Comparing Ultrasound-Guided Intertransverse Process and Erector Spinae Plane Blocks for Pain Relief After Laparoscopic Gallbladder Surgery

What this Trial Is About

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a common surgical treatment for benign gallbladder diseases but often causes significant early postoperative pain affecting patient comfort and hospital stay. This pain involves somatic, visceral, and phrenic nerve components, prompting recommendations for opioid-sparing multimodal analgesia including paracetamol, NSAIDs, dexamethasone, local anesthetic infiltration, and regional blocks. The study focuses on comparing two ultrasound-guided nerve blocks, the Erector Spinae Plane Block ESPB and the Intertransverse Process Block ITPB, to better manage postoperative pain in these patients. The trial evaluates the effectiveness of ESPB and ITPB in providing pain relief after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. ESPB involves injecting bupivacaine near the transverse process under ultrasound guidance, while ITPB targets a space closer to the paravertebral area using a similar technique and dose of local anesthetic. Both blocks are performed unilaterally on the right side of the thorax. This randomized, triple-blind study compares their analgesic efficacy and opioid-sparing effects within 24 hours postoperatively. Participants will undergo standard surgical care with one of the two nerve blocks administered before surgery. Pain intensity will be measured using a numeric rating scale NRS from 0 to 24 hours after surgery, alongside monitoring opioid consumption. Researchers also assess safety and block effectiveness. The study is sponsored by Konya City Hospital and is expected to complete by May 2027, providing data on postoperative pain management approaches for gallbladder surgery patients.

Comparison of Intertransverse Process and Erector Spinae Plane Blocks in Acute Postoperative Analgesia Management for Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Patients