Evaluation of Patient Satisfaction with Regional vs General Anesthesia Postoperatively in Lower Abdominal Surgeries

Background: The selection of anesthesia for procedures involving the lower abdomen is an important decision that balances the need for effective pain control with patient safety and satisfaction. Objective: Finding the factors that influence patient satisfaction following lower abdominal surgery under regional anesthesia as opposed to general anesthesia was the aim of this study. Study Design: Comparative Cross-sectional Study. Settings: Department of Anesthesia & Surgery, Mardan Medical Complex, Mardan, Pakistan. Duration: Six months from September 2023 to February 2024. Methods: A total of 384 patients aged 18-75 years were categorized between General Anesthesia (GA) and Regional Anesthesia (RA). Data on surgical techniques, postoperative complications, patient education satisfaction, gender and ASA status were acquired. Statistical analysis was used to evaluate the association (Chi square Test) between these variables. Results: The RA group experienced a decreased rate of postoperative complications and was statistically significant at (p = 0.002), while the GA group experienced greater rates of vomiting (54.2%), nausea (62.5%) and pain (50.4%). In the RA group, 22.9% of respondents were fully happy, compared to 21.9% in the GA group (p = 0.003). RA highlighted the value of making well-informed decisions by reducing complications and increasing satisfaction. Conclusion: RA has several benefits, including improved pain management, quicker recovery periods, fewer problems and more patient comfort. Subsequent research endeavors ought to centre on the enduring consequences of distinct anesthetic varieties and their influence on certain surgical procedures and tactics to augment patient comprehension.