Spinal and General Anesthesia in Neonates Undergoing Herniorrhaphy

Comparison Between Spinal and General Anesthesia in Neonates Undergoing Herniorrhaphy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

The aim of this study is to compare spinal and general anesthesia in neonates undergoing herniorrhaphy.

Spinal anesthesia (SA) is a fast, simple and cost-effective method that has been used for the performance of inguinal hernias since the beginning of the 20th century in adults.

One large observational study documented a low risk of post operative events with spinal anesthesia for inguinal hernia repair in infants . In addition, a randomized trial comparing reginal and general anesthesia in this population have not shown any significant differences in outcome. Spinal anesthesia reduces postoperative oxygen desaturation and respiratory morbidity when compared to general anesthesia (GA) in infants who underwent inguinal herniorrhaphy

Inclusion Criteria:

• Neonates either full term or preterm.
• Both sexes.
• American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I-II
• Undergoing unilateral or bilateral inguinal herniorrhaphy.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Obstructed hernia.
• Neonates with significant chronic lung disease (e.g., disease associated with hypoxemia in room air or chronic hypercapnia).
• Symptomatic congenital heart disease (e.g., cyanosis or congestive heart failure).
• Symptomatic central nervous system disease (e.g., seizures).