Definition Indications To relieve the sympathetic response and associated stress/endocrine response to abdominal surgery. Often times used in conjunction with an intercostal nerve block. Subspecialty Pain and Regional Anesthesia Related Media Keyword history 83%/2008 See Also: Sources Wedel DJ, Horlocker TT. Nerve Blocks. Chapter 52. In: Miller’s Anesthesia. 7th Edition. Saunders; 2009. PubMed