External Oblique Intercostal Block vs Erector Spinae Plane Block for Postoperative Analgesia After Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

This randomized controlled study aims to compare the effects of the external oblique intercostal block (EOIB) and the erector spinae plane block (ESPB) on postoperative analgesia in adult patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Both EOIB and ESPB are ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia techniques currently used in clinical practice to improve postoperative pain control as part of multimodal analgesia strategies. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a common minimally invasive surgical procedure; however, patients may still experience postoperative pain that can increase opioid consumption and delay recovery. Identifying the most effective regional anesthesia technique may improve postoperative analgesia and patient recovery. In this study, eligible patients will be randomly assigned to receive either bilateral EOIB or bilateral ESPB in addition to standardized general anesthesia and postoperative patient-controlled analgesia. Postoperative pain scores, opioid consumption, quality of recovery, postoperative nausea and vomiting, and block-related complications will be evaluated during the first 24 hours after surgery. The study aims to provide comparative clinical evidence regarding the analgesic effectiveness of these two regional anesthesia techniques.