Ultrasound-guided paravertebral block for inguinal herniorrhaphy: does neostigmine have a role?

Background There has been an increasing trend toward performing inguinal repair surgeries under regional anesthetic techniques like paravertebral block (PVB). Neostigmine has been used as an adjuvant to local anesthetics, but the existing research studies are few. This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of neostigmine as an adjuvant to local anesthesia used for PVB in inguinal hernia repair procedures. Patients and methods This prospective randomized study included 72 patients prepared for elective inguinal hernia repair under PVB. They were allocated into two groups: the neostigmine group received a mixture of bupivacaine and neostigmine (5 μg/kg), whereas the control group received bupivacaine alone. During the postoperative period, pain score, hemodynamic parameters, first analgesic request, total analgesic consumption, and the incidence of adverse effects were noted and recorded. Results Both groups showed comparable findings regarding age and weight. However, the number of patients requiring rescue analgesia showed a significant increase in the control group. Moreover, controls reported significantly earlier first analgesic requests. Both diclofenac and fentanyl consumptions were increased without neostigmine administration. Pain score was significantly better with neostigmine at 4 and 6 h after surgery. Hemodynamic parameters were almost comparable between the two groups. Conclusion Neostigmine appears to be an efficient adjuvant to local anesthetics when administered during PVB as it significantly improves its analgesic profile. Its administration should be encouraged in clinical practice.