Efficacy of external oblique intercostal plane block in postoperative analgesia following laparoscopic radical nephrectomy

Background/aim: 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. Materials and methods: 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. Results: 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). Conclusion: 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.