Dexmedetomidine and Ketamine as an Adjuvant in External Oblique Intercostal Plane Block for Post Thoracotomy Pain

Comparison Between Role of Dexmedetomidine and Ketamine as an Adjuvant in External Oblique Intercostal Plane Block for Post Thoracotomy Pain: A Randomized Trial

The aim of this study is to compare the role of dexmedetomidine and ketamine as an adjuvant in external oblique intercostal plane block for post thoracotomy pain.

Postsurgical pain in patients who have undergone open thoracotomy for lung cancer or other lung surgeries is known to be very severe.

As a result, this pain alters spontaneous breathing, delays postoperative recovery, and persists as chronic post-thoracotomy pain syndrome . Post-thoracotomy pain syndrome is relatively common and is seen in approximately 50% of patients after thoracotomy. It is a chronic condition, and about 30% of patients might still experience pain 4 to 5 years after surgery.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age ≥ 18 years.
• Both sexes.
• American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) physical status I-III.
• Scheduled for open thoracotomy.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with neurological or intellectual disability.
• Infection at the injection site.
• Opioid addiction.
• Allergic reaction to local anesthetics.
• Coagulation abnormalities.
• Drug abuse.
• Pregnancy.
• Severe liver and/or renal failure.
• Uncontrolled hypertension.
• Severe cardiovascular problems.
• Diabetes mellitus.