A randomised controlled trial to compare local with general anaesthesia for short-stay inguinal hernia repair

Abstract

A series of 117 consecutive unselected patients with clinically reducible unilateral inguinal herniae were admitted for short-stay repair. Seven expressed a strong preference for one form of anaesthesia (6 general (GA)) local (LA) and 7 were unfit for GA; these were excluded from the trial. The remaining 103 patients were allocated at random to receive either LA or GA in order to compare the two methods of anaesthesia. The resulting groups (53 LA, 50 GA) were well matched for age and obesity. Perand postoperative symptoms were assessed with linear analogues self-assessment questionnaires. Statistically significant differences were demonstrated between the groups; those patients having LA were able to walk, eat, and pass urine earlier than those having GA, who experienced more nausea, vomiting, sore throat, and headache. The postoperative course and additional symptoms were otherwise similar. Forty-five LA patients experienced mild pain during the operation, but nevertheless 85% of the total group said they would consent to its use again. Ninety-three patients (90%) were discharged at 24 h. LA was applicable to all types of clinically reducible inguinal hernia and was an acceptable, safe, and satisfactory alternative to GA.