An ilio-inguinal block is a regional anaesthetic technique reserved for procedures such as an inguinal hernia repair.
A regional anaesthetic involves blocking the nerves that supply the area where the surgeon will be operating. This reduces the number of anaesthetic drugs we need to give which in turn reduces the side effects - feeling sick for example.
This block is normally performed when you are asleep. It involves injecting local anaesthetic into the muscle layers of the abdominal wall where the nerves to the groin area are to be found.
There are few risks to this block, however there is a 1 in 10 chance of temporarily numbing the nerve that supplies part of your leg muscles, leading to a temporary weakness in the leg and numbness of the thigh.