Comparison of two doses of dexmedetomidine as adjuvants in external oblique intercostal block (EOIB) on postoperative analgesia in laparoscopic upper abdominal surgeries. a double blinded randomised controlled trial

Upper abdominal surgeries are associated with severe pain. Neuraxial blocks are gold standard but are not feasible in all patients. External oblique intercostaal block (EOIB) provides analgesia from T6-T10 dermatomes. It is easy to administer, even in obese patients, injection is away from surgical field. Previous literature on this block exists in the form of case series, reports and a single randomised study on laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Dexmedetomidine acts as an adjuvant improves the analgesic efficacy of perineural blocks.  No previous studies have used dexmedetomidine in external oblique intercostal block.

We therefore aim to assess the analgesic efficacy of two doses of dexmedetomidine as adjuvant to external oblique intercostal block in laparoscopic surgeries.

Both intervention and control groups in this sstudy will be provided adequate intraoperative analgesia using fentanyl boluses and postoperative analgesia using fentanyl iv patient controlled analgesia (PCA). Total consumption of fentanyl will be noted for both groups at 24 hours postoperatively.