Old but Gold: The Surgeon’s Affair to Manage Inguinal Hernia

Abstract

Purpose: Inguinal hernia repair is a common surgical procedure. It was widely reported worldwide during the COVID-19 pandemic. To manage the lack of anesthesiologists, we have introduced a new protocol to manage inguinal hernia repair. Methods: This protocol is the result of a strong collaboration between surgeons and anesthesiologists. It was based on EHS recommendations and the well-described percutaneous ilioinguinal–iliohypogastric and genitofemoral nerves block. Results: More than 400 patients have been treated at our institution. The application of the protocol has led to a sensible reduction in initially planned spinal anesthesia. The complications traditionally related to spinal anesthesia have not been reported in 80% of the patients. Only three patients required the infusion of atropine or flumazenil without the need to involve anesthesiologist. Conclusion: The application of our protocol seems promising. Preliminary results have shown the safety and efficacy of percutaneous ilioinguinal–iliohypogastric and genitofemoral nerves block. The combination of this kind of anesthesia with wound protector and adequate postoperative pain control can lead to a reproducible system avoiding the not strictly necessary presence of an anesthesiologist. The changes that have occurred in the healthcare system in recent years should be new opportunities for the improvement of resources and results.