# Efficacy of the external oblique intercostal plane block for postoperative analgesia after laparoscopic radical nephrectomy

## TL;DR

This study shows that the external oblique intercostal plane block reduces pain medication use after laparoscopic kidney surgery.

## Contribution

The study demonstrates the effectiveness of EOIB for postoperative analgesia in laparoscopic radical nephrectomy.

## Key findings

- EOIB group used significantly less tramadol compared to the control group.
- Pain scores were lower in the EOIB group at rest and during movement.
- EOIB provides effective postoperative analgesia for laparoscopic kidney surgery.

## Abstract

The external oblique intercostal plane block (EOIB) is a regional anesthesia technique that may be utilized for the management of postoperative pain following laparoscopic radical nephrectomy. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of EOIB after laparoscopic radical nephrectomy by comparing 24 h tramadol consumption between groups.

Initially, 66 patients were enrolled in the study, and after exclusions, 60 were analyzed and divided into two groups: the EOIB group and the control group. Postoperative tramadol consumption, pain scores at rest and during movement, and dermatomal coverage of the block were recorded.

The EOIB group (181.33 ± 57.038 mg) showed significantly lower tramadol consumption compared to the control group (283.33 ± 49.013 mg; p < 0.05). In the EOIB group, numerical rating scale scores at 0, 2, 4, and 6 h were significantly lower both at rest and during movement (p < 0.05).

EOIB resulted in lower tramadol consumption compared to the control group. These findings indicate that EOIB is an effective regional anesthesia technique that can enhance postoperative analgesia.