This study looked at whether a combination of two medicines, dexamethasone and bupivacaine, can reduce pain after laparoscopic hernia surgery. A total of 175 patients who had elective total extraperitoneal (TEP) hernia repair were randomly assigned to two groups. One group received a spray of dexamethasone and bupivacaine around the surgical mesh, while the other group did not receive any local treatment.
Pain levels were measured at 3, 6, and 12 hours after surgery using a visual pain scale. The need for additional pain medicine and patient satisfaction were also recorded. Patients who received dexamethasone and bupivacaine reported lower pain scores, needed less extra pain medicine, and were more satisfied with their pain control compared to the control group.
The results suggest that this simple, safe, and low-cost method may help improve pain control and comfort after laparoscopic hernia repair.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Adults (≥18 years old) scheduled for elective unilateral inguinal hernia repair with the laparoscopic total extraperitoneal (TEP) technique
* American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I-II
* Ability to provide informed consent
Exclusion Criteria:
* Age \<18 years
* ASA physical status ≥III
* Recurrent or bilateral inguinal hernia
* History of allergy to local anesthetics or corticosteroids
* Chronic opioid use or dependence
* Severe hepatic, renal, or cardiac disease
* Pregnancy or breastfeeding
* Patients who declined to participate or could not provide consent
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.