Revisiting Local Anaesthesia in Open Inguinal Hernia Repair: A Clinical Evaluation
Abstract: Background: Local anaesthesia may offer a safe, economical and resource-efficient option for uncomplicated open inguinal hernia repair. Objective: To evaluate its anaesthetic adequacy, postoperative pain, recovery, complications and patient satisfaction in a district hospital. Methods: This prospective observational study included 20 adults who underwent elective open Lichtenstein hernioplasty under local anaesthesia over three months. Results: Of the 20 patients, 10 (50%) had right-sided hernias, seven (35%) had left-sided hernias and three (15%) had bilateral hernias. Surgery was completed without conversion to spinal or general anaesthesia in all patients, while 19 (95%) underwent the procedure under local anaesthesia alone. The overall mean operative time was 51.6 ± 9.4 minutes. Bilateral repairs required a longer mean operative time than unilateral repairs (68.0 ± 5.1 versus 48.7 ± 6.5 minutes). Eighteen patients were discharged within 12 hours, and postoperative pain declined significantly by day seven. Three minor complications occurred, without urinary catheterisation, readmission, reoperation or early recurrence. Conclusion: Local anaesthesia appeared feasible, acceptable and effective for carefully selected adults undergoing uncomplicated open inguinal hernia repair.
Keywords: Inguinal hernia, local anaesthesia, Lichtenstein hernioplasty, day-care surgery, postoperative pain
How to Cite?: Dr. Prashant, Dr. Aakash Pandey, Dr. Roop Singh Parihar, "Revisiting Local Anaesthesia in Open Inguinal Hernia Repair: A Clinical Evaluation", Volume 15 Issue 8, August 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1121-1126, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26815224047, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26815224047