This single-center, prospective, randomized, double-blind controlled trial aims to evaluate the effects of intraoperative paragastric block (PGBLOCK) on early postoperative visceral pain, postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), and analgesic requirements in patients undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). Despite advancements in multimodal analgesia protocols, visceral pain remains a significant postoperative concern following LSG, contributing to increased opioid use and delayed recovery. Paragastric block is a novel technique targeting autonomic neural pathways-such as branches of the celiac ganglia and vagal nerves-through precise intraoperative injection of local anesthetics near the stomach. A total of 180 patients scheduled for elective LSG will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive either paragastric block with 20 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine or a sham block with 20 mL of isotonic saline. Injections will be administered at six predefined anatomical sites under laparoscopic guidance after gastric resection. The surgical technique, anesthetic protocol, and postoperative care will be standardized for all participants. Both patients and clinical personnel involved in care and outcome assessment will remain blinded to group assignment. The primary outcome is the assessment of postoperative visceral pain using Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores at 0 and 2 hours postoperatively. Secondary outcomes include PONV severity grading, mobilization status, total analgesic consumption (pethidine + tramadol), and need for rescue antiemetics within the first 24 hours post-surgery. Exclusion criteria include history of upper abdominal surgery, chronic opioid use, pregnancy, severe systemic disease, or allergy to medications used in the protocol. This study is expected to provide high-quality evidence regarding the efficacy of paragastric block in improving early postoperative recovery and reducing opioid reliance after LSG.
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.
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.
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
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.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Visceral pain score measured by Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
Timeframe: At 0 and 2 hours postoperatively
Abdullah Sisik, MD, Professor of General Surgery