What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating postoperative pain relief methods in children aged 2 to 12 years undergoing elective unilateral inguinal hernia repair. The study compares the effectiveness of two ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia techniques: paravertebral block and erector spinae plane block, as well as a control group receiving standard general anesthesia without regional block. The goal is to assess which method better manages pain and reduces the need for additional pain medication after surgery. The study involves three treatment groups. One group receives an ultrasound guided paravertebral block where a mixture of bupivacaine and lidocaine is injected near the T10 spinal level. Another group receives an ultrasound guided erector spinae plane block with the same drug mixture injected under the erector spinae muscle at the T10 transverse process. The control group receives general anesthesia with standard pain management but no regional block. All procedures use ultrasound guidance and specific needle placements to ensure accurate drug delivery. During the 24 hours after surgery, researchers will measure the total amount of rescue pain medication (ibuprofen) used by each child. They will also note the time until the first request for additional pain relief and evaluate pain intensity both at rest and during movement using a 10-point pain score. Complications such as hematoma, toxicity, pneumothorax, infection, and others will be monitored. Parents will rate their satisfaction with the pain control using a 5-point scale. These assessments will help determine the safety and effectiveness of each anesthesia technique.

Ultrasound Guided Paravertebral Block Versus Erector Spinae Block for Postoperative Analgesia After Inguinal Hernia Repair in Pediatric Patients