Single-shot Intercostal Nerve Block as an Adjunct to Post-operative Pain Control for Upper Abdominal Surgery in the Obese Patient

One hundred and ninety-two obese patients presented for upper abdominal surgery, of which 110 received general anaesthesia with opioid analgesia and 82 patients received general anaesthesia with opioid analgesia plus a single-shot intercostal nerve block of 0.5% bupivacaine in 1:200,000 adrenaline. A significant increase in the time to first post-operative opioid dose and a significant reduction in the number of doses over the first 12 and 24 h periods were noted in the patients receiving intercostal nerve block.