Comparing two pain relief methods after gallbladder surgery

Ultrasound Guided External Oblique Intercostal (EOI) Block Versus Erector Spinae Plane Block (ESPB) for Postoperative Analgesia in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

NA · Assiut University · NCT05272280

This study is testing two different pain relief methods after gallbladder surgery to see which one helps patients feel better with less pain.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorAssiut University (other)
Locations1 site (Asyut, Assiut, Asyut Governorate, Egypt,)
Trial IDNCT05272280 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to compare the effectiveness of two ultrasound-guided pain relief techniques, the External oblique intercostal (EOI) block and the Erector spinae plane block (ESPB), for managing postoperative pain in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The hypothesis is that both techniques will provide effective analgesia following the surgery. Participants will be monitored for pain relief and any potential side effects associated with each method.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 65 with a BMI of 18-35, classified as ASA physical status I or II, and scheduled for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Not a fit: Patients with allergies to local anesthetics, infections at the injection site, coagulopathy, chronic pain syndromes, or those on prolonged opioid medication may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved pain management strategies for patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with similar ultrasound-guided analgesic techniques, suggesting potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age between 18 and 65 years with a body mass index (BMI) of 18-35 kg/m2,
* patients with the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I/II,
* Patients scheduled for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Allergy to local anaesthetics,
* Infection at the site of injection,
* Coagulopathy,
* Chronic pain syndromes,
* Prolonged opioid medication,
* Patients who received any analgesic 24 h before surgery.

Where this trial is running

Asyut, Assiut, Asyut Governorate, Egypt,

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Postoperative Pain, Cholecystectomy, EOI block, ESP block

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.