CURRENT APPROACHES TO PERIOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT OF PATIENTS WITH INGUINAL HERNIAS (LITERATURE REVIEW)

Abstract

The article provides literature review on current approaches to perioperative treatment of patients with inguinal hernias (IH) based on the principles of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS). The ERAS algorithm includes all evidence-based perioperative elements that affect rapid recovery after surgery, reduce the incidence of complications and potential mortality. There are three stages of patient management: preoperative examination, selection of an adequate method of surgical treatment, anesthesia during surgery and in the postoperative period. Thorough examination of patients before surgery and identification of potential risk factors associated with comorbidities are important to reduce the risk of morbidity and recurrences. Effective dynamic perioperative pain management is a prerequisite for optimal recovery after surgery. The first step in managing pain under the ERAS concept is choosing the correct type of surgery. Preference should be given to the least traumatic operations, i.e., laparoscopic or endoscopic hernioplasty. According to PROSPECT recommendations, analgesics should be started before and continued during surgery, which will provide adequate analgesia in the early postoperative period. The combination of paracetamol, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and a selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor (COX-2) provides good analgesia and reduces opioid use. The transverse abdominal block (TAP block), as a type of regional anesthesia, is safe for patients with IH, reduces the postoperative need for narcotic analgesics, reduces the frequency of postoperative nausea and vomiting and pain intensity. Regional anesthesia reduces the length of a patient’s stay in the operating room and is associated with a lower risk of urinary retention in the postoperative period (compared to neuroaxial anesthesia). After the operation patient should be activated as soon as possible, and this is possible under conditions of sufficient analgesia, which is best achieved by combining systemic analgesics and TAP block. Antimicrobial prophylaxis should be performed in all patients undergoing elective surgery for IH. Since some patients experience significant limitations in daily activities due to chronic postoperative inguinal pain, it is necessary to consider all risk factors for chronic pain after surgery to prevent its development.