Rectointercostal Plane Block (RICPB) for Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

This prospective randomized controlled trial is designed to evaluate the analgesic efficacy of ultrasound-guided rectointercostal plane block (RICPB) in patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Patients will be randomized to receive unilateral right-sided RICPB at the end of surgery. Postoperative opioid consumption, Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) pain scores, and postoperative complications will be assessed to determine the effectiveness of RICPB in postoperative pain management.

Inclusion Criteria: * Age between 18 and 65 years * American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I-III * Scheduled for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy * Body mass index (BMI) between 18 and 35 kg/m² * Ability to understand the study procedures and provide written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Refusal to participate or inability to provide informed consent * Known allergy or hypersensitivity to local anesthetics, opioids, or study medications * Chronic opioid use or chronic pain syndrome * Coagulation disorders or ongoing anticoagulant therapy * Infection at the planned injection site * Pregnancy or breastfeeding * Cognitive impairment or inability to communicate pain scores * Severe hepatic, renal, cardiac, or respiratory disease judged by the investigator to interfere with study participation * Conversion from laparoscopic to open surgery * Previous upper abdominal surgery that may interfere with the block technique or pain assessment