RESUMO
To compare three different anesthetic techniques for inguinal hernia repair [regional, spinal and general] anesthesia. Prospective study included 75 adult male patients scheduled for elective unilateral reducible primary inguinal hernia repair. Patients were between 18-80 years, ASA physical status I and II. Patients were divided into 3 groups: group I: 25 patients received general anesthesia. Group II: 25 patients received local anesthesia. Group III: 25 patients, received spinal anesthesia. The period from the beginning to the end of the operation was recorded as the duration of the operation. Mean B.P and heart rate, were also recorded. Satisfaction would be recorded as satisfactory or unsatisfactory. Complication: postoperative nausea, vomiting, retention of urine, headache and sore throat were recorded for each patient. There was no statistical significant difference as regard to age, body mass index [BMI], HR and BP [P value > 0.05]. The duration of the procedure was significantly longer in local anesthesia group in comparison to general anesthesia and spinal anesthesia group [P value < 0.01]. Hospital stay was less in group II than the other two groups. Patients were more satisfied in local anesthesia group than the other groups. The cost of the operation was significantly lower in local anesthesia group in comparison to the other two groups. Postoperative pain as measured by Visual analogue scale [VAS] was lower in local anesthesia group than the other groups. Also complications were lower in local anesthesia group in comparison with other groups. We concluded that a proper inguinal field block for inguinal hernia repair provides satisfactory intraoperative analgesia and great benefits for patients as regard faster recovery, less pain, faster mobilization and higher satisfaction