Comparison of a Bilateral TAP Block and Preperitoneal Instillation of Local Anesthetic for a Total Extraperitoneal (TEP) Repair

Comparison of an Ultrasound Guided Bilateral Transversus Abdominis Plane Block With Dexamethasone and Preperitoneal Instillation of Local Anesthetic With Dexamethasone to a Standard Anesthetic Technique for Analgesic Efficacy and Patient Satisfaction Following a Total Extraperitoneal Bilateral Inguinal Hernia Repair: A Prospective Randomized Single Blinded Study

Comparison of an ultrasound guided bilateral TAP (transversus abdominis plane) block with dexamethasone and preperitoneal instillation of local anesthetic with dexamethasone under direct visualization will be compared it to a standard anesthetic technique (control) following a TEP (total extraperitoneal) bilateral hernia repair. The investigators are hypothesizing that the bilateral TAP block and preperitoneal instillation of local anesthetics with the addition of dexamethasone are superior in terms of patient satisfaction and post-operative pain control when compared to a standard anesthetic technique (no regional technique).

Inclusion Criteria:

• 18-80 yrs of age
• American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status 1-3
• Scheduled for outpatient TEP bilateral inguinal hernia repair

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients refusal to participate
• inability to give consent
• drug allergies to medications used in study
• pregnancy
• bleeding diathesis
• conversion to an open procedure
• any subject whose anatomy, or surgical procedure, in the opinion of the investigator might preclude the potential successful performance of a TAP block
• any subject whose anatomy, or surgical procedure, in the opinion of the investigator, might preclude the potential successful performance of a TAP block