Bupivacaine vs. Ropivacaine with Dexmedetomidine for Unilateral Inguinal Hernia Repair: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Adult inguinal hernia repair is often performed under local anesthesia because to its ease of use, quick start, affordability, and prolonged post-operative pain management. The effectiveness and safety of two local anesthetic combinations for inguinal hernia repair field block are compared in this research. Methods: Vinayaka Missions Kirupanandha Variyar Medical College and Hospital undertook a randomized controlled study. Men between the ages of 30 and 60 patients were scheduled for surgical inguinal hernia elective procedures and were categorized as American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) I or II and participated in the study. They were allocated at random to either ropivacaine + dexmedetomidine or bupivacaine + dexmedetomidine as a field block. The main measure of interest was the duration until the initiation of anesthesia. Additional outcomes encompassed the assessment of the quality of surgical anesthesia, changes in hemodynamics, post-operative pain levels, and any unfavorable incidents. Results: The groups had similar demographics and baseline characteristics. There were no discernible variations between the groups in terms of hemodynamic changes, post-operative pain levels, surgical anaesthesia quality, and the time it took for anesthesia to take effect. Both groups had a low incidence of adverse events. Conclusion: For healthy adults (ASA I and II) undergoing inguinal hernia repair, ropivacaine + dexmedetomidine as a field block appears to be as effective and safe as bupivacaine + dexmedetomidine, suggesting it could be a suitable alternative, particularly considering its favorable safety profile and potential for enhanced patient comfort. However, larger research is needed to validate these results.