“Which anesthesia is used during abdominal hernia surgery?”

Abdominal hernia is generally performed under general anesthesia as it requires lots of relaxation for abdominal wall so it can be effectively reduced.

That depends on what kind of setting your surgery will be performed in (hospital or ambulatory surgery center), what approach the surgeon plans to take (laparoscopic or open surgery, with mesh or without), and how healthy (or unhealthy) you are. So, bottom line: you need to discuss thoroughly with your anesthesiologist your personal health status and functional status (can you walk up a flight or more of stairs without stopping, are you obese, do you have sleep apnea), what medications you take on a regular basis, and whether or not you’ve had any problems in the past that required admission to a hospital or surgery. Your anesthesiologist will then be able to develop a plan for the safest anesthesia tailored to your planned surgery and health status.

General anesthesia is most common for hernia surgeries.

It depends on the location of the hernia; umbilical? Inguinal? It also depends on the size of the hernia. If either are small then IV sedation with local anesthesia is adequate. If large and the surgeon needs muscle relaxation, then a combination of general anesthesia with a propofol infusion works best. For post op pain control a TAP block is very helpful in reducing your post operative pain. Some hernias are surgically corrected laparoscopically, in which general anesthesia plus TIVA and muscle relaxation will be necessary.

The choice of anesthesia in surgery is a function of several factors. One is the location of the surgery. Another is the need for muscle relation. A third is the preference of the surgeon and the patient. Pre-existing medical conditions may also affect the decision. In the case of an abdominal hernia, the size and location of the hernia will Influence anesthesia choice. Some hernias can be fixed with just local anesthetic infiltrated in the area, although sedation is frequently used. If the hernia is waist high or below, a regional anesthetic such as spinal anesthesia might be a consideration. A general anesthetic is a common choice, particularly for large hernias and hernias above the umbilicus (upper abdominal hernias). Your surgeon and your anesthesiologist should discuss the appropriate options with you prior to surgery and get your informed consent for the anesthesia plan.

Good luck with your procedure!

General anesthesia is usually used for incisional and umbilical hernia repairs. Inguinal hernia repairs are also usually done under general anesthesia, but some very stoic or elderly patients can have inguinal hernia repairs done with local anesthesia and IV sedation.

Depends on the location of the hernia (upper, mid or lower abdomen, groin area) and surgical approach (open vs. laparoscopic). It could be general, spinal, or MAC with local infiltration/nerve block. Need to ask your specific surgeon and anesthesiologist for your specific case.

Yi-Hwa Outerbridge, MD