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

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.