Prospective Randomised Comparison of Unilateral Paravertebral Block and Spinal Anaesthesia for Inguinal Hernia Repair Surgery

Abstract

Background: For removal of hernia spinal anesthesia is prevalent. However, unilateral blockades with the paravertebral technique have many benefits.

Objectives: This study is conducted to compare the paravertebral block and subarachnoid block as a technique of anaesthesia in case of removal of an inguinal hernia

Materials and Methods: The patients undergoing inguinal herniorrhaphy were included in this study. They were divided into two groups. The first group was given a paravertebral block, and the second group was given a sub-arachnoid block. The vitals in both groups were compared preoperatively and throughout the surgery. The characteristics associated with anaesthesia were compared statistically among the groups.

Results: The mean duration of anaesthesia produced in the paravertebral group was 360.34±25.6 minutes compared to the spinal anaesthesia group which had a mean duration of. 165.45±18.65 minutes. The time required for discharge in the paravertebral group was 195.54±25.6 minutes compared to the time required for the spinal anaesthesia group which had duration of 372.33±18.65 minutes. There were no side effects reported in the paravertebral block group.

Conclusion: The paravertebral unilateral blockade technique of anaesthesia provides improved hemodynamic stability, decreased side effects, lesser duration of hospitalization and optimum sensory blockade compared to spinal anaesthesia.

Recommendation: The paravertebral blockade should be the preferred method of anaesthesia for inguinal herniorrhaphy.