Impact of supplemental anesthesia in preterm infants undergoing inguinal hernia repair under spinal anesthesia A retrospective analysis

Background In preterm infants, spinal anesthesia (SpA) is recognized as an alternative to general anesthesia for inguinal hernia repair (IHR); however, some patients require supplemental anesthesia during surgery. The purpose of this study was to investigate the frequency and impact of supplemental anesthesia on perioperative care and adverse respiratory and hemodynamic events. Methods A retrospective study of preterm infants undergoing IHR at Heidelberg University Hospital within the first year of life between 2009 and 2018 was carried out. Results In total, 230 patients (255 surgeries) were investigated. Among 189 procedures completed using SpA 24 patients received supplemental anesthesia. Reasons for supplemental anesthesia included loss of anesthetic effect, returning motor response, and respiratory complications. Compared to SpA alone, no differences were found concerning hemodynamic parameters; however, patients requiring supplemental anesthesia displayed higher rates of postoperative oxygen supplementation and unexpected admission to the intensive care unit. The rate of perioperative apnea was 2.7%. Apneic events exclusively occurred after supplemental anesthesia. Bilateral IHR and duration of surgery were associated with the need for supplemental anesthesia. Conclusion Whereas SpA might be favorable when compared to general anesthesia for IHR, the data indicate that particular caution is required in patients receiving supplemental anesthesia due to the possible risk for adverse respiratory events.