Comparison of TAP (Transversus Abdominis Plane) and Ilioinguinal/Iliohypogastric Nerve Block for Analgesia of Open Inguinal Herniorrhaphy

Comparison Between Two Ultrasound-guided Blocks (Transversus Abdominis Plane and Ilioinguinal/Iliohypogastric Nerve Blocks) for Pain Relief After Open Inguinal Herniorrhaphy

TAP was recommended by PROSPECT for further investigation as an appropriate analgesic method after open herniorrhaphy. Ilioinguinal/iliohypogastric nerve block is one of the oldest methods of analgesia. The researchers wish to investigate whether the TAP block is as effective as the ilioinguinal/iliohypogastric nerve block?

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients undergoing elective primary unilateral open tension-free mesh inguinal hernia repair

Exclusion Criteria:

• Inability to consent to the study
• BMI more than 40
• Skin infection near injection site
• Chronic hepatic or renal failure
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Proven opioid dependency
• Coagulopathy
• Thrombocytopenia
• Dementia
• Lack of orientation
• Impossibility to understand VAS
• Patients suffering from chronic pain