Comparison of Quadratus Lumborum and Combined Groin Nerve Blocks for Postoperative Analgesia After Open Inguinal Hernia Repair.

Comparing Ultrasound-guided Lateral Quadratus Lumborum Block Versus Combined Ilio-inguinal/Ilio-hypogastric /Genitofemoral Block for Postoperative Analgesia After Open Inguinal Hernia Repair: A Double-blind Randomized Controlled Trial

This double-blind randomized controlled trial aimes to compares two ultrasound-guided regional techniques-lateral quadratus lumborum block versus combined ilio-inguinal/ilio-hypogastric/genitofemoral (II-IH-GFN) block-for postoperative analgesia after elective unilateral open inguinal hernia repair under spinal anesthesia in adults.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adults aged 18-75 years.
• ASA physical status I-III.
• Scheduled for elective unilateral open inguinal hernia repair under standardized spinal anesthesia.
• Able to understand and use the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS).
• Provided written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Allergy to local anesthetics.
• Coagulopathy or current use of anticoagulants contraindicating peripheral nerve blocks.
• Infection at the injection site.
• Chronic opioid use (daily opioids >2 weeks) or chronic pain syndromes.
• Body mass index (BMI) >40 kg/m².
• Conversion to other surgery or bilateral repair.
• Pregnant patients.
• Refusal to sign informed consent.