LOCAL ANESTHESIA FOR HERNIOPLASTY. IMMEDIATE AMBULATION AND RETURN TO WORK: A PRELIMINARY REPORT.

In 50 cases in which hernioplasty was carried out with atraumatic technique under local anesthesia, the patients walked away from the operating table, then through the corridors, without assistance. They usually drove home the next day and returned to their regular occupations immediately. Few had pain necessitating more than mild analgesia. In a period of follow-up ranging from six months to three years at the time of this report, two patients had recurrence.