Investigating local anesthesia for inguinal hernia surgery in older adults
Official title: A Pilot Study of Local Anesthesia for Inguinal Hernia Surgery in Older Adults
Funded at University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-10925162 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether using local anesthesia instead of general anesthesia for inguinal hernia repair can help older adults recover better and have fewer complications, and it aims to gather information that could lead to a bigger trial in the future.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2021 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $209,900 |
| NIH project number | 5K76AG068515-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10925162 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 65 years and older who require inguinal hernia surgery.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 65 years or those who do not require inguinal hernia surgery may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the use of local anesthesia instead of general anesthesia for inguinal hernia repair in older adults, aiming to improve surgical outcomes. The study will gather preliminary data to support a larger trial comparing the two anesthesia techniques. It focuses on understanding how local anesthesia may reduce complications and improve recovery times for patients aged 65 and older. By analyzing existing studies and conducting new assessments, the research seeks to provide clearer guidance on anesthesia choices for this population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer surgical options and better recovery experiences for older adults undergoing inguinal hernia repair.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown mixed results regarding the benefits of local anesthesia, indicating that this research could provide valuable new insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Balentine, Courtney J — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Balentine, Courtney J
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Two laparoscopic techniques for repairing inguinal hernias in children
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-
Shouldice groin hernia repair: permanent vs slowly dissolving stitches
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-
Acupressure for Postoperative Pain After Laparoscopic TEP Hernia Repair
This trial tests whether true acupressure, given after surgery, reduces pain more than sham acupressure or standard care for adults undergoing laparoscopic TEP inguinal hernia repair.
-
TREPP: A Minimally Invasive Open Approach to Repair Inguinal Hernias
This study tests the trans rectus sheath extra-peritoneal procedure (TREPP) to repair inguinal hernias and see if it reduces pain and recurrence relative to traditional methods.
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Camera-based non-contact vital sign monitoring during surgery
This project will try a camera-based non-contact system to measure heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels in adults having surgery under general anesthesia.
-
Pneumoperitoneum time and bicarbonate changes during laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair
This study will see if longer pneumoperitoneum time during laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair causes changes in blood bicarbonate levels in adults.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.