Effect of Erector Spinae Plane Block on Postoperative Respiratory Function After Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Starting soon · Not applicable

Conditions studied: Cholelithiasis

In brief

Postoperative pulmonary dysfunction is frequently observed after laparoscopic abdominal surgery due to the combined effects of general anesthesia, pneumoperitoneum, diaphragmatic dysfunction, and postoperative pain. These factors may impair respiratory mechanics, reduce lung volumes, and negatively affect postoperative recovery. Effective postoperative analgesia plays a crucial role in preserving respiratory function by allowing adequate ventilation and reducing pain-related respiratory limitation. The erector spinae plane (ESP) block is a relatively novel ultrasound-guided fascial plane block that provides thoracoabdominal analgesia through the spread of local anesthetic along the paraspinal fascial planes. By reducing postoperative pain and opioid consumption, ESP block may contribute to improved respiratory mechanics and preservation of postoperative pulmonary function. The aim of this prospective randomized controlled study is to evaluate the effect of ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block on postoperative respiratory function and pain in patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Patients will be randomized into two groups: an ESP block group receiving bilateral ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block and a control group receiving standard analgesic management. Postoperative respiratory parameters will be evaluated using spirometry measurements including forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), the FEV1/FVC ratio, and forced expiratory flow at 25-75% of the pulmonary volume (FEF25-75). In addition, arterial blood gas parameters and postoperative pain scores will be assessed and compared between the groups. The study aims to determine whether ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block improves postoperative respiratory function and contributes to better postoperative recovery in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT07478601

Run by

Uludag University

People needed

70

Starts

2026-05-24

Expected to finish

2027-06-25

Last updated by the study team

2026-03-17

Who can join

Age: 18 and older, up to 70. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

• Age between 18 and 65 years ASA physical status I-III-- III Patients scheduled for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anesthesia Ability to perform spirometry tests Provision of written informed consent

You may not qualify if…

• Patient refusal to participate Chronic pulmonary disease (e.g., COPD, asthma, restrictive lung disease) Morbid obesity (BMI ≥ 35 kg/m²) Coagulopathy or anticoagulant therapy Local infection at the block site Allergy to local anesthetic agents Pregnancy Previous thoracic surgery Neuromuscular disease affecting respiratory function Conversion from laparoscopic to open surgery Inability to perform postoperative spirometry

Where it is running

• Bursa Uludağ University Faculty of Medicine Hospital — Bursa, Bursa, Turkey (Türkiye)

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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