A Pilot Study of Local Anesthesia for Inguinal Hernia Surgery in Older Adults

The purpose of this study is to collect data about local versus general anesthesia for inguinal hernia repair in Veterans aged 60 years for planning a larger, multisite randomized clinical trial. Approximately 80 participants will be enrolled and can expect to be on study for 6 months.

Inclusion Criteria: * Age greater than or equal to 60 years * Presenting to clinic with a unilateral inguinal hernia that is not incarcerated * Considered suitable for either general or local anesthesia * Willing to complete all study requirements, including follow-up continuing until six months after surgery * English speaking Exclusion Criteria: * The hernia that the patient is being evaluated for has undergone prior repair * Any contraindications to general anesthesia * Allergies to local anesthesia * Evidence of hernia incarceration or strangulation * Active local or systemic infection that would preclude the use of mesh for hernia repair * Need for concurrent surgical repair at the time of hernia repair * English is not the patient's primary language * Enrollment in other research studies * Clinical judgement of surgeon or anesthesiology * Current pregnancy * Unwilling to provide consent * Current active illegal drug use * Current alcoholism * Claustrophobia * Unable to tolerate lying in supine position for greater than 30 minutes