External Oblique Intercostal Plane Block Versus Port-Site Infiltration for Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: A Randomized Controlled Study

Purpose Although laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is a minimally invasive surgery, postoperative pain is common. A novel block, the external oblique intercostal (EOI) block, can be used as part of multimodal analgesia for upper abdominal surgeries. The aim of our study is to investigate the effectiveness of EOI block in patients undergoing LSG. Materials and Methods Sixty patients were assigned into two groups either EOI or port-site infiltration (PSI). The EOI group received ultrasound-guided 30 ml 0.25% bupivacaine, while the PSI group received 5 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine at each port sites by the surgeon. Data on clinical and demographic were collected and analyzed. Results There were no statistical differences in terms of demographic details (p > 0.05). VAS scores were statistically lower during resting at PACU, 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12 h postoperatively in the EOI group than PSI group (p < 0.05), The VAS scores were also lower during active movement at PACU, 1, 2, 4, and 8 h postoperatively in the EOI group than PSI group (p < 0.05). Twenty-four-hour fentanyl consumption was lower in the EOI than in the PSI group (505.83 +/- 178.56 vs. 880.83 +/- 256.78 mu g, respectively, p < 0.001). Rescue analgesia was higher in PSI group than EOI group (26/30 vs. 14/30, respectively, p = 0.001). Conclusion EOI block can be used as a part of multimodal analgesia due to its simplicity and effective postoperative analgesia in LSG.