M-TAPA vs ESPB for Postoperative Analgesia After Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (NCT07403682) | Clinical Trial Compass
Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable
M-TAPA vs ESPB for Postoperative Analgesia After Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
124 participantsStarted 2026-03-01
Plain-language summary
Postoperative pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy can negatively affect patient comfort, recovery, and opioid consumption. Regional abdominal wall blocks are commonly used as part of multimodal analgesia to improve postoperative pain control and reduce opioid-related side effects.
The modified thoracoabdominal nerve block through the perichondrial approach (M-TAPA) and the erector spinae plane block (ESPB) are two ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia techniques that have been shown to provide effective postoperative analgesia in abdominal surgery. However, comparative clinical data between these two techniques in laparoscopic cholecystectomy are limited.
This randomized, single-blind clinical trial aims to compare the postoperative analgesic effectiveness of M-TAPA and ESPB in adult patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Postoperative pain scores, opioid consumption, time to first analgesic requirement, and patient satisfaction will be evaluated.
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:
* Adult patients aged 18-65 years
* ASA physical status I-III
* Scheduled for elective surgery under general anesthesia
* Ability to understand the study procedures and provide written informed consent
Exclusion Criteria:
* Refusal to participate
* Known allergy to local anesthetics
* Coagulation disorders or anticoagulant therapy
* Infection at the injection site
* Severe hepatic, renal, or cardiac disease
* Chronic opioid use
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.
What they're measuring
1
Total Opioid Consumption in the First 24 Hours
Timeframe: within the first 24 hours postoperatively