Open inguinal hernia repair is one of the common surgical treatments, particularly in pediatric patients. Due to the potential for considerable postoperative pain, especially in the early recovery period because of extensive dissection and manipulation of muscles (Internal Oblique and Transversus abdominis) and fascial layers, achieving appropriate analgesia is crucial after such surgeries. Severe post operative pain might occur after hernia surgery due to entrapment of nerves like ilioinguinal, iliohypogastric as well as genital branch of genitofemoral nerve. In addition, inflammatory response after surgery can lead to delayed recovery, impaired wound healing, increased stress response, increased risk of infections, deep vein thrombosis and reduced parental satisfaction.

The quest for effective, safe, and opioid-sparing analgesia in paediatric anaesthesia has led to the exploration of newer regional blocks. In recent years, TAPB and ESPB have emerged as reliable alternatives for postoperative pain management in lower abdominal surgeries, including inguinal hernia repairs. However, choosing appropriate block still remains a challenge. There is various evidence available against both of these blocks.

Primary objectives include comparison of postoperative pain, documented as Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability (FLACC) scale after ESPB and TAPB in pediatric patients undergoing unilateral open inguinal hernia surgery under GA.

Secondary objectives being comparison of intraoperative opioid requirement after surgical incision, comparison of time to first rescue analgesia required, comparison of total parenteral analgesic consumption, assessment of the impact of ESPB and TAPB on postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), length of hospital stays and parental satisfaction.