Best timing for subcostal TAP plus rectus sheath block to reduce pain after laparoscopic gallbladder removal

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This is a prospective, single-center, randomized controlled trial enrolling adults undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy who meet inclusion criteria. Participants are randomized 1:1 to receive combined ultrasound-guided subcostal TAP block and rectus sheath block either before skin incision or after completion of surgery, with standardized general anesthesia and postoperative analgesia for all. The primary outcome is postoperative pain intensity measured on a numerical rating scale at predefined time points; secondary outcomes include cumulative opioid consumption, incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting, rescue analgesic needs, and recovery parameters. Block randomization with randomly permuted block sizes will be used to allocate participants and outcomes will be compared between timing groups.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy
* Adults aged 18 to 80 years
* Ability to understand the study procedures and provide informed consent
* American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I-III

Exclusion Criteria:

* Presence of significant pain unrelated to the target disease that may interfere with pain assessment
* Known allergy or contraindication to study medications (ropivacaine, acetaminophen, nefopam, or pethidine)
* Planned single-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy
* American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status IV or higher
* Infection of the abdominal wall or skin at the injection site, or anatomical abnormalities of the abdominal wall
* Major neurological, psychiatric, or systemic diseases that may affect pain perception, treatment response, or study evaluation
* Requirement for postoperative mechanical ventilation
* Pregnancy or breastfeeding
* Considered unsuitable for the study by the investigator
* Refusal to participate or inability to provide informed consent

Where it's running

• Nowon Eulji University Hospital
  Seoul, South Korea Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Hye-yeon Cho — Nowon Eulji University Hospital, Eulji University College of Medicine
• Study coordinator: Hye-Yeon Cho, MD
• Email: anesthesia_chy@eulji.ac.kr
• Phone: +82-2-970-8705

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.