Bupivacaine wound infiltration using catheter technique for post inguinal herniorrhaphy pain relief

A simple technique of bupivacaine wound infiltration using epidural catheter and comparing it with the standard intramuscular pethidine administration was studied for postoperative pain relief after inguinal herniorrhaphy. There was a marked pain relief after both drugs with singfunction low visual analogue scale [VAS] values compared to the values taken before drug administration. However, patients receiving bupivacaine had significantly lower VAS. The onset of analgesia was significantly shorter in bupivacaine than in pethidine groups. No additional pethidine was required in both groups. No complications nor side effects related to toxicity, infection or impaired wound healing were encountered. This form of analgesia using catheter technique in minor surgical procedures is safe, effective and easily administered. It is suitable for routine use, but especially may be beneficial for patients with impaired preoperative ventilatory function