Efficacy of external oblique intercostal block (EOIB) with or without dexmedetomidine on postoperative anaglesia in laparoscopic upper abdominal surgeries – a double blinded randomised control 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. We therefore aim to assess the analgesic efficacy  of this block in upper abdominal surgeries. This will provide evidence as to its utility in patients who are not candidates for epidural analgesia.

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.