External Oblique Intercostal Plane Block Versus Subcostal Transversus Abdominis Plane Block in Supra-umbilical Surgical Incisions

External Oblique Intercostal Plane Block Versus Subcostal Transversus Abdominis Plane Block in Supra-umbilical Surgical Incisions

External Oblique Intercostal Plane Block Versus Subcostal Transversus Abdominis Plane Block in Supra-umbilical Surgical Incisions; Randomized Controlled Double Blinded Clinical Trial

Various newer techniques have been proposed to enhance analgesia in upper abdominal region. The subcostal transverse abdominis plane (SCTAP) block is the deposition of local anesthetic in the transverse abdominis plane inferior and parallel to the costal margin. There is a growing consensus that the SCTAP block provides better analgesia for upper abdominal incisions than the traditional transverse abdominis plane block. The External oblique intercostal plane (EOIP) block is a novel technique reported by Hamilton et al. performed EOPB by administering LA superior or deep of the external oblique muscle from the sixth intercostal space leading to the blockage of thoracoabdominal nerves at T6-T10. It has several attractive aspects such as easy sono-anatomy ribs one strip of muscle so easy to demonstrate even in obese patients, there is a bony backstop, easy expandable fascial plane that can accommodate a catheter and it is shallow block with no big vessels nearby.

A high-frequency linear ultrasound probe will be placed in a longitudinal parasagittal orientation at the sixth intercostal space in the anterior midaxillary line. A 21G 10 cm needle will be inserted using an in plane approach. The tip of the needle will be placed into the fascial plane on the deep aspect of the external oblique muscle. A volume of 20 mL of LA mixture (10 mL of bupivacaine 0.5%, 5 mL of lidocaine 2% and 5 mL of normal saline to make a mixture totaling 20 ml.) will be injected.

The US probe will be placed immediately below the costal margin on oblique plane toward the lateral close to midline to identify the rectus abdominis muscle. The transversus abdominis muscle will be identified lying posterior to the rectus muscle. An 8cm 22-gauge block needle will be inserted using an in- plane approach. transversus abdominis plane will be accessed by placing the needle adjacent to costal margin but medial to linea semilunaris. The needle will be advanced slowly in-plane to promote hydrodissection along the oblique subcostal line. A volume of 20 mL of LA mixture (10 mL of bupivacaine 0.5%, 5 mL of lidocaine 2% and 5 mL of normal saline to make a mixture totaling 20 ml.) will be injected.

Inclusion Criteria: American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status grade I -II, Scheduled to undergo elective supra-umbilical surgeries under GA (epigastric herniotomy- gastrectomy- open cholecystectomy- nephrectomy). Exclusion Criteria: Allergy to local anesthetics, Infection at the site of injection, Coagulopathy, Chronic pain syndromes, Prolonged opioid medication, Patients who received any analgesic 24 h before surgery. Chronic liver disease, chronic renal disease, and cognitive impairment.