ESP vs. EXORA Blocks for Analgesia in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Comparison of the Efficacy of Erector Spinae Plane (ESP) and External Oblique and Rectus Abdominis Plane (EXORA) Blocks in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy may experience moderate to severe postoperative pain. Effective postoperative analgesia enhances patient comfort and accelerates recovery. This study aims to compare the effects of Erector Spinae Plane (ESP) and External Oblique and Rectus Abdominis Plane (EXORA) blocks on postoperative pain management and analgesic consumption.

The study is designed as a prospective, randomized, double-blind trial. Patients will be randomly assigned to groups, and both practitioners and evaluators will be blinded to group assignments. Our hypothesis is that the EXORA block will provide superior analgesia and require less analgesic consumption compared to the ESP block. The results will be assessed in terms of postoperative pain management, patient comfort, and additional analgesic requirements.

Inclusion Criteria:

Age between 18 and 65 years

Undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Classified as American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I to III

Providing written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

Known allergy or hypersensitivity to local anesthetics

Infection or skin lesions at the site of block application

Emergency surgical procedures

Refusal to participate in the study

Uncontrolled arterial hypertension

Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus

Mental retardation

Current use of antidepressant medications

Presence of metabolic disorders

Known bleeding diathesis

Morbid obesity (Body Mass Index > 40 kg/m²)