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

This pilot study is comparing two types of anesthesia for inguinal hernia surgery in older adults: general anesthesia (where you are fully unconscious) versus local anesthesia (where only the surgical area is numbed while you remain awake). Inguinal hernias happen when tissue pushes through a weak spot in the groin muscles, causing a bulge. Surgery is often the recommended treatment, and doctors are exploring whether local anesthesia might be safer or lead to better recovery for older patients. The study is specifically designed for patients aged 60 and above, as older adults can sometimes have more risks with general anesthesia. Researchers will follow participants for up to six months after surgery to compare how both groups recover and whether there are differences in complications or outcomes. You may be eligible if... - You are 60 years of age or older - You have a unilateral (one-sided) inguinal hernia that is not trapped (incarcerated) - Your doctor considers you suitable for either general or local anesthesia - You are willing to attend all follow-up visits for six months after surgery - You speak English You may NOT be eligible if... - Your hernia has already been repaired before - You have contraindications to general anesthesia or allergies to local anesthesia - Your hernia is incarcerated or strangulated (blood supply cut off) - You are currently pregnant - You have active drug or alcohol dependence, or claustrophobia - You are participating in another research study Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.