Sensory mapping of two nerve blocks for laparoscopic gallbladder surgery
Sensory Analysis and Cutaneous Mapping of Different Regional Anesthesia Techniques in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Surgery: A Prospective Observational Study
We will test whether two regional nerve blocks (External Oblique Plane and Serratus Intercostal Plane) produce different skin numbness patterns in adults having elective laparoscopic gallbladder removal.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Samsun University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Samsun, Ilkadım) |
| Trial ID | NCT07445854 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This single-center, prospective observational project will enroll adults scheduled for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy who receive either an External Oblique Plane Block (EOPB) or a Serratus Intercostal Plane Block (SIPB) under ultrasound guidance. Both blocks are performed bilaterally with 0.25% bupivacaine (25 mL per side) immediately before surgery. Cutaneous sensory block will be tested about 30 minutes after the block using a standardized pinprick test and dermatomal mapping of the abdominal midline and quadrants. The study will compare the dermatomal spread, regression patterns, and overlap of sensory areas between the two block techniques to inform perioperative analgesia planning.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18–75 years, ASA I–III, scheduled for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy who can give informed consent and receive one of the two regional blocks are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with ASA IV status, prior abdominal surgery that alters anatomy, cognitive or psychiatric conditions preventing cooperation, those who refuse a block, or who exceed BMI limits are unlikely to benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could help clinicians predict which nerve block provides better skin coverage for pain control after laparoscopic gallbladder surgery and guide multimodal analgesia choices.
How similar studies have performed: Some observational, clinical case series and cadaveric studies have described dermatomal spread of plane blocks, but direct comparative data between SIPB and EOPB for laparoscopic cholecystectomy are limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients scheduled for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgery and who have received a regional anesthesia technique for this purpose. * Aged between 18-75 years. * Belonging to ASA I-III group. * Having provided written informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Patients who refuse to participate. * Patients who did not receive a block. * Patients classified as ASA IV. * History of previous abdominal surgery (affecting the laparoscopic approach). * Patients with cognitive dysfunction or inability to cooperate. * Patients diagnosed with psychiatric disorders (schizophrenia, mania, depression, etc.). * Patients who have been using antipsychotic medication for more than 4 weeks.
Where this trial is running
Samsun, Ilkadım
- Samsun University, Samsun Training and Research Hospital — Samsun, Ilkadım, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Hatice Selcuk Kusderci, M.D. — Samsun University Training and Research Hospital
- Study coordinator: Hatice Selcuk Kusderci, M.D.
- Email: drkusderci@hotmail.com
- Phone: +905052159896
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.