EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF PROMETHAZINE HYDROCHLORIDE AS A LOCAL-ANESTHETIC AGENT FOR INGUINAL-HERNIA REPAIR - A PILOT-STUDY

Promethazine hydrochloride is known to possess properties as a local a naesthetic which scientists have not researched well. Therefore, a pro spective, randomised, double-blind clinical study was conducted to eva luate the efficacy of promethazine hydrochloride compared to lignocain e hydrochloride, when used as a local anaesthetic agent. Twenty adult male patients undergoing inguinal hernia repair were included in the s tudy. Regional nerve block technique was employed in all the patients. Efficacy of the agents was assessed on a four-point pain scale nd by recording the pulse and the blood pressure. Promethazine hydrochloride was found to be as effective as lignocaine hydrochloride in terms of the intensity and the duration of regional anaesthesia produced. None of the patients from either group required additional anaesthesia in a ny form, and no complications were witnessed. To conclude, promethazin e hydrochloride appears to be a safe alternative to lignocaine hydroch loride for performing surgery under regional anaesthesia.