Comparison of M-TAPA, EOIP, and Local Infiltration for Pain Relief After Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

This retrospective observational study aimed to compare three pain management techniques used after laparoscopic gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy): modified thoracoabdominal nerve block through the perichondrial approach (M-TAPA), external oblique intercostal plane (EOIP) block, and local anesthetic infiltration. The study included 90 adult patients who underwent elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy between January and April 2025. Patients were divided into three groups according to the pain management technique they received during routine clinical care, with 30 patients in each group. The primary outcome was pain intensity measured 2 hours after surgery using a visual analog scale (VAS). Additional outcomes included pain scores at 15 minutes and 4, 8, 16, and 24 hours after surgery, the need for additional opioid pain medication, and opioid-related adverse events. The study aimed to evaluate differences in postoperative pain control and the need for additional pain medication among these three techniques using previously collected medical records.