Targeted Temporary In Situ Catheter Redosing of Autonomic Neural Blockade for Breakthrough Symptoms After Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

Autonomic neural blockade (ANB) selectively modulates visceral pain and autonomic symptoms after minimally invasive upper gastrointestinal surgery. Prior randomized trials have demonstrated reductions in pain, analgesic requirements, PONV, and anesthetic consumption following ANB during laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). However, breakthrough visceral symptoms may occur in selected patients after blockade wanes.

A prior feasibility study by our group demonstrated that temporary in situ catheter placement for postoperative ANB redosing after LSG is technically feasible and safe, establishing catheter selection, placement strategy, and anatomical targets.

This prospective pilot study evaluates the clinical utility of selective postoperative ANB redosing in predefined high-risk patients.

All participants will undergo standard intraoperative ANB, TAP block, and temporary catheter placement in one of three anatomically validated paragastric/celiac pathway locations. Scheduled acetaminophen will be administered postoperatively.

Prior to any redosing, the treating investigator will clinically assess whether symptoms are consistent with visceral/autonomic breakthrough rather than somatic/incisional pain. Pain characteristics suggesting visceral origin include diffuse, deep, poorly localized epigastric/substernal discomfort, associated nausea/vomiting, autonomic symptoms, or pain disproportionate to abdominal wall tenderness.