Inguinal hernia repair

Inguinal hernia repair

Anesthesia type	General
Airway	ETT
Lines and access	Peripheral IV
Monitors	Standard ASA / 5-Lead EKG
Primary anesthetic considerations
Preoperative
Intraoperative
Postoperative	PONV, urinary retention
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Surgical repair of inguinal hernias is performed to fix a defect in the abdominal wall that allows abdominal contents to protrude into the inguinal canal, and it is one of the most commonly performed surgeries worldwide. This procedure is most commonly performed laparoscopically, especially in patients with recurrent or bilateral hernias, but can be performed open as well.

Preoperative management

Patient evaluation

Adult patients presenting for laparoscopic hernia repair are usually healthy. However, this surgery can be emergent in cases of hernia incarceration or strangulation, usually requiring an open procedure.

System	Considerations
Neurologic
Cardiovascular
Respiratory
Gastrointestinal	In cases of strangulation, patients may be dehydrated from fever and emesis
Hematologic
Renal
Endocrine
Labs	Hb/Hct for healthy patients, otherwise as indicated from H&P

Intraoperative management

Induction and airway management

• Pre-oxygenate with 100% FiO2
• Standard induction and intubation
  • Consider RSI in emergent cases in which patient has not been appropriately NPO

Positioning

• Supine, arms tucked

Maintenance and surgical considerations

• Standard maintenance
  • Consider avoiding nitrous oxide given potential for bowel dissension and increased risk of PONV
• Place OG/NG before surgical incision to decompress the stomach
• Maintain normovolemia and normothermia

Postoperative management

Disposition

• PACU/holding area for 1-2h followed by discharge home

Pain management

• Oral analgesics
• Non-opioid analgesics
  • Ketoralac (Toradol)
  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• IV narcotics for breakthrough pain

Potential complications

• PONV
• Urinary retention (consider straight catheterization of bladder prior to emergence)
• Hemorrhage from trocar insertion
• Subcutaneous emphysema from pneumoperitoneum

Procedure variants

	Open	Laparoscopic
Unique considerations		Preferred for recurrent or bilateral hernias
Position	Supine	Supine, arms tucked
Surgical time		1-2h
EBL		<50mL
Postoperative disposition		1-2h in PACU > home
Pain score		3-4
Potential complications		Recurrence of hernia Orchalgia, neuralgia Bowel obstruction Bladder injury (rare)