An interventional study of Modified External Oblique Intercostal Plane Block and Serratus Intercostal Plane Block in Pain Management, sponsored by Beni-Suef University. Not yet recruiting at 1 site in Egypt. Open to participants aged 18 Years to 65 Years, including healthy volunteers. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-11-09.
Sponsored by Beni-Suef University · Not applicable, Interventional, and Treatment
This prospective randomized study aims to compare ultrasound-guided modified external oblique intercostal plane block versus serratus intercostal plane block regarding postoperative analgesia, opioid consumption, and perioperative outcomes after laparoscopic nephrectomy.
Effective postoperative pain management following laparoscopic nephrectomy is essential for enhanced recovery, early mobilization, reduction of postoperative complications, and improved patient satisfaction. Although laparoscopic nephrectomy is considered less invasive than open surgery, patients may still experience moderate to severe postoperative pain resulting from trocar insertion, abdominal wall trauma, diaphragmatic irritation caused by pneumoperitoneum, and visceral manipulation during surgery. Inadequate pain control may lead to delayed ambulation, impaired respiratory function, prolonged hospital stay, and increased opioid consumption with its related adverse effects such as nausea, vomiting, sedation, and respiratory depression.
Multimodal analgesia has become a cornerstone in perioperative pain management aiming to minimize opioid requirements while improving analgesic quality. Ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia techniques have gained increasing popularity as part of multimodal analgesic protocols because of their effectiveness and favorable safety profile.
The modified external oblique intercostal plane (M-EOIP) block is a relatively recent interfascial plane block described for upper abdominal analgesia. The block targets the anterior and lateral cutaneous branches of the thoracoabdominal nerves by deposition of local anesthetic between the external oblique and intercostal muscles near the costal margin. Previous studies have demonstrated promising analgesic efficacy of this technique in upper abdominal surgeries with reduction in postoperative opioid requirements.
The serratus intercostal plane block (SIPB) is another ultrasound-guided fascial plane block that provides thoracoabdominal analgesia through blockade of the lateral cutaneous branches of the intercostal nerves. It has been successfully used in thoracic, breast, and upper abdominal surgeries and has shown effectiveness in reducing postoperative pain scores and opioid consumption.
Both techniques are relatively superficial and can be safely performed under ultrasound guidance with a low incidence of complications. However, the M-EOIP block may provide broader anterior abdominal wall coverage, whereas the serratus intercostal plane block may offer more lateral thoracoabdominal analgesia. Despite the growing interest in interfascial plane blocks, there is still limited evidence directly comparing the analgesic efficacy of M-EOIP block and SIPB after laparoscopic nephrectomy.
Beni-Suef University is the lead sponsor of 349 studies on the registry; 125 are open to participants now.
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Go through the criteria one by one — yes, no or not sure — and take the list to your doctor or the study team. Kept in this browser only.
Elective laparoscopic nephrectomy Aged 18-65 years, Belonging to I-III 18-35 kg/m².
Exclusion Criteria:
Patient refusal Coagulopathy Infection at injection site, Allergy to local anesthetics Chronic opioid use Severe hepatic impairment Pregnancy Neurological disorders affecting pain perception.
Underlined terms in the criteria open these too. Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
The anaesthetists’ scale of health before surgery: I is healthy, II has a mild illness that is under control, III a severe one, IV a severe illness that is a constant threat to life. V and VI are used for the critically ill and for organ donors.
Weight in kilograms divided by height in metres squared. Example: 70 kg and 1.75 m gives 70 ÷ (1.75 × 1.75) ≈ 22.9.
What counts as overweight or obesity differs between countries (some use lower cut-offs), so go by the range the study states.
ASA physical status
The anaesthetists’ scale of health before surgery: I is healthy, II has a mild illness that is under control, III a severe one, IV a severe illness that is a constant threat to life. V and VI are used for the critically ill and for organ donors.
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
BMI (body mass index)
Weight in kilograms divided by height in metres squared. Example: 70 kg and 1.75 m gives 70 ÷ (1.75 × 1.75) ≈ 22.9.
What counts as overweight or obesity differs between countries (some use lower cut-offs), so go by the range the study states.
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
Ultrasound-guided injection between the external oblique muscle and intercostal muscles along the costal margin.
Procedure: Modified External Oblique Intercostal Plane Block
Ultrasound-guided injection at the level of the serratus anterior muscle targeting lateral cutaneous branches of intercostal nerves.
Procedure: Serratus Intercostal Plane Block
Ultrasound-guided injection between the external oblique muscle and intercostal muscles along the costal margin.
Ultrasound-guided injection at the level of the serratus anterior muscle targeting lateral cutaneous branches of intercostal nerves.
• Total morphine consumption during the first 24 hours postoperatively.
Time frame: during the first 24 hours postoperative.
Postoperative pain score (VAS)
Time frame: at 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 hours post operative.
Patient satisfaction score
Time frame: during the first 24 hours postoperative.
From the registry record's own update history. This site started tracking changes on Sep 25, 2026; for anything earlier, see the record history on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
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