There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in mean age, sex distribution, or ASA classification (p > 0.05) (Table 1).
Intraoperative variables
Extubation time was significantly shorter in the MMA group compared with the control group (p = 0.016). Sevoflurane consumption was also lower in the MMA group (p = 0.024). Total remifentanil consumption and the pattern of remifentanil dose adjustments did not differ significantly between the groups (p > 0.05), consistent with the standardized NOL-guided titration protocol applied to both groups (Table 2). Repeated-measures analysis demonstrated no significant Group × Time interaction for mean arterial pressure (F = 0.621, p = 0.643), pulse rate (F = 0.606, p = 0.650), or oxygen saturation (F = 0.961, p = 0.378), indicating similar hemodynamic stability across groups (Table 3).
Nociception level (NOL) responses
A significant Group × Time interaction was observed for NOL values (p < 0.001). In the MMA group, NOL values decreased significantly from incision onward compared with intubation (p < 0.001). Pneumoperitoneum was the prespecified peak nociceptive stimulus, and NOL values during insufflation were significantly lower in the MMA group than in the control group (19.39 ±; 12.69 vs. 32.90 ±; 21.06; mean difference 13.51; 95% CI 4.68-22.34; Cohen's d = 0.78; p = 0.004). Within-group comparisons showed that insufflation produced significantly higher NOL values than incision, deflation, and closure (Bonferroni-adjusted p < 0.025) (Table 4) (Figure 1).
Postoperative pain
VAS scores differed significantly between groups only at the 0-minute assessment (PACU arrival), with lower pain scores in the MMA group (p < 0.001). No significant differences were observed at 15, 30, or 60 min (p > 0.0125 after Bonferroni correction). Rescue tramadol requirements were similar between groups (p > 0.05) (Table 5) (Figure 2).
Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV)
The incidence of nausea/vomiting did not differ significantly between the MMA and control groups (19.35% vs. 25.81%; p = 0.762). All patients received standardized ondansetron prophylaxis, and no additional antiemetic interventions were required. Shoulder pain and pruritus were not observed in either group.
EOIP block success and adverse events
No block-related complications, motor weakness, or local anesthetic systemic toxicity were observed. Although block success was not formally quantified, no patient exhibited clinical signs suggestive of block failure. No adverse events occurred in either group.
DATA AVAILABILITY:
The datasets generated and analyzed in this study are stored in the secure institutional research archive of Ankara Bilkent City Hospital. De-identified raw data supporting the findings are available from this repository: https://figshare.com/s/f058000111d5a2cf53cc. The full study protocol is available on ClinicalTrials.gov under registration number NCT06238830. The CONSORT flow diagram is given in Figure 3.

Figure 1: Intraoperative NOL trends. Mean NOL values recorded at predefined intraoperative nociceptive stages, including intubation, skin incision, trocar insertion, pneumoperitoneum insufflation, pneumoperitoneum release, and skin closure, show that the MMA group exhibited significantly lower NOL values during pneumoperitoneum, indicating enhanced attenuation of peak nociceptive responses under NOL-guided opioid titration. Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.

Figure 2: Postoperative VAS scores. Postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores assessed at PACU arrival (0 min), 15 min, 30 min, and 60 min demonstrate significantly reduced emergence pain in the MMA group at 0 min, with no significant differences at later time points. Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.

Figure 3: CONSORT flow diagram. Flow chart summarizing screening, randomization, follow-up, and analysis for all enrolled participants. Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.
Table 1: Baseline characteristics. Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics, including age, sex distribution, and ASA physical status, show no significant differences between groups, confirming successful randomization and CONSORT-compliant baseline comparability. Please click here to download this Table.
Table 2: Intraoperative variables. Intraoperative anesthetic and analgesic variables, including extubation time, sevoflurane consumption, total remifentanil dose, and number of remifentanil dose adjustments, indicate shorter extubation time and lower sevoflurane use in the MMA group, while remifentanil-related parameters remained comparable due to standardized NOL-guided titration. Please click here to download this Table.
Table 3: Hemodynamic parameters. Hemodynamic parameters (mean arterial pressure, pulse rate, and oxygen saturation) recorded at intubation, incision, trocar entry, insufflation, deflation, and closure show similar stability across groups, with no significant Group × Time interaction. Please click here to download this Table.
Table 4: NOL values by stage. NOL values measured at each surgical stage indicate that pneumoperitoneum insufflation is the peak nociceptive stimulus, with significantly lower NOL values in the MMA group at this prespecified point and time-dependent nociceptive fluctuations within groups. Data are displayed as mean ±; SD. The comparisons between groups, Student's t-test, according to the Bonferroni correction p < 0.0083 were considered statistically significant; Intra-group comparisons, Repeated Measures of ANOVA via Wilks' Lambda test, according to the Bonferroni correction p < 0.025 were considered statistically significant. The difference between intubation was found to be statistically significant (p < 0.001); The difference between incisions was found to be statistically significant (p = 0.002); The difference between insufflation was found to be statistically significant (p < 0.025). Please click here to download this Table.
Table 5: Postoperative VAS scores. Postoperative VAS scores at 0, 15, 30, and 60 min after PACU arrival reveal significantly lower pain at 0 min in the MMA group, with comparable scores thereafter and similar rescue tramadol requirements between groups. Data are displayed as median (25th-75th percentile). a The comparisons between groups, Mann-Whitney U test, according to the Bonferroni correction, p < 0.0125, were considered statistically significant; b intra-group comparisons, Friedman test, according to the Bonferroni correction, p < 0.025, were considered statistically significant. A 0th min vs 15th min (p < 0.001), B 0th min vs 30th min (p < 0.001), C 0th min vs 60th min (p < 0.001). Please click here to download this Table.