The effects of ilioinguinal nerve block on acute and chronic neuropathic pain in patients following inguinal hernia repair with spinal anesthesia: A prospective cohort study

Abstract

Background/Aim: Post-surgical pain is a major factor affecting the quality of life of patients. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of ilioinguinal block on acute and chronic neuropathic pain after inguinal hernia surgery with spinal anesthesia. Methods: This prospective cohort study included sixty ASA I-III patients aged 18-65 years, who underwent a unilateral inguinal hernia operation. The patients were divided into two groups: Those who received spinal block only (Group 1, n=30), and those who received spinal and ultrasound-guided ilioinguinal nerve block (Group 2, n=30). The perioperative and postoperative complications, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores on rest and Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs (LANSS) scores at the postoperative 2 nd , 6 th , 12 th , and 24 th hours, and in the 3 rd and 6 th months were noted. Results: No significant difference was observed in the time of first analgesic administration among the groups, but tramadol use significantly reduced in Group 2 (P=0.019). Time until mobilization and discharge was significantly shorter among the Group 2 patients (P<0.001, P=0.021, respectively). Visual Analogue Scale scores at rest at the 12 th and 24 th hours, and in the 3 rd and 6 th months were significantly less in Group 2 (P=0.032, P=0.005, P=0.022, P=0.008, respectively). Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs scores of the patients at the 24 th hour, 3 rd, and 6 th months were significantly lower in Group 2 (P<0.001, P<0.001, P=0.012, respectively). Conclusion:We think that ilioinguinal nerve block with spinal anesthesia is a successful and reliable technique for acute postoperative and chronic neuropathic pain management in unilateral inguinal hernia repair.

Comparison of the analgesic efficacy of the ultrasound-guided transversalis fascia plane block and erector spinae plane block in patients undergoing open inguinal hernia repair under spinal anesthesia

“…Some studies report an incidence of chronic pain up to 20% within 1–5 years of OIHR performed using a Liechtenstein incision [ 5 ]. While some publications suggest that incorporating regional anesthesia techniques into conventional analgesic approaches can mitigate chronic postoperative pain, evidence supporting this claim remains limited [ 5 , 6 ].…”