Single Transversus Abdominis Laparoscopy-guided Plane Block Combined With Local Trocar Site Ropivacaine Infiltration (STALL) versus Local Wound Infiltration Alone in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Double-blinded Randomized Controlled Trial

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effectiveness of two pain management methods in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LCC), which is surgery to remove the gallbladder. The study aims to compare the use of local ropivacaine infiltration at trocar sites alone versus combined with a laparoscopically guided transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block, called the STALL technique. This randomized controlled trial is designed to determine if STALL provides better pain relief than local infiltration alone, as previous smaller trials have not shown clear benefits of TAP block. Participants will be assigned to one of six groups based on their surgery type: daycare, in-patient, or emergency surgery. Each group will either receive local ropivacaine infiltration alone or combined with the laparoscopic TAP block. The study treatments involve procedures performed during surgery to manage post-operative pain. Both methods use ropivacaine, a local anesthetic, applied either just at the wound sites or also via the TAP block guided by laparoscopy. During the study, researchers will monitor participants' opioid use during recovery, which lasts approximately 1 to 4 hours, and record pain scores using the Numeric Rating Scale for up to two days after surgery. Opioid consumption will also be tracked for inpatient and emergency surgery patients while admitted, estimated at about two days. The study is double-blinded and randomized to ensure unbiased results. Participants will be followed throughout their hospital stay and recovery period to assess pain control and medication needs.

STALL vs Sole Local Wound Infiltration in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy