Overview

This randomized controlled trial will evaluate the efficacy of ultrasound-guided external oblique intercostal fascial plane (EOI) block in reducing intraoperative and postoperative pain in pediatric patients undergoing laparoscopic gastrostomy under general anesthesia. Forty patients aged 3-18 years will be randomly allocated to receive either bilateral EOI block with 0.25% ropivacaine or sham block with normal saline. Primary outcome is percent change in heart rate at surgical incision. Secondary outcomes include intraoperative fentanyl use, perioperative analgesic requirements, postoperative pain scores (r-Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability(r-FLACC) and Pediatric Pain Profile), Analgesia Nociception Index values, and analgesia-related adverse events.

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

• Scheduled for laparoscopic gastrostomy at Seoul National University Children's Hospital

Age ≥3 and <18 years

Exclusion Criteria:

• Unstable vital signs

Contraindications to ropivacaine or opioids

Severe hepatic or renal dysfunction

Other investigator-determined ineligibility