Randomized placebo-controlled trial of local anaesthetic infusion in day-case inguinal hernia repair

Abstract

Background: This study investigated the efficacy of local anaesthetic wound perfusion following day-case inguinal hernia repair.

Methods: Seventy-two patients entered a randomized controlled trial with three patient groups: group 1, pump containing bupivacaine; group 2, pump containing normal saline; and group 3, control group without a pump. All patients had a Lichtenstein hernia repair together with ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric nerve blocks and were prescribed oral analgesia. Postoperative pain was assessed over 5 days using a visual analogue scale.

Results: Patients who had a local anaesthetic infusion had significantly less pain than either the placebo or control groups. This was greatest during the first 48 h (day 1, P = 0.028 and 0.011 respectively; day 2, P = 0.012 and 0.037 respectively).

Conclusion: A portable infusion pump for the delivery of local anaesthetic reduced pain after day-case inguinal hernia repair.