Deep Rectus Sheath Block: A Novel Approach to Pain Management After Epigastric Hernia Repair-A Case Series

Epigastric hernia repair is typically performed under general anesthesia, and it may be associated with considerable postoperative pain, with consumption of both intra- and postoperative rescue opioid analgesia. This case series describes 3 patients who underwent open epigastric hernia repair under neuraxial anesthesia with a bilateral deep rectus sheath (DRS) block to manage postoperative pain. Spinal anesthesia combined with ultrasound-guided DRS ensured effective analgesia without opioid consumption. The patients had no complications and recovered uneventfully. DRS may enhance the applicability of the neuraxial anesthesia in open epigastric hernia surgery, highlighting the need for further studies to standardize its application.