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

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

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

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.
• Severe cardiovascular problems.