Editorial

Is Ilioinguinal-iliohypogastric Nerve Block an Underused Anesthetic Technique for Inguinal Herniorrhaphy?

Authors: Haibo Wang, MD, PhD

Abstract

The common anesthetic techniques for inguinal hernia herniorrhaphy in adult patients are general anesthesia, spinal anesthesia, and occasionally epidural anesthesia. Ilioinguinal-iliohypogastric nerve block has rarely been used as an anesthetic technique for hernia repair in adult patients, although it is a popular choice in infants and children in many operation centers. The study "Comparison of Ilioinguinal-iliohypogastric Nerve Block versus Spinal Anesthesia for Inguinal Herniorrhaphy" has raised a question: Is this anesthetic technique underused for inguinal hernia repair in adults? According to this retrospective study (the author did use randomization to minimize the chance of bias), the ilioinguinal-iliohypogastric nerve block has multiple advantages over spinal anesthesia, including shorter time-to-home readiness, quicker oral intake postsurgery, and no need for postanesthesia care unit (PACU) or recovery room care. These advantages are obviously consistent with the current concept of the fast-track ambulatory anesthesia.

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References

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