anaesthetia

Last reviewed 01/2018

Local and general anaesthetic may be used for inguinal hernia repair.

Light general anaesthesia is quicker than local anaesthesia and more comfortable. However, local anaesthesia has economic advantages. 0.5% lignocaine is used with 1:200,000 adrenaline. The iliohypogastric and ilioinguinal nerves are blocked lateral to the inguinal canal. The skin around the site of the incision is infiltrated, as is the site of the cord once exposed.

100ml is the maximum amount permissible for an average size man.