any of the following 
outcomes: 
• 
death 
• 
a life-threatening adverse experience 
• 
inpatient hospitalization or prolongation of existing hospitalization 
• 
a persistent or significant disability/incapacity 
• 
a congenital anomaly/birth defect  
Other important medical events may also be considered an SAE when, based on appropriate 
medical judgment, they jeopardize the subject or require intervention to prevent one of the 
outcomes listed.  
 
11.2.1 Serious Adverse Experience Reporting 
Study sites will document all SAEs that occur (whether or not related to study drug) per UCSF 
CHR Guidelines.  The collection period for all SAEs will begin after informed consent is 
obtained and end after procedures for the final study visit have been completed. 
In accordance with the standard operating procedures and policies of the local Institutional 
Review Board (IRB)/Independent Ethics Committee (IEC), the site investigator will report SAEs 
to the IRB/IEC.   
11.3 Medical Monitoring 
Esther Kim should be contacted directly at these numbers to report medical concerns or 
questions regarding safety. 
Phone: 415-353-9392 
 


12 DISCONTINUATION AND REPLACEMENT OF SUBJECTS 
12.1 Early Discontinuation of Study Drug  
A subject may be discontinued from study treatment at any time if the subject, the investigator, 
or the Sponsor feels that it is not in the subject’s best interest to continue.  The following is a list 
of possible reasons for study treatment discontinuation:  
• 
Subject withdrawal of consent (or assent) 
• 
Subject is not compliant with study procedures 
• 
Adverse event that in the opinion of the investigator would be in the best interest of the 
subject to discontinue study treatment 
• 
Protocol violation requiring discontinuation of study treatment 
• 
Lost to follow-up 
• 
Sponsor request for early termination of study 
• 
Positive pregnancy test (females) 
If a subject is withdrawn from treatment due to an adverse event, the subject will be followed 
and treated by the Investigator until the abnormal parameter or symptom has resolved or 
stabilized.   
All subjects who discontinue study treatment should come in for an early discontinuation visit as 
soon as possible and then should be encouraged to complete all remaining scheduled visits and 
procedures. 
All subjects are free to withdraw from participation at any time, for any reason, specified or 
unspecified, and without prejudice. 
Reasonable attempts will be made by the investigator to provide a reason for subject 
withdrawals.  The reason for the subject’s withdrawal from the study will be specified in the 
subject’s source documents. 
12.3 Withdrawal of Subjects from the Study 
A subject may be withdrawn from the study at any time if the subject, the investigator, or the 
Sponsor feels that it is not in the subject’s best interest to continue.   
All subjects are free to withdraw from participation at any time, for any reason, specified or 
unspecified, and without prejudice. 
Reasonable attempts will be made by the investigator to provide a reason for subject 
withdrawals.  The reason for the subject’s withdrawal from the study will be specified in the 
subject’s source documents.   
12.4 Replacement of Subjects 
Subjects who withdraw from the study treatment will not be replaced.   
Subjects who withdraw from the study will not be replaced.   
 


13 PROTOCOL VIOLATIONS 
A protocol violation occurs when the subject, or investigator fails to adhere to significant 
protocol requirements affecting the inclusion, exclusion, subject safety and primary endpoint 
criteria.  Protocol violations for this study include, but are not limited to, the following: 
• 
Failure to meet inclusion/exclusion criteria 
• 
Use of a prohibited concomitant medication 
Failure to comply with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines will also result in a protocol 
violation.  
When a protocol violation occurs, it will be discussed with the investigator and a Protocol 
Violation Form detailing the violation will be generated. This form will be signed by a Sponsor 
representative and the Investigator. A copy of the form will be filed in the site’s regulatory 
binder and in the Sponsor’s files. 
14 STATISTICAL METHODS AND CONSIDERATIONS 
Prior to the analysis of the final study data, a detailed Statistical Analysis Plan (SAP) will be 
written describing all analyses that will be performed.  The SAP will contain any modifications 
to the analysis plan described below.   
14.1 Data Sets Analyzed 
All eligible patients who are randomized into the study and receive either the study drug or 
placebo will be included in the safety analysis. 
14.2 Demographic and Baseline Characteristics 
The following demographic variables at screening will be summarized:  age, height and weight.   
14.3 Analysis of Primary Endpoint 
The study design is a prospective two treatment parallel study.  The primary outcome is Numeric 
Pain Rating pain scores postoperatively.  Mean and standard deviation for each group for each 
time point will be calculated.  A standard t-test to assess for statistical significance between the 
two groups will then be performed.  
14.4 Analysis of Secondary Endpoints 
A similar approach for all secondary endpoints will be performed to that of the primary endpoint.  
Opioid consumption, and time to discharge will be calculated for each group and the means and 
standard deviation will be used to perform a t-test.  
14.5 Sample Size and Randomization 
Sample size is guided by existing studies in alternate populations with similar study designs.  
Experiments focusing on postoperative pain in breast surgery using regional nerve blocks 
showed statistical significance with sample sizes ranging from 34-80 patients.  It is our 
conclusion, with the aid of prior data, that this study can be sufficiently powered with 80 total 
patients. 


15 DATA COLLECTION, RETENTION AND MONITORING 
15.1 Data Collection Instruments 
The Investigator will prepare and maintain adequate and accurate source documents designed to 
record all observations and other pertinent data for each subject treated with the study drug.   
Study personnel at each site will enter data from source documents corresponding to a subject’s 
visit into the protocol-specific electronic Case Report Form (eCRF) OR paper CRF when the 
information corresponding to that visit is available.  Subjects will not be identified by name in 
the study database or on any study documents to be collected by the Sponsor (or designee), but 
will be identified by a subject number and initials. 
For eCRFs: If a correction is required for an eCRF, the time and date stamps track the person 
entering or updating eCRF data and creates an electronic audit trail.  For paper CRFs:  If a 
correction is made on a CRF, the study staff member will line through the incorrect data, write in 
the correct data and initial and date the change. 
The Investigator is responsible for all information collected on subjects enrolled in this study.  
All data collected during the course of this study must be reviewed and verified for completeness 
and accuracy by the Investigator.  A copy of the CRF will remain at the Investigator’s site at the 
completion of the study. 
15.2 Data Management Procedures 
The data will be entered into a validated database.  The Data Management group will be 
responsible for data processing, in accordance with procedural documentation.  Database lock 
will occur once quality assurance procedures have been completed. 
All procedures for the handling and analysis of data will be conducted using good computing 
practices meeting FDA guidelines for the handling and analysis of data for clinical trials. 
15.3 Data Quality Control and Reporting 
After data have been entered into the study database, a system of computerized data validation 
checks will be implemented and applied to the database on a regular basis. Query reports (Data 
Clarification Requests) pertaining to data omissions and discrepancies will be forwarded to the 
Investigators and study monitors for resolution.  The study database will be updated in 
accordance with the resolved queries.  All changes to the study database will be documented. 
15.4 Archival of Data 
The database is safeguarded against unauthorized access by established security procedures; 
appropriate backup copies of the database and related software files will be 
maintained.  Databases are backed up by the database administrator in conjunction with any 
updates or changes to the database.   
At critical junctures of the protocol (e.g., production of interim reports and final reports), data for 
analysis is locked and cleaned per established procedures. 


15.5 Availability and Retention of Investigational Records 
The Investigator must make study data accessible to the monitor, other authorized 
representatives of the Sponsor (or designee), IRB/IEC, and Regulatory Agency (e.g., FDA) 
inspectors upon request.  A file for each subject must be maintained that includes the signed 
Informed Consent, HIPAA Authorization and Assent Form and copies of all source 
documentation related to that subject.  The Investigator must ensure the reliability and 
availability of source documents from which the information on the CRF was derived. 
All study documents (patient files, signed informed consent forms, copies of CRFs, Study File 
Notebook, etc.) must be kept secured for a period of two years following marketing of the 
investigational product or for two years after centers have been notified that the IND has been 
discontinued.  There may be other circumstances for which the Sponsor is required to maintain 
study records and, therefore, the Sponsor should be contacted prior to removing study records for 
any reason. 
15.6 Monitoring 
Monitoring visits will be conducted by representatives of the Sponsor according to the U.S. CFR 
Title 21 Parts 50, 56, and 312 and ICH Guidelines for GCP (E6).    By signing this protocol, the 
Investigator grants permission to the Sponsor (or designee), and appropriate regulatory 
authorities to conduct on-site monitoring and/or auditing of all appropriate study documentation. 
15.7 Subject Confidentiality 
In order to maintain subject confidentiality, only a subject number and subject initials will 
identify all study subjects on CRFs and other documentation submitted to the Sponsor.  
Additional subject confidentiality issues (if applicable) are covered in the Clinical Study 
Agreement. 
16 ADMINISTRATIVE, ETHICAL, REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS 
The study will be conducted according to the Declaration of Helsinki, Protection of Human 
Volunteers (21 CFR 50), Institutional Review Boards (21 CFR 56), and Obligations of Clinical 
Investigators (21 CFR 312). 
To maintain confidentiality, all laboratory specimens, evaluation forms, reports and other records 
will be identified by a coded number and initials only.  All study records will be kept in a locked 
file cabinet and code sheets linking a patient’s name to a patient identification number will be 
stored separately in another locked file cabinet.  Clinical information will not be released without 
written permission of the subject, except as necessary for monitoring by the FDA.  The 
Investigator must also comply with all applicable privacy regulations (e.g., Health Insurance 
Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, EU Data Protection Directive 95/46/EC). 
16.1 Protocol Amendments 
Any amendment to the protocol will be written by the investigators.  Protocol amendments 
cannot be implemented without prior written IRB/IEC approval except as necessary to eliminate 
immediate safety hazards to patients.  A protocol amendment intended to eliminate an apparent 
immediate hazard to patients may be implemented immediately, provided the IRBs are notified 
within five working days. 


16.2 Institutional Review Boards and Independent Ethics Committees 
The protocol and consent form will be reviewed and approved by the IRB/IEC of each 
participating center prior to study initiation.  Serious adverse experiences regardless of causality 
will be reported to the IRB/IEC in accordance with the standard operating procedures and 
policies of the IRB/IEC, and the Investigator will keep the IRB/IEC informed as to the progress 
of the study.  The Investigator will obtain assurance of IRB/IEC compliance with regulations. 
Any documents that the IRB/IEC may need to fulfill its responsibilities (such as protocol, 
protocol amendments, Investigator’s Brochure, consent forms, information concerning patient 
recruitment, payment or compensation procedures, or other pertinent information) will be 
submitted to the IRB/IEC.  The IRB/IECs written unconditional approval of the study protocol 
and the informed consent form will be in the possession of the Investigator before the study is 
initiated.  The IRB/IECs unconditional approval statement will be transmitted by the Investigator 
to designee prior to the shipment of study supplies to the site.  This approval must refer to the 
study by exact protocol title and number and should identify the documents reviewed and the 
date of review. 
Protocol and/or informed consent modifications or changes may not be initiated without prior 
written IRB/IEC approval except when necessary to eliminate immediate hazards to the patients 
or when the change(s) involves only logistical or administrative aspects of the study.  Such 
modifications will be submitted to the IRB/IEC and written verification that the modification 
was submitted and subsequently approved should be obtained.   
The IRB/IEC must be informed of revisions to other documents originally submitted for review; 
serious and/or unexpected adverse experiences occurring during the study in accordance with the 
standard operating procedures and policies of the IRB; new information that may affect 
adversely the safety of the patients of the conduct of the study; an annual update and/or request 
for re-approval; and when the study has been completed. 
16.3 Informed Consent Form  
Informed consent will be obtained in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki, ICH GCP, US 
Code of Federal Regulations for Protection of Human Subjects (21 CFR 50.25[a,b], CFR 50.27, 
and CFR Part 56, Subpart A), the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA, 
if applicable), and local regulations. 
The Investigator will prepare the informed consent form, assent and HIPAA authorization and 
provide the documents to the Sponsor or designee for approval prior to submission to the 
IRB/IEC.  The consent form generated by the Investigator must be acceptable to the Sponsor and 
be approved by the IRB/IEC.  The written consent document will embody the elements of 
informed consent as described in the International Conference on Harmonisation and will also 
comply with local regulations. The Investigator will send an IRB/IEC-approved copy of the 
Informed Consent Form to the Sponsor (or designee) for the study file. 
A properly executed, written, informed consent will be obtained from each subject prior to 
entering the subject into the trial.  Information should be given in both oral and written form and 
subjects (or their legal representatives) must be given ample opportunity to inquire about details 
of the study.  If appropriate and required by the local IRB/IEC, assent from the subject will also 
be obtained.  If a subject is unable to sign the informed consent form (ICF) and the HIPAA 
authorization, a legal representative may sign for the subject.   A copy of the signed consent form 


(and assent) will be given to the subject or legal representative of the subject and the original will 
be maintained with the subject’s records. 
16.4 Publications  
The preparation and submittal for publication of manuscripts containing the study results shall be 
in accordance with a process determined by mutual written agreement among the study Sponsor 
and participating institutions.  The publication or presentation of any study results shall comply 
with all applicable privacy laws, including, but not limited to, the Health Insurance Portability 
and Accountability Act of 1996.  
16.5 Investigator Responsibilities 
By signing the Agreement of Investigator form, the Investigator agrees to: 
1. Conduct the study in accordance with the protocol and only make changes after notifying 
the Sponsor (or designee), except when to protect the safety, rights or welfare of subjects. 
2. Personally conduct or supervise the study (or investigation). 
3. Ensure that the requirements relating to obtaining informed consent and IRB review and 
approval meet federal guidelines, as stated in § 21 CFR, parts 50 and 56. 
4. Report to the Sponsor or designee any AEs that occur in the course of the study, in 
accordance with §21 CFR 312.64. 
5. Ensure that all associates, colleagues and employees assisting in the conduct of the study are 
informed about their obligations in meeting the above commitments. 
6. Maintain adequate and accurate records in accordance with §21 CFR 312.62 and to make 
those records available for inspection with the Sponsor (or designee). 
7. Ensure that an IRB that complies with the requirements of §21 CFR part 56 will be 
responsible for initial and continuing review and approval of the clinical study. 
8. Promptly report to the IRB and the Sponsor (or designee) all changes in the research activity 
and all unanticipated problems involving risks to subjects or others (to include amendments 
and IND safety reports). 
9. Seek IRB approval before any changes are made in the research study, except when 
necessary to eliminate hazards to the patients/subjects. 
10. Comply with all other requirements regarding the obligations of clinical investigators and all 
other pertinent requirements listed in § 21 CFR part 312.