Rectus sheath catheters offer a safe pain management alternative to thoracic epidural analgesia, reducing complications and costs for open surgery patients.

• No significant difference in postoperative pain scores or opioid use between the two methods.
• Rectus sheath catheters cut the risk of hypotension by 60% and lower costs between $500 and $6632 per case.

These findings support rectus sheath catheters as a viable option, enhancing recovery and resource efficiency in surgical care.

• Fewer urinary retention issues and faster mobilization noted in non-visceral surgeries.