SynthesisBMJ open2019
Inguinal hernia repair in preterm neonates: is there evidence that spinal or general anaesthesia is the better option regarding intraoperative and postoperative complications? A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Synthesis in BMJ open, 2019. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 10 papers.
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Who cites it
10 citing papers in PubMed.
- Caudal block, high flow oxygen insufflation and dexmedetomidine sedation for inguinal hernia surgery in infants-A prospective evaluation of an alternative anesthesia technique.Paediatric anaesthesia · 2025Trial
- Current Practices and Priorities of Anesthetists and Consumers for Infants Undergoing Inguinal Hernia Surgery.Paediatric anaesthesia · 2025Article
- Article
- Risk factors for delayed extubation after pediatric perineal anaplasty in patients less than 1 year of age: a retrospective study.BMC pediatrics · 2024Article
- Perioperative management of infant inguinal hernia surgery; a review of the recent literature.Paediatric anaesthesia · 2023Review
- Article
- Impact of supplemental anesthesia in preterm infants undergoing inguinal hernia repair under spinal anesthesia : A retrospective analysis.Die Anaesthesiologie · 2023Article
- Laparoscopic versus open inguinal hernia repair in infants: an initial experience.ANZ journal of surgery · 2022Article
- Comparison of laryngeal mask airway and endotracheal tube in preterm neonates receiving general anesthesia for inguinal hernia surgery: a retrospective study.BMC anesthesiology · 2021Article
- Use of spinal anaesthesia in neonates and infants in Antananarivo, Madagascar: a retrospective descriptive study.BMC research notes · 2020Article
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
8 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
objectivesWhether spinal anaesthesia (SA) reduces intraoperative and postoperative complications compared with general anaesthesia (GA) was investigated.
designThe meta-analysis was structured based on the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) statement. Databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Web of Science) were searched, and four randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and two retrospective cohort studies were included. A random-effects model with pooled risk ratios and mean differences with 95% CIs were used. Statistical heterogeneity was evaluated using the I
settingPublications from January 1990 to November 2018 were included. PARTICIPANTS AND
interventionsOur study selection captured information from studies focusing on neonates born before the 37th gestational week who were scheduled for an inguinal hernia repair operation under either SA or GA. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome measures were apnoea, postoperative ventilation and method failure rates according to predefined eligibility criteria. The duration of surgery, desaturation events <80%, hospital stay duration and postoperative bradycardia were secondary outcomes.
resultsWe found significantly fewer events for the outcomes 'any episode of apnoea' and 'mechanical ventilation postoperatively' in the SA group. Bradycardias were significantly less common in the SA group. In total, 7.5% of the SA group were converted to GA. The duration of surgery was significantly shorter in the SA group. No significant differences were found in the outcome measures 'postoperative oxygen supplementation', 'prolonged apnoea', 'postoperative oxygen desaturation <80%' and 'hospital stay'.
conclusionsWe consider SA a convenient alternative for hernia repair in preterm infants, providing more safety regarding postoperative apnoea. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first meta-analysis to include studies exclusively comparing SA versus GA. More high-quality RCTs are needed. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42016048683.
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