Outpatient Repair of Small Reducible Ventral Hernias Using Local Anesthesia: A Pilot Study

Primary midline hernias, including umbilical and epigastric hernias, are prevalent surgical conditions, necessitating intervention. Differing opinions exist among surgeons regarding the timing of elective repair for primary ventral hernias, with some advocating for immediate intervention, while others prefer a watchful waiting approach. The optimal choice of anesthesia for umbilical hernia repair remains an area of uncertainty. A systematic review published in 2017 concluded that local anesthesia for umbilical hernia repair was safe and feasible. A retrospective study, including 476 patients divided into four different types of hernias (epigastric, umbilical, small incisional, and Spigelian hernia), showed that when performed under local anesthesia as a day case procedure, it is a safe technique associated with favorable long-term outcomes. A recently published study found that the repair of ventral hernia with local anesthesia is safe, reduces operating time, and results in higher patient satisfaction.

We hypothesized that employing local anesthesia, as opposed to general anesthesia, would yield superior outcomes, particularly for frail patients. While both mesh-reinforced and suture repairs are utilized for treating primary hernias, there is limited evidence supporting the superiority of mesh repair for small-sized hernias (diameter <2 cm). A meta-analysis suggests a marginally lower recurrence rate in patients undergoing mesh repair compared to those receiving prolene-suture repair without mesh for small hernias. However, the use of mesh may introduce persistent pain or other mesh-related complications. Patients with small hernias are typically managed in the operating theater under general anesthesia, a resource-intensive and time-consuming approach associated with potential complications. Conversely, performing the procedure under local anesthesia not only enhances patient safety but also conserves resources. Previous studies have indicated that repairing ventral hernias under local anesthesia may reduce operative time and associated complications. In this pilot study, the investigators aim to assess the safety and feasibility of performing repairs for small reducible hernias using local anesthesia in the outpatient department.

Ventral hernias, particularly those located in the midline such as umbilical and epigastric hernias, represent common surgical conditions. Management strategies for these hernias vary, with debates surrounding the timing of elective repair. This pilot study aims to investigate the potential advantages of utilizing local anesthesia over general anesthesia in the repair of small reducible hernias, primarily focusing on patient safety and resource conservation.