Comparing Erector Spinae Plane (ESP) and Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) Block in Inguinal Hernia

In the researchers' words

The Erectore Spinae Plane Block (ESP Block) is a recently described technique for regional anesthesia that has shown promising results in the treatment of pain after thoracic surgery. It involves the injection of local anesthetic behind the musculature of the back. The investigators intend to compare this technique with a more standardized one, the TAP Block, which involves injection of anesthetic behind the musculature of the abdomen. 50 patients undergoing robotic inguinal hernia repair under general anesthesia will be randomly selected to receive, in addition to general anesthesia, either the ESP block or the TAP block. Patients receiving an ESP Block will also receive an injection of saline solution in the TAP injection site, and the other way around. This will prevent preconceived ideas on either technique to influence the evaluationso of the effect. Pain scores and consumption of pain medication will be recorded during the 24 hours following the operation to compare the effect of the two techniques.