Advantages of spinal compared to general anesthesia

Abstract

Spinal anesthesia is a regional anesthesia technique achieved by a local subarachnoid anesthetic injection. Local anesthetic blocks conduct of pain on the spinal level and provides analgesia of the body below the navel. It can be used in a wide array of procedures, including laparoscopy. Inguinal hernia surgery is performed under general or regional anesthesia, depending on the indications and the individual approach of the anesthetist and surgeon. This article brings review of the literature and our experience in advantages and disadvantages of spinal anesthesia in open inguinal hernia surgery. We find that spinal anesthesia is cost effective and has advantages in inguinal hernia surgery when compared with general anesthesia, in terms of better postoperative pain control, and less nausea and vomiting, with minimal effects on hemodynamic stability.