Trans-incisional vs Laparoscopic Guided Rectus Sheath Block for Pediatric Single Incision Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

After removal of the gallbladder, a predetermined volume of 0.2% ropivacaine (1cc/kg, max dose 10cc, divided into equal doses bilaterally) will be administered under direct visualization into the rectus sheath bilaterally by the attending surgeon. This will be done after closure of the fascial incision but prior to closure of the skin incision.

After removal of the gallbladder, a predetermined volume of 0.2% ropivacaine (1cc/kg, max dose 10cc, divided into equal doses bilaterally) will be administered intra-abdominally under direct laparoscopic visualization into the rectus sheath bilaterally by the attending surgeon.

Ropivacaine is a long-acting local anesthetic. It has been shown to be effective for peripheral nerve, caudal, and lumbar/thoracic epidural blocks and produce less motor blockade than bupivacaine after caudal administration. It will be the local anesthetic used to perform the rectus sheath block for both arms.