Ilioinguinal/Iliohypogastric Block for Inguinal Hernia Repair

Postoperative Recovery Time in Inguinal Hernia Repair Under Ilioinguinal, Iliohypogastric Nerve Block and Sedation Versus General Anesthesia: a Propensity Score Matched-cohort Retrospective Study

Inguinal hernia have traditionally been done under general anesthesia. While safe, general anesthesia is associated with potential postoperative nausea/vomiting and drowsiness. Additionally, the recent COVID19 pandemic has heightened the precaution to avoid aerosol generating procedures (AGP) if possible. General anesthesia requires airway manipulation, thus necessitate performing an AGP. Recently, we began using peripheral nerve block and sedation as primary anesthetic technique for inguinal hernia repairs. While surgeon administered local anesthetic, also known as local infiltration, has been done for inguinal hernia repair, using specific nerve blocks and sedation has not been compared with general anesthesia. We believe the advantage of this novel technique can improve postoperative recovery. This retrospective study will compare the total hospital length of stay of those receiving nerve blocks and sedation as primary anesthetic techniques versus those with general anesthesia.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 18 years or older
• American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Physical Status I to III
• Body Mass Index (BMI) less than 45
• Single hernia repair, elective, ambulatory surgery

Exclusion Criteria:

• Opioid dependence (30 mg oral morphine equivalents daily or more)
• History of malignant hyperthermia
• Pregnancy