Effect of unilateral intrathecal prilocaine-fentanyl versus bupivacaine-fentanyl on postoperative spontaneous voiding in ambulatory male patients undergoing inguinal hernioplasty: a randomized double-blinded comparative study.

Authors

Magdy Abdelmohsen Elsayed Mohamed, Mina Adolf Helmy, Omar Mohamed Elsayed Abou Hashem, Ahmed Mounir Shash, Emad Sedik Osman, Ahmed Ebrahim Mohamed, Mai Mohamed Ramzy Taha

Published in

Scientific reports. Volume 16. Issue 1. Jul 05, 2026. Epub Jul 05, 2026.

Abstract

Ambulatory inguinal hernia repair requires anesthetic techniques that provide reliable intraoperative analgesia while facilitating rapid recovery and timely discharge. Postoperative spontaneous voiding is a critical determinant of discharge readiness. This study compared unilateral intrathecal prilocaine-fentanyl with bupivacaine-fentanyl in male patients undergoing elective inguinal hernioplasty. In this randomized comparative trial, 70 male patients (ASA I-II, aged 18-60 years) scheduled for elective unilateral inguinal hernia repair were allocated to receive either intrathecal prilocaine 40 mg plus fentanyl 25 µg (Pr‑F group, n = 35) or bupivacaine 7.5 mg plus fentanyl 25 µg (Bu‑F group, n = 35). Blocks were performed unilaterally with patients maintained in the lateral decubitus position for 15 min. The primary outcome was time to first spontaneous voiding. Secondary outcomes included block characteristics, recovery parameters, pain scores, rescue analgesia, discharge readiness (Modified Post-Anesthesia Discharge Scoring System ≥ 9), and adverse events. Baseline demographics and intraoperative hemodynamics were comparable between groups. The Pr‑F group demonstrated significantly shorter time to first spontaneous voiding (213 ± 27 vs. 307 ± 22 min, p < 0.001). Motor and sensory regression times were also shorter with prilocaine (98 ± 11 vs. 187 ± 19 min; 120 ± 11 vs. 209 ± 23 min, respectively; p < 0.001). Time to achieve Modified Post-Anesthesia Discharge Scoring System ≥ 9 was reduced in the Pr‑F group (97 ± 11 vs. 187 ± 19 min, p < 0.001). Pain scores were higher with prilocaine, and rescue analgesia was required more frequently (34% vs. 11%, p = 0.023). Kaplan-Meier analysis confirmed earlier voiding in the Pr‑F group (log‑rank χ²=82.85, p < 0.0001). Adverse events, including pruritus, shivering, urinary retention, and transient neurological symptoms, were infrequent and comparable between groups. Unilateral intrathecal prilocaine-fentanyl provided faster recovery of sensory and motor function, earlier spontaneous voiding, and shorter discharge times compared with bupivacaine-fentanyl in male patients undergoing ambulatory inguinal hernia repair. Both regimens were safe, but prilocaine-fentanyl offers distinct advantages for fast‑track hernia surgery. Larger multicenter studies are warranted to confirm these findings across broader patient populations. Trial registration: The study was registered retrospectively at ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT07262398) on 14/11/2025.

PMID:
42402656
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 06 Jul 2026.

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