Rectus-Intercostal Fascial Plane Block for Liver Transplantation Donors

Postoperative pain control plays a crucial role in enhancing recovery and improving early mobilization in living liver donors. The rectus-intercostal fascial plane (RIFP) block is a novel ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia technique that provides anterior abdominal wall analgesia by targeting the intercostal nerves between the rectus abdominis and intercostal muscle fascia. This prospective, randomized controlled clinical study aims to evaluate the postoperative analgesic efficacy and opioid-sparing effects of the RIFP block compared with standard intravenous analgesia in living liver donors undergoing donor hepatectomy. Participants will be randomly assigned to two groups: Group 1 (RIFP Block): Patients receiving an ultrasound-guided rectus-intercostal fascial plane block using 20 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine at the end of surgery, in addition to standard IV PCA (morphine). Group 2 (Control): Patients receiving only standard IV PCA (morphine) without regional block.

NCT Number	NCT07233096
Lead Sponsor	Istinye University
Conditions	Liver Transplantation, Living Donor, Postoperative Pain
Enrollment	64 participants
Start Date	2025-12-22
Primary Completion	2026-05-15 (estimated)
Study Completion	2026-06-15 (estimated)
Updated on ClinicalTrials.gov	2026-06-25