Postoperative Analgesic Efficacy of Recto Intercostal Nerve Block
Turkey (Türkiye)60 participantsStarted 2025-06-22
Plain-language summary
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a frequently performed surgery and the gold standard for the treatment of symptomatic gallstone disease. Although laparoscopic cholecystectomy is considered minimally invasive, it can cause moderate to severe pain in the postoperative period. Poorly controlled early postoperative pain impairs recovery quality and increases the risk of postoperative pulmonary complications, serving as a risk factor for chronic pain development.
Multimodal analgesia, including opioids, is used to manage pain following laparoscopic cholecystectomy. However, opioid treatment may lead to side effects such as postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), respiratory depression, and constipation.
The primary aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of recto-intercostal nerve block as part of multimodal analgesia on intraoperative opioid consumption and postoperative pain scores in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 65 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* 18 to 65 years old
* American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I-II-III
* Elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgery
Exclusion Criteria:
* Under 18 and over 65 years old
* ASA score IV and above
* Advanced co-morbidity
* History of bleeding diathesis
* Patient refusing the procedure
* Chronic opioid or analgesic use
* Patients who will operate under emergency conditions
* Block injection site infection
* Known allergy to local anesthetics
* Pregnancy
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1This trial looked at how much remifentanil — a strong painkiller used during surgery — was needed when a recto intercostal nerve block was performed during laparoscopic gallbladder removal; can you explain what that nerve block involves and whether it's something that might be offered during my procedure?
2Since this study is already completed, has the data been published or shared anywhere, and do the results suggest the nerve block meaningfully reduced the amount of opioid pain medication needed during surgery?
3How does a recto intercostal nerve block compare to other pain control approaches you already use for laparoscopic cholecystectomy, and is this technique something your surgical team is experienced with?
4Are there any risks specific to performing a recto intercostal nerve block — such as nerve injury, bleeding, or the block not working as expected — that I should weigh against the potential benefit of using less opioid medication during surgery?
5If this nerve block approach isn't available at your facility or isn't right for my situation, what other multimodal pain control strategies would you use to minimize opioid use during and after my gallbladder surgery?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.