External Oblique Intercostal Plane Block With or Without Rectus Sheath Block After Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

This prospective observational cohort study compared postoperative pain outcomes in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy who received bilateral external oblique intercostal plane block (EOIPB) alone or bilateral EOIPB combined with bilateral rectus sheath block (RSB). The block technique was selected by the attending anesthesiologist as part of routine clinical practice and was not assigned by the researchers. Postoperative pain intensity was assessed using a 0-10 visual analog scale at 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 hours after surgery. Intraoperative remifentanil consumption, postoperative rescue analgesic consumption, hemodynamic measurements, postoperative nausea and vomiting, other analgesic-related adverse effects, and patient satisfaction were also evaluated during the first 24 postoperative hours.

Inclusion Criteria: * Adults aged 18 to 70 years * American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I to III * Scheduled to undergo laparoscopic cholecystectomy * Received bilateral EOIPB alone or bilateral EOIPB combined with bilateral RSB as part of routine clinical care * Provided written informed consent to participate Exclusion Criteria: * Contraindication to regional block procedures, including coagulopathy, anticoagulant use, or local infection at the needle insertion site * Known severe cardiovascular, renal, or hepatic disease * Life-threatening hematological disease * Neurological disease or psychiatric disorder * Known allergy to the medications used in the study or to amide-type local anesthetics * History of chronic pain * History of narcotic substance or alcohol dependence * Body mass index of 35 kg/m² or greater * Pregnancy * Refusal to participate