TO EVALUATE THE EFFICACY OF THE OSTAP BLOCK WITH ROPIVACAINE FOR POSTOPERATIVE ANALGESIA IN LAPAROSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTOMY

Background: Postoperative pain management remains a critical challenge in laparoscopic cholecystectomy, particularly in procedures involving the anterior abdominal wall. The ultrasound-guided Oblique Subcostal Transversus Abdominis Plane (OSTAP) block has emerged as a promising technique for improving postoperative analgesia.  Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of the OSTAP block with ropivacaine in reducing postoperative pain, prolonging analgesia duration, and minimizing opioid consumption in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.  Methods: This observational study was conducted in the Department of Anaesthesiology at Government Medical College and Associated Hospitals, Srinagar (J&K). A total of 70 patients aged 28 to 70 years, classified as ASA I-II, undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anesthesia, were divided into two groups. Group A received an ultrasound-guided OSTAP block with 0.2% ropivacaine, while Group B did not receive the block. Pain scores (VAS), time to first analgesia request, total opioid consumption, and side effects were recorded and compared between the groups.  Results: Group A demonstrated significantly lower VAS scores at all intervals (0, 2, 4, 6, 12, and 24 hours) compared to Group B (2.3 vs. 4.7; p=0.001). The duration of analgesia was significantly prolonged in Group A (7.25±1.20 hours vs. 4.05±0.80 hours; p=0.003). Total opioid consumption was reduced in Group A (80±30.2 mg vs. 170±70.5 mg; p<0.05). No side effects or complications were observed in either group.  Conclusion: The OSTAP block with ropivacaine is a cost-effective, safe, and effective technique for postoperative pain management in laparoscopic cholecystectomy. It significantly improves pain control, reduces opioid consumption, and prolongs analgesia duration without associated side effects.