Our Summary

This research study is exploring the impact of different types of anesthesia on pain relief following surgery for chronic groin pain (inguinodynia). Chronic groin pain can occur after specific types of surgery, such as hernia repair or a Pfannenstiel incision. If standard treatments do not work, further corrective surgery may be needed. Some previous studies have suggested that spinal anesthesia may be more effective than general anesthesia for pain relief after these corrective surgeries. This study will involve 190 adult patients with chronic groin pain who are due to have corrective surgery. It will compare the effects of spinal and general anesthesia on pain relief, patient satisfaction, quality of life, use of painkillers, and medical costs. The study began in January 2016 and is expected to end in December 2019. It is the first large scale study to compare these two types of anesthesia in this context, and will help to develop evidence-based strategies to improve the results of these surgeries.

FAQs

  1. What is the main purpose of this research study on spinal surgery?
  2. How many patients will be involved in this study comparing spinal and general anesthesia?
  3. What are the factors being compared in this study between spinal anesthesia and general anesthesia?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor may advise a patient undergoing spinal surgery to follow post-operative instructions carefully, including proper wound care, medication management, physical therapy exercises, and restrictions on certain activities to promote healing and prevent complications. It is important to communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to your healthcare provider promptly to ensure a successful recovery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended spinal surgery include those with chronic back pain, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, scoliosis, spinal fractures, and other spinal deformities or injuries. Additionally, patients with spinal tumors or infections may also be candidates for spinal surgery. It is important for patients to undergo a thorough evaluation by a medical professional to determine if surgery is the best course of treatment for their specific condition.

Timeline

Before spinal surgery:

  1. Patient experiences chronic groin pain after previous surgery or injury.
  2. Patient tries standard treatments for pain relief, which may not be effective.
  3. Patient consults with a surgeon who recommends corrective surgery.
  4. Patient agrees to undergo spinal surgery to address the chronic groin pain.

After spinal surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes spinal anesthesia for the surgery.
  2. Surgery is performed to correct the underlying issue causing the chronic groin pain.
  3. Patient wakes up from surgery and begins post-operative recovery.
  4. Patient experiences pain relief from the spinal anesthesia.
  5. Patient may have improved quality of life and reduced need for painkillers.
  6. Patient follows post-operative care instructions and attends follow-up appointments.
  7. Patient’s overall satisfaction with the surgery and anesthesia is assessed.
  8. Patient’s medical costs related to the surgery are monitored.
  9. Study compares outcomes between patients who received spinal anesthesia versus general anesthesia.
  10. Study results will help guide future treatment options for patients with chronic groin pain.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and benefits of spinal anesthesia compared to general anesthesia for my specific surgery?

  2. How will the choice of anesthesia affect my post-operative pain management and recovery process?

  3. Are there any specific factors about my medical history or current health condition that may make one type of anesthesia more suitable for me than the other?

  4. How experienced is the surgical team in performing surgeries with spinal anesthesia, and what is their success rate with this approach?

  5. Will I have a say in the decision-making process regarding the type of anesthesia used for my surgery?

  6. What are the potential side effects or complications associated with spinal anesthesia, and how will they be managed if they occur?

  7. How long will the effects of spinal anesthesia last, and how soon can I expect to regain feeling and movement in the lower part of my body after surgery?

  8. Will the choice of anesthesia impact the length of my hospital stay or the overall success of the surgery in alleviating my chronic groin pain?

  9. What alternative pain management options are available if I experience inadequate pain relief with the chosen anesthesia during the recovery period?

  10. Are there any ongoing clinical trials or research studies related to anesthesia and pain relief for chronic groin pain that I may be eligible to participate in?

Reference

Authors: Zwaans WA, le Mair LH, Scheltinga MR, Roumen RM. Journal: Trials. 2017 Jan 14;18(1):23. doi: 10.1186/s13063-016-1746-x. PMID: 28088218