A Comparative Study of Ilioinguinal/ Iliohypogastric Nerve Block with Spinal Anaesthesia for Inguinal Hernia Repair

Introduction: Typically, inguinal hernia repair is performed under spinal anaesthesia. Local anaesthetic, on the other hand, gives stable hemodynamics and decreased postoperative discomfort. We examined the efficacy, feasibility, and safety of ilioinguinal/iliohypogastric nerve block with spinal anaesthesia for inguinal hernia repair. Material and Methods: Sixty adult male patients were randomised into two groups of 30 individuals each for elective inguinal hernia repair. Group A was given an ilioinguinal/iliohypogastric nerve block, while Group B was given spinal anaesthesia. Both groups were compared in terms of total time to complete anaesthetic operations, time of onset, hemodynamic changes, and complications. For continuous variables and categorical variables, the unpaired t‐test and Chi‐square were used. P <0.05 was taken as significant. Results: Duration to perform ilioinguinal/iliohypogastric nerve block was significantly longer than that of spinal block. The duration of postoperative analgesia was longer in Group A than Group B. Mean blood pressure showed statistically significant reduction in Group B patients. Complications like Nausea, Vomiting, Headache, Hypotension & urinary retention were seen in Group B patients. Conclusion: For elective unilateral inguinal hernia repair, ilioinguinal/iliohypogastric nerve block can be a safe alternative to spinal anaesthesia..