Journal of Surgery

Inguinal Hernia Repair (IHR) is a common surgical procedure which can be performed under general, regional, or peripheral nerve block anaesthesia. The choice of anaesthetic technique for IHR depends on various factors such as preference of the surgeon and anaesthesiologist, the feasibility of the technique, intraoperatively and postoperative pain control, the complexity and expected duration of the procedure, postoperative morbidity, recovery time, and cost effectiveness. Immediate post-operative pain and its management are vital for early mobilization and early discharge of the patient. In view of the above consideration, this clinical study was performed to evaluate the feasibility of using a potent local anaesthetic (ropivacaine) as an adjuvant to spinal anaesthesia and its implications on the post-operative course.

• Sixty two patients underwent inguinal hernia under spinal anaesthesia which were selected randomly
• Patients under study group were comfortable post-operative with regard to pain
• None of the patients had post-operative surgical complications
• Patients in study group were discharged earlier when compared to control group

Our data in this prospective study has confirmed that using an adjuvant local anaesthetic along with spinal anaesthesia has a better outcome, speedy recovery early mobilization and shorter duration of hospital stay. Moreover it is cost effective as well.