Clinical Research Directory

RIPB Versus EOIPB for Pain Control After Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

This prospective observational study aims to compare the effects of bilateral ultrasound-guided recto-intercostal plane block(RIPB) and bilateral ultrasound-guided external oblique intercostal plane block(EOIPB) on postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anesthesia. Both blocks are performed after anesthesia induction as part of routine preemptive multimodal analgesia practice. Patients who receive bilateral recto-intercostal plane block will be included in the RIPB group, and patients who receive bilateral external oblique intercostal plane block will be included in the EOIPB group. The primary outcome is cumulative intravenous tramadol consumption via patient-controlled analgesia during the first 24 postoperative hours. Secondary outcomes include postoperative pain scores at rest and during activity, rescue analgesic requirement, postoperative nausea and vomiting, time to mobilization, length of hospital stay, quality of recovery assessed using the Quality of Recovery-15 questionnaire, and block-related complications.

Regional Analgesia Techniques for Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

This single-center, prospective, randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effects of paravertebral block (PVB), external oblique intercostal (EOI) block, and intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) with tramadol on postoperative pain and opioid consumption in patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The primary endpoint is total tramadol consumption within 24 hours postoperatively. Secondary outcomes include pain scores, additional analgesic use, incidence of nausea/vomiting, mobilization time, and length of hospital stay.

De-Implementation of Low-value Testing in Patients Undergoing Low-Risk Surgery

This trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a multi-level, multi-component de-implementation strategy to reduce unnecessary preoperative testing. Sixteen Michigan Value Collaborative (MVC)/Michigan Surgical Quality Collaborative (MSQC) sites in Michigan will implement several tools that have been proven to reduce unnecessary testing at a single site, including clinician education, a decision aid, audit and feedback on performance, and a pay-for-performance incentive. The researchers believe that, through the use of these strategies, there will be a significant reduction in unnecessary preoperative testing during the intervention.

Effect of Preoperative Melatonin on Quality of Recovery After Elective Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is one of the most commonly performed abdominal surgical procedures worldwide. Although the widespread implementation of Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) protocols has improved perioperative outcomes, many patients continue to experience postoperative pain, sleep disturbance, anxiety, nausea, and fatigue, symptoms that collectively impair overall quality of recovery (QoR). Melatonin, an endogenous hormone that regulates circadian rhythm, also possesses anxiolytic, analgesic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, positioning it as a valuable perioperative adjunct. However, most previous studies have evaluated melatonin primarily for isolated outcomes such as sleep quality or anxiety. Its effect on comprehensive postoperative recovery, assessed using validated patient-reported outcome instruments, remains insufficiently explored, particularly in laparoscopic cholecystectomy populations and in South Asian clinical settings. This prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (the MEL-REC trial) aims to evaluate the effect of preoperative oral melatonin on postoperative quality of recovery in patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anaesthesia. The study will be conducted in the Department of Anaesthesiology at Combined Military Hospital (CMH), Dhaka, Bangladesh, over a total study period of 18 months (January 2026 to June 2027), with patient recruitment planned for 8 months (May to December 2026) after taking approval from institutional review board. Eighty four adult patients aged 18-60 years with American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I-II will be randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio into two equal groups (n = 42 per group) using computer-generated permuted block randomization with centralized pharmacy based allocation concealment. The melatonin group (Group M) will receive oral melatonin 6 mg administered 60 minutes before induction of anaesthesia and the placebo group (Group P) will receive an identical placebo tablet under the same conditions. Neither the participants, the treating anaesthesiologist, the outcome assessor, nor the data analyst will be aware of group allocation until database lock. All patients will receive a standardized anaesthesia and perioperative management protocol, including standardized postoperative analgesia. The primary outcome will be postoperative quality of recovery assessed using the Quality of Recovery-15 (QoR-15) score at 24 ± 2 hours after surgery. Secondary outcomes include postoperative sleep quality measured by the Richards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire, change in preoperative anxiety (delta-VAS-A score), total opioid consumption during the first 24 hours expressed as intravenous morphine milligram equivalents, incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting, and time to first rescue analgesic request. All postoperative outcomes will be assessed by a trained research assistant blinded to group allocation. Based on the available evidence, it is anticipated that patients receiving preoperative melatonin will demonstrate higher QoR-15 scores at 24 hours after surgery compared with the placebo group. The melatonin group is also expected to have improved postoperative sleep quality, reduced opioid consumption, and a greater reduction in preoperative anxiety. If a clinically meaningful benefit is confirmed, given its well established safety profile, low cost, and ease of oral administration, preoperative melatonin may represent a practical perioperative adjunct that can be readily incorporated into ERAS protocols for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The trial will be prospectively registered in the Bangladesh Medical Research Council (BMRC) clinical trial registry or clinicaltrials.gov prior to recruitment.

Ginger to Prevent Nausea and Vomiting After Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

This study aims to evaluate whether preoperative oral administration of ginger (800 mg, given 2 hours before surgery) reduces the incidence and severity of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) within the first 24 hours after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Low-Flow Sevoflurane and Desflurane Anesthesia in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Several studies have demonstrated that inhalational anesthetic agents such as desflurane and sevoflurane may cause varying degrees of postoperative sore throat, hoarseness, and cough in orotracheally intubated patients. However, data evaluating these outcomes under low-flow anesthesia conditions remain limited and insufficient. This single-center, prospective, randomized controlled study will be conducted in patients aged 18-65 years, classified as American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I-II, who are scheduled to undergo elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anesthesia and who provide written informed consent to participate in the study. The primary objective of the study is to compare the effects of low-flow desflurane and low-flow sevoflurane anesthesia on the incidence and severity of postoperative sore throat. The secondary outcomes include the evaluation of postoperative hoarseness and cough, the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), and the total consumption of inhalational anesthetic agents.

External Oblique and Rectus Abdominis Plane Block Versus Quadratus Lumborum Block for Postoperative Analgesia in Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

This study aims to compare the effects of the external oblique and rectus abdominis plane (EXORA) block and the quadratus lumborum block (QLB) on postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC).

Ultrasonography vs Intraoperative Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy for Gall Stone Disease

This research is designed to correlate between intraoperative status of gallstone disease patients with their USG findings. The key question it aims to answer is: Does the ultrasonography predict laparoscopic cholecystectomy will be difficult?Further analysis will aim to reveal: 1. Are there any specific parameters of ultrasonography that immediately concern the operating surgeon? 2. Should surgeons depend on the ultrasonography reports to counsel the patients differently?

Effect of Liberal and Restrictive IV Fluids on Recovery After Gallbladder Surgery

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether giving less intravenous (IV) fluid (restrictive administration) after surgery is as effective as giving more IV fluid (liberal administration) in maintaining body stability (homeostasis) among adults undergoing laparoscopic gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy). The main questions it aims to answer are: Does restrictive IV fluid administration maintain stable blood pressure, heart rate, and urine output after laparoscopic cholecystectomy? Are there any differences in postoperative recovery or complications between restrictive and liberal fluid regimens? Researchers will compare patients receiving liberal IV fluid administration with those receiving restrictive IV fluid administration to see if both methods maintain similar postoperative homeostasis and recovery outcomes. Participants will: Be adults aged 18-60 years (ASA class I-II) undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Be randomly assigned to one of two groups: Group A: Liberal IV fluid administration for 6 hours after surgery. Group B: Restrictive IV fluid administration for 6 hours after surgery. Have their vital signs (pulse, blood pressure, mean arterial pressure) and urine output recorded at multiple time points after surgery (immediate, 3, 6, 12, and 24 hours).

ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) and Multimodal Analgesia in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

This clinical study aims to evaluate the effects of multimodal analgesia management administered within an ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) protocol on postoperative pain, length of hospital stay, early complications, and additional opioid requirements in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The key questions addressed are: * Does ERAS-based multimodal analgesia reduce postoperative pain? * Does it shorten the hospital stay and lower early complication rates? * What is its potential to reduce the need for additional opioids? Participants: * Prospective Group: Patients managed with an ERAS multimodal analgesia protocol (including paracetamol, NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs), and local wound infiltration analgesics) between April and July 2025. * Retrospective Group: Patient records from 2024 who were treated with a routine analgesia protocol. Based on a power analysis, a minimum of 60 patients per group (total of 120 patients) will be included in the study (If the required sample size determined by the power analysis cannot be reached, the number of patients within the predefined time frame will be accepted as the sample).

Sensory Analysis and Cutaneous Mapping of Different Regional Anesthesia Techniques

This prospective observational study aims to evaluate and compare the sensory block distribution and regression patterns of two regional anesthesia techniques - External Oblique Plane Block (EOPB) and Serratus Intercostal Plane Block (SIPB) - in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Thirty adult patients (ASA I-III, BMI ≤ 35 kg/m², ≥50 kg) scheduled for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy procedures will be included, with 20 in each block group. Sensory block areas will be assessed using pinprick test, and dermatomal mapping will visualize the spread. The findings are expected to improve understanding of block behavior and guide multimodal analgesia strategies in laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Timing of Subcostal TAPB Combined With Rectus Sheath Block for Postoperative Pain After Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

This prospective randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate whether the timing of ultrasound-guided subcostal transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block combined with rectus sheath block (RSB) affects postoperative pain in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive the combined regional blocks either before surgical incision or after completion of surgery. The primary outcome is postoperative pain intensity measured using a numerical rating scale. Secondary outcomes include opioid consumption, incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting, and other recovery parameters. The results of this study may help optimize the timing of abdominal wall blocks to improve postoperative analgesia and recovery following laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

AI and Safety in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Today, the majority of gallbladder removals surgeries are done using minimally invasive techniques through small cuts to help patients recover faster. However, these procedures are technically more challenging because surgeons have a restricted view of the patient's anatomy, which can increase the risk of serious complications. Artificial intelligence (AI) tools have been developed to guide surgeons during surgery and help them make safer decisions that reduce the risk of injury to the patient. This study will use a randomized controlled trial to compare outcomes between surgeries with AI assistance and standard procedures without AI. Primary Objective: To determine whether the AI improves surgeons' ability to achieve the Critical View of Safety, a key step for safe gallbladder removal, compared to standard procedures. Secondary Objectives: * Determine whether the AI helps the surgeon perform more safe dissections compared to the standard procedures. * Collect surgeon feedback on the use of AI during the procedure

Ultrasound-Guided Regional Blocks for Postoperative Analgesia After Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Ultrasound (US)-guided recto-intercostal fascial plane block (RIFPB) is a recently described abdominal wall block performed by injecting local anesthetic between the rectus abdominis muscle and the costal cartilage of the 7th rib. Due to the cranial attachment of the rectus muscle, this technique provides effective analgesia to the sternal, epigastric, and upper-mid abdominal regions, corresponding to the T6-T10/11 dermatomal levels. RIFPB may be used as an adjunct technique for thoracic procedures or as a standalone block for abdominal surgery. Ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane block (TAPB) is performed by injecting local anesthetic into the fascial plane between the internal oblique and transversus abdominis muscles. TAPB provides sensory blockade of the anterolateral abdominal wall at the T6-L1 dermatomal levels and is widely used for postoperative analgesia following abdominal surgeries, including laparoscopic cholecystectomy. This study aims to compare the effectiveness of US-guided RIFPB and TAPB on postoperative pain control after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

EOIB for Pain After Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

This prospective, randomized, controlled, assessor-blinded trial will evaluate whether bilateral ultrasound-guided external oblique intercostal block (EOIB) reduces postoperative opioid consumption and improves pain control after laparoscopic cholecystectomy, compared with no block.

Peritoneal Lavage Using Saline or Saline With Ondansetron for Pain Control After Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Brief Summary Background: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a common procedure where postoperative pain and nausea/vomiting (PONV) remain significant issues, impairing recovery. Standardized multimodal analgesia (e.g., PROSPECT guidelines) is effective for pain, but PONV incidence stays high. Preliminary evidence suggests that adding ondansetron to the standard intraperitoneal saline lavage could provide additional analgesic and antiemetic benefits by blocking peripheral 5-HT3 receptors at the trauma site. Objective: This pilot study aims to evaluate if intraperitoneal lavage with saline + 8mg ondansetron reduces the total burden of postoperative pain over the first 24 hours (Area Under the Curve of the Visual Analog Scale, AUC-VAS/24h) compared to saline lavage alone, within a standardized multimodal protocol. Methods: This is a phase IV, pilot, randomized, controlled, triple-blind clinical trial. 40 adult patients (ASA I-II) undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy for symptomatic cholelithiasis (Nassar Grade I-II difficulty) will be randomly assigned (1:1) to: Control Group: 500 ml of 0.9% saline intraperitoneal lavage. Intervention Group: 500 ml of 0.9% saline + 8 mg ondansetron intraperitoneal lavage. The lavage is performed for 5 minutes at the end of surgery, followed by complete aspiration. All patients receive a strict multimodal perioperative protocol, including pre-incisional port site infiltration with bupivacaine 0.75%, standardized anesthesia, and postoperative analgesics. The use of intravenous ondansetron is prohibited to avoid confounding. Primary Outcome: Total postoperative pain burden (AUC-VAS/24h). Secondary Outcomes (Exploratory): PONV incidence; time to first rescue analgesia; rescue analgesic consumption (buprenorphine); postoperative sleep quality (Richards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire); safety and adverse events.

Hot Water Foot Bath for Pain and Gas Relief After Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

This study investigates the effects of a hot foot bath on postoperative pain and time to first gas release in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The intervention is a non-pharmacological supportive method applied during the early postoperative period. Participants will be randomly assigned to either intervention or control groups. No FDA-regulated drug or device is involved.

Effects of Intraoperative Warming Methods on Hematologic Inflammatory Indices in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Perioperative hypothermia is a frequent and preventable complication that may cause adverse outcomes such as increased blood loss, impaired coagulation, and delayed recovery. Various active warming techniques are used to maintain normothermia during anesthesia; however, their comparative effects on systemic inflammatory responses remain unclear. This randomized controlled clinical trial aims to evaluate the effects of different intraoperative warming methods on hematologic inflammatory indices - including neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) - in patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anesthesia. A total of eligible adult patients will be randomly assigned into four groups according to the intraoperative warming method applied: Control Group: No active warming applied. Forced-Air Warming (FAW) Group: Warming blanket system used throughout surgery. Fluid Warming (FW) Group: Intravenous fluids warmed to maintain normothermia. Combined Warming (FAW + FW) Group: Both forced-air and fluid warming applied simultaneously. Core body temperature and perioperative data will be recorded. Venous blood samples will be obtained preoperatively and 24 hours postoperatively to calculate inflammatory indices. The primary objective is to determine whether active intraoperative warming techniques modulate postoperative inflammatory markers compared to no warming. Secondary outcomes include intraoperative temperature trends, recovery times, and the incidence of hypothermia-related complications. The results are expected to identify the most effective warming strategy to minimize inflammation and optimize postoperative recovery in laparoscopic procedures.

Ultrasound Guided Modified Thoracoabdominal Nerve Block Through Perichondrial Approach (M-TAPA) Versus Quadratus Lumborum Block for Postoperative Analgesia in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

This study aims to compare the efficacy of using Ultrasound guided modified thoracoabdominal nerve block through perichondrial approach (M-TAPA) versus quadratus lumborum block for postoperative analgesia in laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anesthesia.

Early Versus Delayed Cholecystectomy After Percutaneous Cholecystostomy in Moderate and Severe Cholecystitis (ESCAPE)

Abstract: Acute cholecystitis (AC) is typically managed according to the 2018 Tokyo Guidelines, with treatment strategies determined by the severity of the disease, patient comorbidities, and hospital capabilities. In cases of moderate AC, treatment options include antibiotics with delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), antibiotics with early LC, or antibiotics with percutaneous cholecystostomy (PCC) followed by delayed LC. However, the Toyo Guideline 2018 suggested that there is a lack of consensus regarding the optimal timing for surgery following PCC due to insufficient scientific evidence. In practice, delayed LC is often performed approximately 6 weeks after PCC insertion. While PCC can serve as a treatment option before definite surgery, complications such as tube dislodgment, obstruction, and failure to ambulate are common, leading to further hospital admissions and increased comorbidities. The ESCAPE trial was conducted to evaluate the optimal timing for LC following PCC in moderate and severe forms of acute cholecystitis, with the goal of improving treatment standards and reducing complications associated with PCC retention. We hypothesize that early LC after PCC insertion will be a feasible and effective alternative. Methods: This prospective, randomized controlled trial enrolled patients diagnosed with moderate to severe acute cholecystitis who underwent PCC. Clinical manifestations and laboratory parameters were monitored for 72 hours following PCC insertion. Patients demonstrating clinical or laboratory improvement were subsequently randomized into two groups: early LC and delayed LC. * Early LC group: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed during the same hospitalization. * Delayed LC group: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed more than 6 weeks after PCC insertion. The primary endpoint/outcome is comprehensive complication index (CCI) from PCC and LC. Secondary endpoints include Nasaar Difficulty Scoring, length of hospital stay, rate of subtotal cholecystectomy, rate of conversion to open cholecystectomy and incidence of bile duct injury. Results and Discussion: The results of this study will provide valuable insights into the timing of LC following PCC and may influence future treatment protocols for moderate and severe acute cholecystitis. By assessing the feasibility and safety of early LC after PCC insertion, the ESCAPE trial aims to reduce the burden of PCC-related complications and optimize patient outcomes.

Comparative Efficacy of Intravenous Labetalol and Lignocaine in Mitigating Hemodynamic Responses to Laryngoscopy During Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Laryngoscopy and intubation during laparoscopic cholecystectomy often cause sudden increases in heart rate and blood pressure, which can be harmful in some patients. Medications such as labetalol and lignocaine are commonly used to reduce this hemodynamic response. This randomized controlled trial at Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar, will compare intravenous labetalol (0.25 mg/kg) and lignocaine (1.5 mg/kg), administered 3 minutes before laryngoscopy. A total of 116 patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy will be randomly assigned to either drug group. The primary goal is to determine which drug is more effective in keeping heart rate and mean arterial pressure within ±20% of baseline during and after intubation. The study will also record blood pressure trends, intubation details, rescue medications, and adverse events such as bradycardia or hypotension. Results will help guide anesthesiologists in selecting the safer and more effective option to maintain cardiovascular stability during surgery.

Dexamethasone-Enhanced TAP Block in Lapchole

The transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is widely used as part of analgesia for abdominal surgeries such as laparoscopic cholecystectomy. While bupivacaine is commonly used for TAP blocks with reported success. Dexamethasone is often used as an adjuvant in prolonging duration of blocks; however, data on its efficacy in enhancing TAP blocks in laparoscopic cholecystectomy remain limited. This study aims to assess whether adding dexamethasone to bupivacaine in a TAP block improves postoperative pain control and reduces opioid consumption

Impact of Isoflurane and Sevoflurane on Oxidative Stress in Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

The primary aim of this work is to assess the impact of exposure to isoflurane or sevoflurane as an inhalation anesthetic on the oxidative stress and inflammatory conditions in patients undergoing elective moderate invasive surgery (laparoscopic cholecystectomy).

ESP vs. EXORA Blocks for Analgesia 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.