New injection may cut opioid use after big belly surgeries

This study tests a new type of nerve block (External Oblique Intercostal Plane Block) to see if it can reduce pain and the need for strong painkillers after major upper abdominal surgery. About 78 adults having laparoscopic surgery on their stomach, liver, gallbladder, or pancreas will take part. Half will get the nerve block plus standard pain care, and the other half will get standard care alone. The main goal is to measure how much opioid pain medicine they need in the first 24 hours after surgery.