The feasibility of laparoscopic extraperitoneal hernia repair under local anesthesia.
BACKGROUND
Laparoscopic preperitoneal herniorrhaphy has the advantage of being a minimally invasive procedure with a recurrence rate comparable to open preperitoneal repair. However, surgeons have been reluctant to adopt this procedure because it requires general anesthesia.


METHODS
In this report, we describe the technique used in the laparoscopic repair of inguinal hernias under local anesthesia using the preperitoneal approach. We also report our results with 10 inguinal hernias repaired using the same technique.


RESULTS
Ten patients underwent their primary inguinal hernia repairs under local anesthesia. None were converted to general anesthesia. Four patients received a small amount of intravenous sedation. Three patients had bilateral hernias. There were five direct and eight indirect hernias. The average operative time was 47 min. The average lidocaine usage was 28 cc. All patients were discharged within a few hours of the surgery. There were no complications. Follow-up has ranged from 1 to 6 months. There has been no recurrences to date.


CONCLUSIONS
The extraperitoneal laparoscopic repair of inguinal hernia is feasible under local anesthesia. This technique adds a new treatment option in the management of bilateral inguinal hernias, particularly in the population where general anesthesia is contraindicated or even for patients who are reluctant to receive general or epidural anesthesia.
Ferzli
G
G
Department of Laparoscopic Surgery, Staten Island University Hospital, 475 Seaview Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10305, USA.
Sayad
P
P
Vasisht
B
B
D000772:Anesthesia, Local; D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D006552:Hernia, Inguinal / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008012:Lidocaine; D013526:Surgical Mesh; D013997:Time Factors
D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D008012:Lidocaine