Background: Surgical intervention is associated with psychological and physical stress for the patient. The severity of surgical stress is also influenced by anesthetics, analgesics, and the choice of anesthesia method. Heart rate variability (HRV) is a universal reaction of the entire body to any impact.

Methods: 92 patients aged 67.47±14.39 years (23% women) who underwent surgical treatment of hernias of the anterior abdominal wall took part in the study. Patients were divided into 3 groups according to the method of anesthesia: 1st group (n= 32) operated under general multicomponent anesthesia, 2nd group (n= 30) with neuraxial (spinal or epidural) anesthesia, 3rd group (n= 30)–regional blockades (the rectus abdominis sheath and transverse abdominal plane). A multidisciplinary decision was made on the specifics of planned surgical intervention and anesthetic support. The 3rd group included the majority of …