Tension-Free Inguinal Hernia Repair in Local Anaesthesia versus Spinal Anaesthesia

Background : Inguinal hernia is a common presentation in surgical clinics. In the past, the hernia surgeries were done under general and spinal anesthesia. Recently local anesthesia is being increasingly used due to the increased efficacy of local anesthetics and economic reasons. We in the current study tried to evaluate the effectiveness of Lichtenstein repair under local anesthesia and spinal anesthesia and the overall outcomes of both methods. Methods : This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of General Surgery, Prathima Institute of Medical Sciences, Naganoor, Karimnagar. Successive cases of uncomplicated inguinal hernia were selected for the study. A total of n=60 cases randomly allotted in two groups The LA group and SA group were taken and studied. Post-operatively VAS scale was used to evaluate pain, other postoperative complications such as testicular swelling and pain, urinary retention, nausea/vomiting, postural hypotension, and wound infections were recorded. Results : The age of the patient varied from 20 to 80 years with the highest prevalence noted in the age group of 41 to 60 years. The Mean age of presentation is 51.3 years. The anatomical location and type of hernia are given in table 1. 60.9% of inguinal hernia in this study was an indirect type, 30.4% was direct, 6.5% was pantaloons type and 2.2% was Ogilvie's hernia. Out of 74 patients, 62.1% had a right-sided inguinal hernia compared to the left side which accounted for 37.8%. Complication records showed N=9(23.7%) of the SA group and n=8(22.2%) LA group developed scrotal edema and in total n=17(23%) developed scrotal edema. N=7(18.4%) patients in the SA group and n=7(19.4%) in the LA group developed seroma and in total patients, n=14(18.9%) developed seroma. Conclusion: Lichtenstein tension-free hernioplasty done under local anesthesia is with less immediate postoperative complications, also the best suitable for patients with medical comorbidities and those who are on antiplatelet therapy where spinal anesthesia is contraindicated.