External oblique intercostal block vs erector spinae plane block for pain after laparoscopic gallbladder removal
Ultrasound-Guided External Oblique Intercostal Block Versus Erector Spinae Plane Block for Postoperative Analgesia After Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Randomized Controlled Study
This study tests whether two ultrasound-guided nerve blocks—the external oblique intercostal block or the erector spinae plane block—provide better pain relief after elective laparoscopic gallbladder removal in adults.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Karabuk University Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Karabük and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT07377877 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a multicenter, prospective, randomized controlled trial comparing bilateral external oblique intercostal block (EOIB) and bilateral erector spinae plane block (ESPB) for postoperative analgesia in adults undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Patients receive standardized general anesthesia and patient-controlled analgesia, and the allocated regional block is performed under ultrasound guidance. The primary outcome is cumulative intravenous morphine consumption in the first 24 hours after surgery, with secondary outcomes including pain scores at rest and with movement, quality of recovery, postoperative nausea and vomiting, intraoperative opioid use, rescue analgesia, and block-related complications. Apart from randomizing the regional block technique, routine perioperative care is unchanged.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18–80 scheduled for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy who are ASA physical status I–III, can use a PCA device, and provide written informed consent.
Not a fit: Patients with chronic opioid use, pre-existing chronic pain conditions, contraindications to regional anesthesia, severe organ dysfunction, pregnancy or breastfeeding are unlikely to benefit or may be excluded.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If one block proves superior, it could reduce opioid use and improve early recovery and comfort after laparoscopic gallbladder surgery.
How similar studies have performed: ESPB has been more widely studied with evidence of opioid-sparing effects, while EOIB is newer with promising but more limited data, so prior evidence is mixed.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria * Age between 18 and 80 years * Scheduled to undergo elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy * Classified as American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I-III * Ability to understand and operate a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) device * Provision of written informed consent Exclusion Criteria * History of chronic opioid use for more than four weeks prior to surgery * Presence of pre-existing chronic pain conditions, such as migraine or fibromyalgia * History of alcohol or substance abuse * Known hypersensitivity or allergy to local anesthetics or opioids * Presence of severe organ dysfunction, including clinically significant hepatic or renal disease * Any contraindication to regional anesthesia * Severe psychiatric disorders impairing patient cooperation or the ability to reliably assess pain (e.g., psychosis, dementia) * Pregnancy or breastfeeding * Presence of hematological disorders
Where this trial is running
Karabük and 1 other locations
- Karabuk Training and Research Hospital, Department of Anesthesiology and Reanimation — Karabük, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
- Department of Anesthesiology and Reanimation, Samsun City Hospital — Samsun, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Elif Sarikaya Ozel, M.D. — Karabuk Training and Research Hospital, Department of Anesthesiology
- Study coordinator: Elif Sarikaya Ozel, M.D.
- Email: elsarikay2@gmail.com
- Phone: +905462361453
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.