Topical EMLA Cream as Adjunct Analgesia in Postoperative Pain Control for Open Inguinal Hernioplasty Under Local Anesthesia: A Pilot Double‐Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

Topical EMLA cream is a feasible adjunct for postoperative pain control following open inguinal hernia repair under local anesthesia. Although no infections or adverse events occurred in this pilot cohort, the study is underpowered to detect rare complications such as surgical site infection; therefore, safety conclusions should be interpreted with caution. The clinically meaningful reduction of 2-3 points in pain scores supports further validation in larger, adequately powered trials using an inert placebo.