ESP vs Subcostal TAP Block for Analgesia After Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

This prospective, randomized, double-blind study compares the analgesic efficacy of ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane (ESP) block and subcostal transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The primary outcome is 24-hour postoperative opioid consumption. Secondary outcomes include postoperative pain scores, time to first analgesic request, shoulder pain, postoperative nausea and vomiting, and block-related complications.

Inclusion Criteria: Adults aged 18 years and older Scheduled for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anesthesia American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I-III Ability to understand the study protocol and provide written informed consent - Exclusion Criteria:Refusal to participate Known allergy or contraindication to local anesthetic agents Coagulopathy or anticoagulant therapy contraindicating regional anesthesia Infection at the planned injection site Body mass index (BMI) \> 35 kg/m² Chronic opioid use or opioid dependence Chronic pain syndromes requiring regular analgesic treatment Severe hepatic, renal, or cardiac dysfunction Pregnancy or breastfeeding Inability to communicate or assess pain using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) \-