Confronto tra Blocco Intertrasversale e Blocco del Piano degli Erettori della Colonna nella Gestione dell'Analgesia Postoperatoria Acuta in Pazienti Sottoposti a Colecistectomia Laparoscopica

The ESPB will be performed in the sitting position under ultrasound (US) guidance using a 6-10 MHz linear ultrasound probe (Mindray DC-60 Exp; Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics, Shenzhen, China). The transverse process and erector spinae muscles at the T8 level will be visualized in a longitudinal parasagittal plane. An echogenic 22 G, 80 mm needle (Stimuplex A, B. Braun, Melsungen, Germany) will be advanced in-plane in a caudal-to-cranial direction until contact is made with the transverse process beneath the erector spinae muscle. Following negative aspiration, 20 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine will be injected, ensuring visualization of the spread within the fascial plane. The block will be performed unilaterally on the right hemithorax.

The ITPB will be performed using the same ultrasound (US) device. Initially, the spinous process of the T8 vertebra will be visualized in the horizontal plane at the midline using a linear probe. The probe will then be shifted approximately 2 cm laterally to the right and left of the midline in the longitudinal plane to visualize the superior costotransverse ligament (SCTL) spanning between the transverse processes and the pleura. The block needle will be advanced in-plane in a caudal-to-cranial direction, parallel to the SCTL, and stopped just before reaching the cranial aspect of the eighth rib. After the space is confirmed via hydrodissection, 20 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine (not exceeding a maximum dose of 2.5 mg/kg) will be injected without penetrating the SCTL, while simultaneously monitoring the volume spread via US. The block will be performed unilaterally at the level of the right hemithorax.

The primary objective of this study is to compare the effects of ESPB and ITPB techniques on Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) pain scores in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. You hypothesis is that NRS scores will be lower in patients receiving ITPB compared to the ESPB group, as the ITPB is expected to provide more extensive visceral analgesia. Pain Assessment: Numeric Rating Scale (NRS)

Pain intensity will be reported using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS):

Scale Range: Scores range from a minimum of 0 to a maximum of 10.

Interpretation: A score of 0 represents "no pain," while a score of 10 represents the "worst possible pain." Consequently, higher scores indicate a worse outcome (increased pain severity), while lower scores indicate superior analgesic efficacy.

The secondary objective of the study is to evaluate the effects of ESPB and ITPB on opioid consumption. The amounts of rescue analgesic (tramadol) administered in the post-block period will be recorded. You hypothesis is that opioid requirements will be lower in patients receiving ITPB compared to the ESPB group, due to the provision of more effective analgesia.