Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair under spinal anesthesia: a feasibility study.
George Tzovaras1, Dimitris Zacharoulis, Stavroula Georgopoulou
1Department of Surgery, University of Thessaly Medical School, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece. gtzovaras@hotmail.com
American Journal of Surgery
|April 19, 2008
Summary
Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair is feasible and safe using spinal anesthesia alone. This approach offers minimal postoperative pain and a smooth recovery for patients.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Anesthesia
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
- Hernia Repair
Background:
- Regional anesthesia is underutilized in laparoscopic ventral hernia repair due to pneumoperitoneum concerns.
- Recent studies show feasibility of laparoscopic procedures under spinal anesthesia alone.
- This study investigates spinal anesthesia for laparoscopic ventral hernia repair.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility of laparoscopic ventral hernia repair solely under spinal anesthesia.
- To evaluate the safety and patient outcomes of this anesthetic technique.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-five patients (ASA I or II) underwent laparoscopic ventral hernia repair using low-pressure CO2 pneumoperitoneum and spinal anesthesia.
- Hernia types included umbilical/para-umbilical, epigastric, and incisional.
- Intraoperative events, complications, pain, recovery, and patient satisfaction were prospectively recorded.
Main Results:
- All procedures were completed laparoscopically without conversion to general anesthesia.
- Postoperative median pain scores were low at 4, 8, and 24 hours.
- Median hospital stay was 1 day, with high patient satisfaction and no late complications.
Conclusions:
- Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair with low-pressure CO2 pneumoperitoneum is safe and successful under spinal anesthesia.
- Spinal anesthesia appears to provide minimal postoperative pain and a smooth recovery.
