Inguinal field block for adult inguinal hernia repair using a short-bevel needle, description and clinical experience in Solomon Islands and an Australian teaching hospital

Abstract

One of the limitations of an inguinal field block is that it does not reliably produce complete anaesthesia. The purpose of this study was to describe a modified short-bevel needle technique, facilitating correct needle placement, for inguinal hernia repair. Anaesthetists from two different institutions performed the described infiltration blocks. Prospective data were collected from these groups, each having 30 patients. We evaluated the safety and reliability of the described block. Of the 60 patients, two were 'failed' blocks, requiring conversion to general anaesthesia. There were no other major intraoperative or recovery room complications. Results of the modified inguinal field block showed a 97% ability to achieve a 'fair' block or better. Intraoperative and postoperative data showed high surgeon and patient satisfaction for the block. The described block using a short-bevel needle is recommended as a suitable method for adult patients undergoing inguinal hernia repair.