Comparison of local, spinal, and general anesthesia for inguinal herniorrhaphy

Patients who had undergone inguinal herniorrhaphy with local, general, or spinal anesthesia were surveyed for satisfaction with the anesthesia. A review of complications was carried out for these same patients to determine comparative rates in the three anesthesia groups. Patients were stratified by age and concomitant medical illness. Satisfaction ratings were equal among the three groups. Complication rates were highest in the spinal anesthesia group (primarily urinary complications) for patients of all ages. Local anesthesia had the lowest complication rate in those over 65 and those with concomitant illnesses.