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

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

This study aims to evaluate the role of dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant in external oblique intercostal plane block for post-thoracotomy pain.

External oblique intercostal plane block (EOIPB) is a novel block that has been described as an important modification of the fascial plane blocks that can consistently involve the upper lateral abdominal walls.

Dexmedetomidine is a selective alpha 2- adrenoceptor agonist possessing sedative, anxiolytic, and analgesic properties without the development of respiratory depression.

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.
• Drug abuse.
• Allergic reaction to local anesthetics.
• Coagulation abnormalities.
• Pregnancy.
• Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥35 kg/m2.
• Severe cardiovascular problems.
• Diabetic neuropathy.