Ultrasound guided External Oblique Intercostal (EOI) block for unplanned open cholecystectomy.

Upper abdominal incisions such as oblique subcostal laparotomy are associated with significant pain and respiratory compromise and are often managed with either epidural or peripheral nerve blocks.  These procedures can be technically difficult to place due to several factors including patient's body habitus, obesity and proximity to the surgical site as well as skill of the regional provider.  External oblique intercostal (EOI) block is a novel regional procedure that is simple and easier to perform and has been associated with excellent pain control.  Our case highlights the use of continuous EOI blocks for postoperative pain management in a robotic assisted laparoscopic converted to open common bile exploration