External Oblique Intercostal Block vs Erector Spinae Plane Block for Postoperative Analgesia Afte… (NCT07377877) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
External Oblique Intercostal Block vs Erector Spinae Plane Block for Postoperative Analgesia After Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
Turkey (Türkiye)60 participantsStarted 2026-01-01
Plain-language summary
This randomized controlled study aims to compare the effects of the external oblique intercostal block (EOIB) and the erector spinae plane block (ESPB) on postoperative analgesia in adult patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Both EOIB and ESPB are ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia techniques currently used in clinical practice to improve postoperative pain control as part of multimodal analgesia strategies.
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a common minimally invasive surgical procedure; however, patients may still experience postoperative pain that can increase opioid consumption and delay recovery. Identifying the most effective regional anesthesia technique may improve postoperative analgesia and patient recovery.
In this study, eligible patients will be randomly assigned to receive either bilateral EOIB or bilateral ESPB in addition to standardized general anesthesia and postoperative patient-controlled analgesia. Postoperative pain scores, opioid consumption, quality of recovery, postoperative nausea and vomiting, and block-related complications will be evaluated during the first 24 hours after surgery. The study aims to provide comparative clinical evidence regarding the analgesic effectiveness of these two regional anesthesia techniques.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 80 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
* 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
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.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
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.