Ultrasound-Guided Regional Blocks for Postoperative Analgesia After Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (NCT07321639) | Clinical Trial Compass
RecruitingNot Applicable
Ultrasound-Guided Regional Blocks for Postoperative Analgesia After Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
Turkey (Türkiye)90 participantsStarted 2026-01-19
Plain-language summary
Ultrasound (US)-guided recto-intercostal fascial plane block (RIFPB) is a recently described abdominal wall block performed by injecting local anesthetic between the rectus abdominis muscle and the costal cartilage of the 7th rib. Due to the cranial attachment of the rectus muscle, this technique provides effective analgesia to the sternal, epigastric, and upper-mid abdominal regions, corresponding to the T6-T10/11 dermatomal levels. RIFPB may be used as an adjunct technique for thoracic procedures or as a standalone block for abdominal surgery.
Ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane block (TAPB) is performed by injecting local anesthetic into the fascial plane between the internal oblique and transversus abdominis muscles. TAPB provides sensory blockade of the anterolateral abdominal wall at the T6-L1 dermatomal levels and is widely used for postoperative analgesia following abdominal surgeries, including laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
This study aims to compare the effectiveness of US-guided RIFPB and TAPB on postoperative pain control after 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:
* ASA physical status I-II
* Scheduled for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Exclusion Criteria:
* Known allergy to local anesthetics or opioid medications
* Infection at the planned block site
* History of alcohol or drug dependence
* Use of anticoagulant therapy
* Refusal to participate in the study
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 is comparing different ultrasound-guided nerve blocks to reduce opioid use after laparoscopic gallbladder removal — could one of these regional block techniques be used during my surgery even if I don't join the trial, or is participating the only way to access them?
2Since this is a Phase NA study focused on measuring opioid consumption after laparoscopic cholecystectomy, what is currently known about the safety of these ultrasound-guided plane blocks, and are there any risks specific to the block technique that I should weigh against my own health situation?
3The trial is actively recruiting right now — what would my care and pain management look like if I join versus if I just have the standard laparoscopic cholecystectomy without being in the study?
4Because the study is measuring how much opioid medication patients need after surgery, does that mean some participants might receive less pain relief than they need, and how would the team handle it if my pain wasn't adequately controlled?
5Given that laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a relatively common procedure with established pain management approaches, would my doctor recommend I try standard care first, or does this trial offer something that might genuinely change how my recovery goes?
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.
What they're measuring
1
Opioid consumption
Timeframe: During the first 24 hours postoperatively