Local versus General Anaesthesia with Prolene Hernia System Mesh for Inguinal Hernia Repair: Early and Long-Term Outcomes

Background: There are minimal data regarding the feasibility of Prolene Hernia System repair under local anaesthesia and patient acceptability. This study analyses the outcomes of Prolene Hernia System repair under different anaesthetic techniques. Methods: A retrospective review of all Prolene Hernia System repairs over a 5-year period was performed. The outcome measures were type of anaesthesia used, early and late complications, recurrence and patient satisfaction. Results: 100 repairs were analysed. Seventy repairs were performed under local anaesthesia and 30 under general anaesthesia. The number of patients with a body mass index >30 were 17 (24%) and 8 (27%), respectively, in the local- and general-anaesthesia groups (p = 0.7). Day cases were higher in the local- anaesthesia group (69 days vs. 16 days, p = 0.001). Early complications were similar in the two groups. 18 (26%) patients in the local- anaesthesia group and 6 (19%) in the general-anaesthesia group developed chronic groin pain (p = 0.6). One recurrence was noted in the local- anaesthesia group. Patient satisfaction was high with both anaesthetic techniques. Conclusions: Prolene Hernia System repair under local anaesthesia results in increased day cases with similar complication rates compared to general anaesthesia. Both anaesthetic techniques are associated with good outcomes and excellent patient satisfaction. Copyright (c) 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel