Unilateral Inguinal Hernia Repair Research Articles

Bupivacaine/Dexmedetomidine versus Bupivacaine Alone in Caudal Block for Toddlers Undergoing Unilateral Open Inguinal Hernia Repair

Abstract Background Unilateral open inguinal hernia repair surgeries are one of the most frequently performed operations in the pediatric population. Regional anesthetic techniques are commonly used for better control of pain in pediatrics. the most widely used technique of regional anaesthesia in pediatrics is the caudal block. Objective To evaluate the analgesic and sedative effect of dexmedetomedine when given caudally as an adjuvant to bupivacaine in caudal block vs bupivacaine alone in toddlers undergoing unilateral Open inguinal hernia repair surgeries. Patients and Methods The study was conducted on 50 randomly chosen patients in Ain Shams University Hospitals after approval of the medical ethical committee. Patients were divided randomly into two groups; each group consisted of 25 patients. After preoperative assessment and obtaining baseline vital data, all patients received general anesthesia. Results The result of the study reveals that the addition of dexmedetomedine at 1μg/kg to bupivacaine 0.25% in caudal blocks can effectively prolong the duration of postoperative analgesia and causes better sedation than using bupivacaine alone in caudal blocks at similar doses in pediatrics. Conclusion From our study we can conclude that the addition of dexmedetomedine at 1μg/kg to bupivacaine 0.25% in caudal blocks can effectively prolong the duration of postoperative analgesia and causes better sedation in the toddlers undergoing unilateral open inguinal hernia repair surgeries. It is better than using bupivacaine alone in caudal blocks at similar doses.

A Comparative Study between Ultrasound Guided Ilioingunial/Iliohypogastric Nerve Block versus Transversus Abdominis Plane Block in Patients Undergoing Unilateral Oblique Inguinal Hernia Repair

Abstract Background Combined ilioinguinal-iliohypogastric (IIN/IHN) block and transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block are used under ultrasound (USG) visualization for postoperative pain control in patients undergoing unilateral inguinal hernia repair surgery. Patients and Methods This study compares USG-guided TAP versus IIN/IHN block for post-operative analgesia efficacy in adults undergoing inguinal hernia surgery, among 60 patients randomized into group A received IIN+IHN blocks by using levobupivacaine 0.25% 20 ml and group B received TAP block by using levobupivacaine 0.25% 20 ml after induction of general anesthesia. Results There is highly statistically significant increase mean of ilioinguinal /illiohypogastric block (II/IH) group compared to TAP block group according to time to rescue analgesia (min) (p < 0.001). Conclusions USG-guided IIN/IHN block delays the need for rescue analgesia and reduces the postoperative analgesic requirement compared to USG-guided TAP block.

A Comparative Study Between Ultrasound-Guided Ilioingunial/Iliohypogastric Nerve Block versus Transverse Abdominis Plane Block in Patients Undergoing Oblique Inguinal Hernia Repair

Abstract Background Poorly controlled acute pain after abdominal surgery is related to somatic pain signals derived from the abdominal wall and is associated with a variety of unwanted post-operative consequences, including patient suffering, distress, respiratory complications, delirium, myocardial ischemia and prolonged hospital stay. Objective Regional anesthesia by (Ultrasound guided (US) Transversus abdominis plane block (TAP) or Ultrasound guided ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric nerves (IIN+IHN) block may be used as components of multimodal anesthesia with a comparable effect. In the present study, Bupivacaine is used to compare between them following inguinal hernia repair. Patients and Methods The study was conducted on 60 randomly chosen patients aged above 18 years, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class I or II scheduled for elective unilateral open inguinal hernia repair under general anesthesia, in Ain Shams University Hospitals after approval of the medical ethical committee. They were allocated in two groups. TAP block Group: received general anesthesia and (0.2 mL/kg of 0.25% bupivacaine per side), by midaxillary approach, under ultrasound guidance, the probe was placed transversely between the iliac crest and costal margin. Ilioinguinal/ iliohypogastric nerves block group: received general anesthesia, with (0.2 mL/kg of 0.25% bupivacaine per side). The inferior portion of linear ultrasound transducer will be placed over the anterior superior iliac spine with the superior margin of the transducer pointed directly in an oblique plane toward the umbilicus. The superior margin of the ultrasound transducer was slowly rotated superiorly and inferiorly until the fascial plane between the internal oblique and transverse abdominis muscle is identified. Results The results of the study revealed that patients received IIN+IHN block had significantly lower pain scores at 8, 12, 16, 20, and 24 hrs after operation, delayed time for rescue analgesia and decreased total need of analgesic in the first 24hrs post-operative compared to patients who received TAP nerves block. Conclusion IIN+IHN block was effective in reducing postoperative pain scores for 4-6 hours, lowering total 24-h postoperative opioid and analgesic consumption and delaying the need for rescue analgesia after inguinal hernia repair under general anesthesia, compared to TAP nerves block. It will be more useful to study in high-risk hypertensive and cardiac patients and to correlate with plasma catecholamine levels, which reflect the stress response and it is necessary to evaluate postoperative pain on movement in farther studies.

Quality of life following laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal repair of a unilateral reducible inguinal hernia.

Laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal (TEP) inguinal hernia repair has become increasingly favored over open Lichtenstein tension-free mesh repair owing to its associated benefits, including reduced postoperative pain, early return to normal activities, and a comparable recurrence rate. In recent years, emphasis has been placed on patient-reported outcomes, particularly health-related quality of life (QOL), as a critical metric for evaluating surgical success. This study aimed to evaluate the overall QOL following laparoscopic TEP repair of unilateral inguinal hernia. This prospective study enrolled patients aged 18 years or older who underwent elective laparoscopic TEP hernia repair for unilateral inguinal hernia from April 2020 to March 2022. Data collected include demographic details, hernia characteristics, postoperative complications, and postoperative QOL assessment. The Short Form 36 Health Survey Version 2 (SF-36v2), a validated general QoL questionnaire, was administered preoperatively and at 1 month, 6 months, and 1 year postoperatively. Statistical analysis utilized paired t-tests for comparisons, with significance set at a p-value <.05. A cohort of 49 patients, with a mean (standard deviation) age of 56.7 (14.0) years, predominantly comprising 47 men, was available for evaluation. Complications were observed in three (6.1%) of cases, with seroma/hematoma occurring in two patients and a wound infection necessitating antibiotic treatment in one patient. Notably, there were no instances of recurrence during the study period. Postoperative assessments revealed significant improvements in both physical and mental health at 1 month, with continued improvement noted up to 12 months. Laparoscopic TEP inguinal hernia repair has been shown to improve both physical and mental health in patients with unilateral reducible inguinal hernia, with the majority of the improvement typically occurring within the initial month following surgery. It is crucial to communicate these improvement trends to patients undergoing hernia repair to help manage their expectations effectively.

Is mesh pore size in polypropylene meshes associated with the outcome in Lichtenstein inguinal hernia repair: a registry-based analysis of 22,141 patients.

Experimental data show that large-pored meshes reduce foreign body reaction, inflammation and scar bridging and thus improve mesh integration. However, clinical data on the effect of mesh porosity on the outcome of hernioplasty are limited. This study investigated the relation of pore size in polypropylene meshes to the outcome of Lichtenstein inguinal hernioplasty using data from the Herniamed registry. This analysis of data from the Herniamed registry evaluated perioperative and 1-year follow-up outcomes in patients undergoing elective, primary, unilateral Lichtenstein inguinal hernia repair using polypropylene meshes. Patients operated with a non-polypropylene mesh or a polypropylene mesh with absorbable components were excluded. Polypropylene meshes with a pore size of 1.0×1.0mm or less were defined as small-pored meshes, while a pore size of more than 1.0×1.0mm was considered large-pored. Unadjusted analyses and multivariable analyses were performed to investigate the relation of pore size of polypropylene meshes, patient and surgical characteristics to the outcome parameters. Data from 22,141 patients were analyzed, of which 6853 (31%) were operated on with a small-pore polypropylene mesh and 15,288 (69%) with a large-pore polypropylene mesh. No association of mesh pore size with intraoperative, general or postoperative complications, recurrence rate or pain requiring treatment was found at 1-year follow-up. A lower risk of complication-related reoperation tended to be associated with small-pore size (p=0.086). Furthermore, small-pore mesh repair was associated with a lower risk of pain at rest and pain on exertion at 1-year follow-up. The present study could not demonstrate an advantage of large-pore polypropylene meshes for the outcome of Lichtenstein inguinal hernioplasty.

Bupivacaine vs. Ropivacaine with Dexmedetomidine for Unilateral Inguinal Hernia Repair: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Bupivacaine vs. Ropivacaine with Dexmedetomidine for Unilateral Inguinal Hernia Repair: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Laparoscopic iliopubic tract repair for asymptomatic contralateral occult inguinal hernia.

Metachronous contralateral inguinal hernia (MCIH) may occur after unilateral inguinal hernia (IH) repair, potentially as a result of occult IH (OIH). Contralateral OIH can be checked for during laparoscopic transabdominal hernioplasty for the treatment of unilateral IH. This study aims to assess the efficacy of laparoscopic iliopubic tract repair (IPTR) in treating contralateral OIH to reduce MCIH. The medical charts of 3165 patients aged > 18years who underwent laparoscopic transabdominal hernioplasty for unilateral IH from January 2013 to December 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were categorized into two groups based on contralateral OIH presence: negative OIH (nOIH, 2657 patients) and OIH (508 patients). In cases of OIH, IPTR was performed, involving suturing of the iliopubic tract and transversalis fascia arch. MCIH was indirect in 26 and direct in 4 patients in the nOIH group, and was direct in 3 patients in the OIH group. The incidence of indirect MCIH was higher in the nOIH group than in the OIH (1.0% [n = 26/2657] vs. 0.0% [n = 0/508], p = 0.048). There was no difference in postoperative complication rates, pain scores, return to daily life, or duration of hospitalization between the nOIH and OIH groups. Laparoscopic IPTR for OIH treatment is an effective method for reducing the risk of indirect MCIH.

Matching males and females undergoing non mesh primary unilateral inguinal hernia repair: evaluating sex differences in preoperative and acute postoperative pain.

The objective was to compare pain and related psychological factors during the preoperative and acute postoperative period between male and female patients, who underwent non mesh primary unilateral inguinal hernia repair. After ethics approval, informed consent was obtained, and data were collected. Male and female participants were compared by manually matching one-to-one on 10 variables. Descriptive statistics (mean ± standard deviation and frequency) as well as numerical rating scales from 0 to 10 were used. Comparison tests were performed using Chi-square or Fisher's Exact test for categorical data and independent samples t-test or non-parametric equivalent tests for numerical scores. p < 0.05 is reported as statistically significant. To control type I error, Bonferroni correction was used. 72 participants with 36 matched pairs were included. Sex differences were found for operation length (p = .006), side of operation (p = .002), and hernia type (p = .013). Significant differences between the sexes were not found at the preoperative or postoperative time for resilience, pain interference or pain severity related measures, postoperative hernia pain incidence, pain catastrophizing, depression and anxiety symptoms, or return to normal activities. When controlling for known confounders and using a conservative Type I error rate, pain and related factors between the sexes did not differ significantly.

Higher rate of chronic pain in young men after open mesh vs nonmesh repair of elective primary unilateral indirect inguinal hernia: A nationwide questionnaire study

PurposeYoung age is a risk factor for chronic pain after inguinal hernia repair, but the role of the mesh in young patients is uncertain. The aim of this study was to assess chronic pain after open mesh versus non-mesh repair of indirect inguinal hernia in young men. Materials and methodsValidated questionnaires were sent to men aged 18–29 years at the time of an elective primary unilateral open repair of an indirect inguinal hernia between 1998 and 2015. Patients were identified in the Danish Hernia Database. Non-mesh repairs were matched 1:3 with mesh repairs (Lichtenstein) on age and follow-up time. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with chronic pain evaluated with the Activity assessment scale. Secondary outcomes included other pain measures and sexual impairment. ResultsIn total, 661 patients were included in this study (77% mesh and 23% non-mesh) with a median follow-up of 14.8 years (range 2.3–20.0) in the mesh group and 15.9 years (range 3.6–20.0) in the non-mesh group. For the primary outcome, 12% of patients in the mesh group compared with 6% in the non-mesh group had chronic pain (p=0.03). Patients in the mesh group had higher odds of chronic pain in adjusted analysis (OR=2.30 [95% confidence interval=1.11–4.77]). More patients in the mesh group had pain during sexual activity (p=0.01), but there were no differences for most of the remaining secondary outcomes. ConclusionYoung men had a higher rate of chronic pain after open mesh compared with non-mesh repair for indirect inguinal hernia, but results should be interpreted with caution.

Enhancing Pain Management for Open Inguinal Hernia Repair With a Novel Long-Acting Bupivacaine Drug Device (Xaracoll®) in Multimodal Pain Control: A Quality Improvement Initiative to Reduce Post-Operative Opioid Prescribing.

Background Xaracoll® is a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Type 1 Bovine collagen-based bupivacaine hydrochloride (HCl) implant developed to provide postoperative pain management for up to 24 hours after open inguinal hernia repair in adults. This retrospective review examinedthe efficacy of Xaracoll® in the management of postoperative pain compared to injectable Bupivacaine. Methods This retrospective study examines 54 patients who underwent unilateral open inguinal hernia repair by a single surgeon over three years. The control group consisted of 36 patients who received injectable Bupivacaine as the local anesthetic. Eighteen patients received the Xaracoll® drug device intra-operatively following the FDA-approved manufacturer's guidelines. Intra-operative analgesics administered and quantified by oral morphine equivalents (OME), opioid administration for pain control postoperatively, opioid prescriptions upon discharge, postoperative pain scores, and turnaround time (TAT) were compared. Results The use of Xaracoll® in inguinal hernia repair is associated with a decrease in the rate of opioid administration in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) (22.2% vs. 52.8%; p = 0.043). In addition, patients requiring opioids in the outpatient setting needed significantly less OME in the Xaracoll® group compared to the control group (52.50 vs. 136.15; p < .001). Conclusion This study demonstrates compelling evidence that Xaracoll® is a useful analgesia adjuvant for inguinal hernia repair, significantly reducing the need for opioids in the PACU and decreasing doses of opioid medications upon discharge.Xaracoll® is effective in minimizing postoperative pain and opioid medication dosages upon discharge as part of a multimodal approach to pain and improving patient experience. Further research is warranted to evaluate Xaracoll®'s role in pain control in the PACU and on discharge.

Comparative evaluation of pre-emptive analgesic efficacy of Posterior Transversus Abdominis Plane block with Fascia Transversalis Plane Block in adult patients undergoing unilateral inguinal hernia repair: A prospective, randomized, single-blind, two-arm parallel study.

Abdominal wall blocks, in conjunction with multimodal analgesia, have demonstrated efficacy in providing post-operative analgesia, reducing opioid requirements in patients undergoing inguinal hernia repair. The inguinal region is primarily innervated by the ilioinguinal nerve (IIN) and iliohypogastric nerve (IIH). Posterior transverse abdominis plane block (pTAP) and fascia transversalis plane block (TFP) have been observed to reliably block IIN and IIH. We hypothesized that posterior TAP block (pTAP) owing to its potential paravertebral spread will provide better post-operative analgesia than TFP block in patients undergoing unilateral open inguinal hernia repair. This prospective, randomized, single-blind, two-arm parallel study was conducted over a duration of one year for which sixty patients undergoing unilateral open inguinal hernia repair under spinal anesthesia were enrolled. They were equally and randomly assigned to receive either preoperative pTAP block or TFP block. The primary aim of the study was to compare median static and dynamic NRS scores during a 24-hour period, with the secondary aim to compare the number of patients who required rescue analgesics in each group. All enrolled patients completed the study. Results showed no statistically significant difference in median static NRS scores between Group pTAP and Group TFP at the designated time of observation during the 24-hour period [1.2 (0.4-1.60 vs. 1 (0.6-1)]. Group pTAP reported a higher median dynamic NRS scores during the 24-hour period [2.6 (1.2-3) v/s 2 (1.6-2.4); P < 0.035], although this difference was clinically insignificant. The mean time to request for the first rescue analgesia was comparable (11.7 h v/s 12 h; P = 0.99). In all the patients of both groups, loss of pinprick and cold touch sensation was observed at T10, T12, and L1 dermatomal levels. However, sensory assessment at T6 and T8 levels showed variability between the two groups (P > 0.05). In conjunction with background analgesia and the use of dexamethasone as an adjuvant, both blocks (pTAP and TFP) were observed to be equally effective for post-operative pain relief with similar patient satisfaction scores.

Erector spinae plane block versus caudal block for postoperative analgesia in pediatric patients undergoing inguinal hernia repair: a randomized controlled trial

Background Erector spinae plane block is a promising strategy for pain management in some settings. However, the effectiveness of erector spinae plane block versus caudal block in pediatric inguinal hernia repair has yet to be formally investigated. Methods One hundred and two patients aged 2–5 years undergoing unilateral open inguinal hernia repair randomly received unilateral erector spinae plane block (0.2% ropivacaine 0.5 mL kg−1), caudal block (0.2% ropivacaine 1 mL kg−1), or no block. The primary outcome was time to the first rescue analgesia, defined as the interval from the end of surgery to the Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, and Consolability scale greater than three. Secondary outcomes included the number of patients requiring rescue analgesia, the area under the curve of pain scores over time, satisfaction of guardians, and adverse events. Results The median time to the first rescue analgesia was longer in the erector spinae plane block group than in the caudal block group [10.0 h (interquartile range, 6.6–24.0 h) vs. 5.0 h (interquartile range, 2.9–7.3 h); p < .001]. The Cox regression model demonstrated that the risk of postoperative rescue analgesia requirement was 0.38 in children receiving erector spinae plane block compared with caudal block (95% confidence interval 0.23–0.64; p < .001). Additionally, the area under the curve of the pain scores over time was lower in the erector spinae plane block group than in the caudal block group (44.3 [36.6–50.7] vs. 59.0 [47.1–64.5]; p < .001). Conclusions Erector spinae plane block provided superior postoperative analgesia compared to caudal block in children undergoing inguinal hernia repair. Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry; ChiCTR2100048303

Incidence and risk factors of metachronous contralateral inguinal hernia development up to 25years after unilateral inguinal hernia repair: a single-centre retrospective cohort study.

Patients undergoing unilateral inguinal hernia repair (IHR) are at risk of metachronous contralateral inguinal hernia (MCIH) development. We evaluated incidence and risk factors of MCIH development up to 25years after unilateral IHR to determine possible indications for concomitant prophylactic surgery of the contralateral groinat the time of primary surgery. Patients between 18 and 70years of age undergoing elective unilateral IHR in the University Hospital of Leuven from 1995 to 1999 were studied retrospectively using the electronic health records and prospectively via phone calls. Study aims were MCIH incidence and risk factor determination. Kaplan-Meier curves were constructed and univariable and multivariable Cox regressions were performed. 758 patients were included (91% male, median age 53years). Median follow-up time was 21.75years. The incidence of operated MCIH after 5years was 5.6%, after 15years 16.1%, and after 25years 24.7%. The incidence of both operated and non-operated MCIH after 5years was 5.9%, after 15years 16.7%, and after 25years 29.0%. MCIH risk increased with older age and decreased in primary right-sided IHR and higher BMI at primary surgery. The overall incidence of MCIH after 25-year follow-up is 29.0%. Potential risk factors for the development of a MCIH are primary left-sided inguinal hernia repair, lower BMI, and older age. When considering prophylactic repair, we suggest a patient-specific approach taking into account these risk factors, the surgical approach and the risk factors for chronic postoperative inguinal pain.

Implementing Contralateral Surgical Exploration during Hernia Repair in Children with Unilateral Inguinal Hernia: A Dutch Qualitative Study.

A total of 10-15% of children undergoing unilateral inguinal hernia repair develop a metachronous contralateral inguinal hernia (MCIH) that necessitates second anesthesia and surgery. Contralateral exploration can be performed to prevent MCIH development. This study investigates (1) factors that promote or hinder the adoption and (de-)implementation of contralateral groin exploration in children ≤ 6 months undergoing unilateral hernia repair and (2) strategies to overcome these barriers. A qualitative interview study was conducted using 14 semi-structured interviews and two focus groups involving healthcare professionals, stakeholders involved from a patients' perspective and stakeholders at the organizational/policy level. The results show that the effectiveness of surgical treatment and stakeholders' motivation and attitudes towards the intervention were reported as barriers for implementation, whereas patient and family outcomes and experience and strategies to overcome these barriers were identified as facilitating factors for future implementation. This study is unique in its contributions towards insights into facilitators and barriers for (de-)implementation of contralateral groin exploration in children with a unilateral inguinal hernia. In case the HERNIIA trial shows that contralateral exploration is beneficial for specific patient and family outcomes or a subgroup of children, the results of this study can help in the decision-making process as to whether contralateral exploration should be performed or not.

Incidence of opioid use and early postoperative pain intensity after primary unilateral inguinal hernia repair at a single-center specialty hospital.

This research examined opioid use, pain intensity, and pain management after primary unilateral inguinal hernia repair (PUIHR) at a single-center specialty hospital. After research, ethics board approval, and informed consent, pain scores (0-10 numerical rating scale [NRS]) were obtained from survey-based questionnaires administered at the pre- and 3-day postoperative timepoints. Descriptive results are presented as frequency, mean, standard deviation, range, median, and interquartile ranges, as appropriate. Significance tests were conducted to compare participants who did and did not receive opioids after surgery. p-value <0.05 is considered statistically significant. As the standard of care, participants received nonopioid multimodal analgesia (acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)) and opioids, when necessary. A total of 414 and 331 participants completed the pre- and 3-day postoperative questionnaires, respectively. Out of the 414 participants, 38 (9.2%) received opioids during the postoperative stay. There was no significant difference between pain frequency or mean preoperative NRS pain intensity scores of those who did and did not receive opioids. Mean NRS pain intensity scores on day 3 after surgery were significantly higher for participants who received opioids (3.15±2.08) than those who did not (2.19±1.95), p=0.005. Most participants did not receive opioids after PUIHR and had lower mean postoperative NRS pain intensity scores compared to those who did, most likely reflecting the need for opioids among the latter. Opioids were discontinued by day 3 for all participants who received them. Therefore, for most patients undergoing PUIHR, effective pain control can be achieved with nonopioid multimodal analgesia in the early postoperative period.

Analgesic Sparing Effect of Dexamethasone with Levobupivacaine in Quadratus Lumborum Block in Patients Undergoing Unilateral Inguinal Hernia Repair

Abstract Background The QLB is an effective analgesic technique for various abdominal wall incisinos. The QLB covers T7 to L2 dermatomes. Levobupivacaine is a long-acting LA agent, commonly used for peripheral nerve block due to its better safety profile than that of bupivacaine. Dexamethasone as an adjuvant to LA has been shown to prolong the duration of pain-free period, less requirement for rescue opioids consumption, more patient satisfaction and lesser incidence of nausea and vomiting. Objective To assess the analgesic sparing effect of adding dexamethasone to levobupivacaine in quadratus lumborum block in patients undergoing unilateral inguinal hernia repair under general anesthesia. Patients and Methods After approval of the anesthesiology department and scientific and ethical committees, this prospective double blind randomized clinical trial study was conducted in Ain Shams University Hospitals. Sixty patients scheduled for elective ingunial surgeries under general anesthesia were included in this study. Results Our study did not have any complications associated with the use of dexamethasone with levobupivacaine in QLB. Type 1 QLB failed to provide postoperative analgesia in surgeries involving dissection in the retroperitoneal area as there were high chances of damaging the thoracolumbar fascia. Conclusion The addition of dexamethasone to levobupivacaine in QLB in unilateral inguinal hernia repair surgery provides a prolonged duration of postoperative analgesia, with reduced analgesic requirements, a better quality of analgesia in terms of NRS compared to levobupivacaine alone group.

Ultrasound-guided ilioinguinal/iliohypogastric nerve block compared to posterior quadratus lumborum block in patients undergoing inguinal hernia repair

ABSTRACT Background “Ilioinguinal/iliohypogastric nerve block” (IINB) has been described as effective regional anesthetic method for providing analgesia after inguinal hernia operations. Other studies have also reported that the “posterior quadratus lumborum block” (PQLB) is an effective analgesic option for lower abdominal surgeries. Herein, we compared the previous two block techniques for postoperative pain management in adults undergoing unilateral inguinal hernia repair. Methods According to the block technique, 76 adult patients scheduled for inguinal hernioplasty under general anesthesia were randomly enrolled into two groups; the PQLB and IINB groups. The block was performed after skin closure and before patient extubation. Postoperative analgesic profiles were recorded in both groups. Results The PQLB had lower heart rate and mean arterial pressure readings during postoperative assessment compared to the other group. Pain scores showed a significant decline in association with the PQLB during the first postoperative day, which resulted in a significant decline in pethidine consumption (49.17 vs. 70 mg in the IINB group) and better patient satisfaction. The duration to the first analgesic request significantly increased in association with the PQLB (13.25 vs. 8.42 hours in the IINB group). The incidence of nausea and vomiting increased significantly in the IINB group secondary to increased pethidine requirements. Conclusion PQLB is superior to IINB in providing analgesia for patients undergoing inguinal hernia repair.

Robotic inguinal hernia repair with the new Hugo RASTM system: first worldwide case series report

Introduction Robotic-assisted surgery has been a part of surgical procedures for more than two decades. Recently new robotic platforms with a different design entered the market. The modular design with independent arms enables increased flexibility of arm docking to increase the range of motion and instrument maneuverability. We herein present the first case series of robotic inguinal hernia repair using the Hugo RAS system (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN, USA). Material and methods Thirteen inguinal hernia repairs were performed on ten patients. A description of the Hugo RAS system as well as the new concept of modular design is presented along with the description of the operation setup. Results Mean docking time was 9.5 min and mean console time was 50.3 min and 74.7 min for unilateral and bilateral inguinal hernia repair, respectively. No intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred. There was one conversion to laparoscopic surgery due to a technical issue with the robot. Conclusions: The modular design of independent arms seems to enhance maneuverability of the instruments and contribute to fewer arm collisions. Further clinical data and experience with this new surgical system are necessary to understand if this new design has advantages over the standard robotic platforms.

The first experience with the Dextile anatomical mesh in laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair.

The Dextile Anatomical mesh (Medtronic) is a polypropylene heavyweight mesh and has a 3D patented anatomical shape which adapts to the contours of the extra-peritoneal inguinal region without the need for fixation, potentially reducing the risk of hernia recurrence and chronic post-operative pain. This retrospective study will be the first study to assess the outcomes of the Dextile Anatomical mesh compared to another three-dimensional mesh, the 3DMax mesh (Bard). Between 2019 and 2022, all patients who underwent an elective unilateral inguinal hernia repair were assessed. 416 patients in the Dextile Anatomical mesh group and 540 patients in the 3DMax mesh group were included. Outcomes were intra- and post-operative complications, inguinal hernia recurrence and chronic post-operative inguinal pain. No significant differences were found between the two groups regarding intra- and post-operative complications including wound infection, antibiotic use, hematoma, seroma, urinary retention and delayed wound healing. 1-year recurrence rate was comparable for the Dextile Anatomical mesh group and the 3DMax mesh group, respectively, 3.8% and 3.0%, P = 0.45. Chronic post-operative inguinal pain was similar for the Dextile Anatomical mesh (3.4%) and the 3DMax mesh (3.0%), P = 0.72. This retrospective study comparing the relatively new Dextile Anatomical mesh (Medtronic) with the 3D Max mesh (Bard) in unilateral inguinal hernia repair showed that both meshes are safe and effective to use. There were no significant differences in intra-operative outcomes, recurrence rates and chronic post-operative inguinal pain.

Preemptive analgesia with tapentadol in inguinal surgery; a randomized controlled trial

Background &amp; Objective: Preemptive analgesia aims at minimizing the development of central sensitization thereby decreasing postoperative pain and analgesic requirements. Various drugs have been used for this purpose. Tapentadol, is a newer centrally acting analgesic which is effective in moderate to severe pain. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of preoperative oral tapentadol upon postoperative analgesia and analgesic requirements in patients undergoing inguinal hernia surgeries. Methodology: One hundred adult patients undergoing elective unilateral inguinal hernia repair were randomized into two groups of fifty each. Group P received placebo tablets and Group T received tapentadol (100 mg) tablets orally 30 min before anesthesia. All patients received spinal anesthesia and the duration of postoperative analgesia and analgesic consumption in the first postoperative day was recorded. Diclofenac was administered when the patients demanded analgesia. Results: Time for first analgesic demand was significantly delayed in Group T as compared to Group P (328.00 ± 129.71 vs. 252.00 ± 101.38 min, P = 0.017) and the total analgesic consumption of diclofenac was also less than in the placebo group (73.33 ± 28.57 mg vs. 95.00 ± 31.30 mg; P = 0.006). No adverse events were observed in either group. Conclusion: Preemptive oral tapentadol is effective for minimizing postoperative pain and analgesic requirement in patients undergoing inguinal hernia surgeries under spinal anesthesia. Key words: Anesthesia, Spinal; Tapentadol; Hernia surgery; Analgesia, Postoperative Citation: Vadhanan P, Rajendran I, Kumar V. Preemptive analgesia with tapentadol in inguinal surgery; a randomized controlled trial. Anaesth. pain intensive care 2023;27(3):356−359; DOI: 10.35975/apic.v27i3.2230 Received: April 15, 2023; Reviewed: April 29, 2023; Accepted: May 10, 2023