Epidural analgesia and post-operative ileus after incisional hernia repair with transversus abdominis release: Results of a 5-year quality improvement initiative

The optimal pain management strategy after open ventral hernia repair (VHR) with transversus abdominus release (TAR) is unknown. Opioids are known to have an inhibitory effect on the GI tract and cause postoperative ileus. Epidural analgesia is associated with lower postoperative ileus rates but may contribute to other postoperative complications. A propensity-matched retrospective review published by our group in 2018 found that epidural analgesia was associated with an increased length of stay and any postoperative complication after VHR.
Source: American Journal of Surgery - Category: Surgery Authors: Tags: Original Research Article Source Type: research