Journal of the American College of Surgeons
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Evaluation of continuous infusion of 0.5% bupivacaine by elastomeric pump for postoperative pain management after open inguinal hernia repair.
Postoperative pain management and narcotic usage after inguinal hernia repair is an important concern for anesthesiologists and surgeons. Regional anesthesia incisional infiltration techniques may reduce the need for systemic medications. ⋯ Demonstrable benefits include reduction of narcotic usage and pain with no apparent increase in the risk of infection or complication. Continuous infusion of 0.5% bupivacaine at 2 mL/h through the ONQ pump is a safe and effective adjunct in postoperative pain management for open inguinal hernia repair. This represents a viable and possibly superior option for prolonged pain management, minimizing use of narcotics in patients undergoing this procedure.