Comparison of three concentrations of simplex lidocaine in local anesthesia for inguinal hernia mesh-repairs.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present randomized clinical study was to assess the efficacy of simplex lidocaine in local anesthesia for inguinal hernia mesh-repairs, compare analgesia of three different concentrations of lidocaine, and explore use of lower concentrations of lidocaine in local anesthesia for inguinal hernia mesh-repairs.

METHODS: A total of 102 consecutive patients undergoing inguinal hernia repairs were randomized to three groups: group A (n = 34) received solution with a lidocaine concentration of 8 mg/mL, group B (n = 34) received a lidocaine concentration of 5 mg/mL, and in group C (n = 34) the lidocaine level was reduced to 3.3 mg/mL. Intraoperative pain and pain at 24 h and 48 h postoperatively were assessed by means of a visual analogue scale. Volume and doses of lidocaine used in local anesthesia were strictly recorded.

RESULTS: The efficacy of simplex lidocaine in local anesthesia for inguinal hernia mesh-repairs was excellent, no patient required conversion to general anesthesia. The mean pain scores were not significantly different among the three groups.

CONCLUSIONS: The local anesthesia technique was good with lidocaine alone in local anesthesia for inguinal hernia mesh-repairs. A concentration of 3.3 mg/mL lidocaine provided similar analgesia as 5 or 8 mg/mL lidocaine.