n obese patients, adequate pain relief in the postoperative period is a crucial parameter that affects patient comfort and hospital stay. Improving patient comfort and recovery quality can be achieved by minimizing undesirable effects such as nausea, vomiting, and inadequate analgesia. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the external oblique intercostal block on postoperative dermatomal distribution, acute pain scores, and opioid consumption during the first 24 hours after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy surgery.
In this observational study, patients undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy who received either superficial or deep parasternal intercostal plane blocks were evaluated for sensory distribution. Sensory assessment was conducted by a blinded investigator 30 minutes after block administration. Cold sensation testing was performed using small ice tubes applied to the abdominal wall. Sensations were categorized as Normal, Reduced, or No cold. A successful block was defined as the loss or reduction of cold sensitivity within the expected dermatomal distribution, whereas a normal cold sensation was considered block failure. Assessments began at the midline, including the epigastric region and trocar insertion sites, and progressed laterally toward the anterior axillary line. The extent of sensory coverage was recorded on the skin surface, and marked dermatomal areas were subsequently subjected to digital analysis. To evaluate block duration, regression of sensory changes was reassessed at 12 and 24 hours postoperatively using the same cold sensation criteria.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
20
Bilateral ultrasound-guided EOIB (total of 60 ml, %0.25 bupivacaine) will be performed + IV morphine PCA Patients scheduled for LSG will receive a Bilateral ultrasound guided external oblique intercostal block (EOIB) preoperatively, and sensory block status will be evaluated after 30 minutes.
ıV PCA of 0,5mg/ml morphine (the bolus dose is 20 μg/kg, the lock-in time of 6-10 minutes, the 4-hour limit is adjusted to be 80% of the calculated total amount).
Ondokuz Mayis University
Samsun, Turkey (Türkiye)
Extent of Sensory Blockade Measured by Cold Sensation Testing Across the Upper Abdominal Wall Following External Oblique Intercostal Block
Participants will undergo sensory assessment using a standardized cold sensation test at 30 minutes post-block to evaluate the maximum sensory blockade. The data will be recorded as the area of sensory loss (in cm) along the anterior abdominal wall, and the results will be aggregated to report the maximum area of sensory blockade achieved with the external oblique intercostal block. Cold sensation will be categorized as Normal Cold, Reduced Cold, or No Cold Sensation. A successful block is defined as a complete loss or reduction of cold sensitivity.
Time frame: 30 minutes after the blocks
Cumulative opioid consumption in the first 24 hours after surgery
The secondary outcome will be defined as cumulative opioid consumption during the first 12 hours following surgery, calculated in intravenous morphine milligram equivalents (IV-MME). This will include both PCA-administered morphine and rescue intravenous tramadol, in accordance with the standardized ESAIC conversion guidelines. Patients may request opioids using a PCA device when their NRS score is ≥ 4.
Time frame: Postoperative Day 1
Acute pain scores
Pain at rest and while coughing will be assessed by numerical rating scale (NRS) scores at 0, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 hours after extubation. The NRS is an 11-point numeric scale that ranges from 0 to 10. The NRS is an 11-point scale consisting of integers from 0 to 10: 0 indicates "no pain" and 10 indicates "the worst pain ever possible." One day before the surgery, all patients will be informed about NRS and instructed on how to use a patient-controlled analgesia device.
Time frame: Postoperative Day 1
The number of patients who required rescue analgesia
The number of patients requiring rescue analgesics will be recorded over 24 hours.
Time frame: Postoperative Day 1
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The incidences of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV)
The severity of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) will be assessed using a descriptive verbal rating scale at 0, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 hours after extubation. If a score of 3 or more, ondansetron 4 mg IV will be administered and will repeat after 8 hours if required. The PONV scale is 0 = no nausea; 1 = slight nausea; 2 = moderate nausea; 3 = vomiting once; and 4 = vomiting more than once.
Time frame: Postoperative Day 1
The number of patients with complications
The number of patients has any complications -directly related to the block or the drug used in the block- will be recorded
Time frame: Postoperative 7 days on an average
Regression of Sensory Blockade at 12 and 24 Hours Post-Block
Block regression will be evaluated at 12 and 24 hours after block administration using cold sensation testing with ice tubes. The cold sensation will be categorized as Normal Cold, Reduced Cold, or No Cold Sensation. Participants who report Normal Cold sensation will be considered to have experienced block regression.
Time frame: Postoperative Day 1