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.