Postoperative Analgesic Efficacy of Recto Intercostal Nerve Block

Postoperative Analgesic Efficacy of Rectointercostal Nerve Block in Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a frequently performed surgery and the gold standard for the treatment of symptomatic gallstone disease. Although laparoscopic cholecystectomy is considered minimally invasive, it can cause moderate to severe pain in the postoperative period. Poorly controlled early postoperative pain impairs recovery quality and increases the risk of postoperative pulmonary complications, serving as a risk factor for chronic pain development.

Multimodal analgesia, including opioids, is used to manage pain following laparoscopic cholecystectomy. However, opioid treatment may lead to side effects such as postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), respiratory depression, and constipation.

The primary aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of recto-intercostal nerve block as part of multimodal analgesia on intraoperative opioid consumption and postoperative pain scores in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 18 to 65 years old
• American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I-II-III
• Elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgery

Exclusion Criteria:

• Under 18 and over 65 years old
• ASA score IV and above
• Advanced co-morbidity
• History of bleeding diathesis
• Patient refusing the procedure
• Chronic opioid or analgesic use
• Patients who will operate under emergency conditions
• Block injection site infection
• Known allergy to local anesthetics
• Pregnancy