A Comparative Study Between Ultrasound Guided External Oblique Intercostal Plane (EOIP) Block and Erector Spinae Plane (ESP) Block for Postoperative Analgesia in Upper Abdominal Surgeries

A Comparative Study Between Ultrasound Guided External Oblique Intercostal Plane (EOIP) Block and Erector Spinae Plane (ESP) Block for Postoperative Analgesia in Upper Abdominal Surgeries

Upper abdominal incisions, such as the oblique subcostal laparotomy, can cause severe pain and can lead to significant respiratory impairment.

Erector spinae plane (ESP) block is the deposition of local anaesthetic (LA) in the interfascial plane at the paraspinal region. It provides effective visceral and somatic analgesia.

External oblique intercostal plane (EOIP) block is a newly described block at which local anaesthetic (LA) is deposited in the interfascial plane deep to external oblique muscle at the sixth intercostal space. It provides blockade of the thoracoabdominal nerves at the level of T6 to T10.

In this study, the investigators compare between ultrasound (US) guided external oblique intercostal plane block and erector spinae plane block, in providing postoperative analgesia for upper abdominal surgeries

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status (ASA) I and II.
• Both sex.
• 20 to 60 years old patients.
• upper abdominal surgeries.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Refusal of the patient to consent.
• Patients with ASA status III or IV
• Patients with bleeding disorders and coagulopathy (INR≥1.6 & PTT≥50 sec).
• Infection at the injection site.
• Allergy to local anesthetics.
• Patients with ages less than 20 or more than 60
• Patients with pre-existing myopathy or neuropathy.
• Patients with chronic pain syndromes.
• Patients with history of long acting opioids or steroids preoperatively.