Blocking nerves during gallbladder surgery to reduce pain and nausea

Intraoperative Autonomic Blockade to Prevent Early Postoperative Pain After Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial

Phase 4 Interventional Universidad Simón Bolívar · NCT06753500

This study is testing if using a combination of a long-lasting pain medicine and a steroid during gallbladder surgery can help reduce pain and nausea for patients after the operation.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversidad Simón Bolívar Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Barranquilla, Atlantivo and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06753500 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the use of a combination of Bupivacaine, a long-acting local anesthetic, and Dexamethasone, a corticosteroid, to infiltrate specific areas during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The goal is to block the hepatic branches of the celiac plexus, which may improve visceral pain control and reduce the need for analgesics post-surgery. By enhancing pain management, the study aims to lower readmission rates and facilitate quicker recovery for patients. This approach has not been previously tested in the context of laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals scheduled for elective or emergency laparoscopic cholecystectomy due to cholelithiasis, with or without cholecystitis.

Not a fit: Patients with associated biliary pathologies or those requiring additional surgical procedures may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this technique could significantly improve postoperative pain management and recovery for patients undergoing gallbladder surgery.

How similar studies have performed: While this specific approach has not been tested, similar techniques in pain management have shown promise in other surgical contexts.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Elective or emergency laparoscopic cholecystectomy for cholelithiasis with or without cholecystitis.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Associated biliary pathologies (e.g., biliary pancreatitis, cholangitis).

  * Additional procedures, such as formal bile duct exploration. Conversion to an open approach
  * Anesthesia or Surgical complications that require intensive care unit
* Allergies to local anesthetics

Where this trial is running

Barranquilla, Atlantivo and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Visceral PainAnalgesiaOpioid UsePostoperative NauseaPostoperative Vomitingautonomic neural blockade,Visceral painpostoperative nausea
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.