External Oblique and Rectus Abdominis Plane (EXORA) Block for Postoperative Analgesia in Patients Undergoing Umbilical Hernia Repair

External Oblique and Rectus Abdominis Plane (EXORA) Block for Postoperative Analgesia in Patients Undergoing Umbilical Hernia Repair: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This study aims to evaluate the effect of the external oblique and rectus abdominis plane (EXORA) block for postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing umbilical hernia repair.

Umbilical hernias account for approximately 6-14% of adult abdominal wall hernias. These hernias are typically acquired and are mainly caused by increased abdominal pressure. Umbilical hernias do not heal on their own and usually require surgical intervention.

The external oblique and rectus abdominis plane (EXORA) block is an emerging technique providing a sensory block to the anterolateral abdominal wall. The EXORA block involves local anaesthetic injection into the fascial plane between the external oblique and rectus abdominis muscles. This method provides better dermatomal coverage, making the EXORA block particularly effective in the treatment of somatic pain in the anterolateral area of the upper and middle abdomen.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age from 18 to 65 years.
• Both sexes.
• American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) physical status I-II.
• Undergoing umbilical hernia repair.

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of allergies to local anesthetics.
• Bleeding or coagulation disorders.
• Anatomical abnormalities.
• Psychiatric and neurological disorders.
• Local infection at the site of injection.
• Complicated hernial defects [strangulated, incarcerated, or obstructed cases].