Introduction: Inguinal hernia repair can be performed under satisfactory anaesthetic conditions using general, regional and peripheral nerve block anaesthesia. The paravertebral block, being segmental in nature, provides some advantages regarding haemodynamic stability, early ambulation and prolonged duration of analgesia and may be a viable alternative to unilateral spinal anaesthesia.

Methods: Seventy consenting male patients aged between 18-65 years, of ASA Grade I & II status, undergoing elective unilateral inguinal hernia repair were randomised into two groups, 35 patients each to receive  either the four segment  (T10-L1) paravertebral  block (Group P) or  unilateral  spinal anaesthesia (Group S) respectively. There after intra-operative and post-operative parameters were recorded and compared between these two groups using standardized statistical methods.

Results: Patients in Group P had lesser rescue analgesic requirement, longer duration of sensory block, no motor block leading to early ambulation, better haemodynamic stability, lesser side effects than patients in Group S. However the block performance time and time to onset of anaesthesia was significantly higher in Group P.

Conclusion: Paravertebral block is advantageous in respect to post operative analgesia and early ambulation compared to unilateral spinal anaesthesia.

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Dr Amartya Das MBBS, MD, DNB, IDRA

Junior Consultant, Dept of Anaesthesiology, ILS Hospitals, Dum Dum