Deep rectus sheath block to reduce pain after laparoscopic gallbladder removal

Deep Rectus Sheath Block for Postoperative Analgesia in Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Not applicable Interventional Istinye University · NCT06976320

This trial will test whether adding a deep rectus sheath nerve block can reduce pain and opioid use after laparoscopic gallbladder removal in adults.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorIstinye University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Istanbul)
Trial IDNCT06976320 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

Adults scheduled for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy are assigned to either standard postoperative care with morphine patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) or to receive a deep rectus sheath block at the end of surgery plus the same morphine PCA. The study records total morphine consumption in the first 24 postoperative hours, numerical rating scale pain scores, use of rescue analgesics, and incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting. The deep rectus sheath block is a modified version of the conventional rectus sheath block and has been reported only in a few case reports for this operation. The trial compares analgesic outcomes between the two groups to see if the block lowers opioid needs and pain after surgery.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults aged 18–80 with ASA physical status I–II who are scheduled for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy and do not have contraindications to regional anesthesia are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Patients with allergy to local anesthetics, coagulopathy, infection at the block site, advanced hepatic or renal failure, chronic pain syndromes, substance abuse, severe cardiopulmonary disease, or significant psychiatric disorders are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the block could lower opioid consumption and reduce postoperative pain and nausea after laparoscopic gallbladder removal.

How similar studies have performed: Other regional approaches such as transversus abdominis plane and erector spinae plane blocks have shown benefit for abdominal surgery, but the deep rectus sheath block is relatively novel and reported only in a few case reports to date.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age between 18 and 80 years
* Patients with American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) physical status I-II
* Patients scheduled for a laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Exclusion Criteria:

* Allergy to local anesthetics
* Coagulopathy
* Skin infection at the deep rectus sheath block area
* Advanced hepatic or renal failure
* Chronic pain syndromes
* Alcohol or drug abuse
* Severe pulmonary and/or cardiovascular disease
* Psychiatric disorders

Where this trial is running

Istanbul

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 Cholecystectomy, LaparoscopicAnesthesiaPostoperative Pain
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.