Are Nerves Left In Situ Associated With Less Chronic Pain Than Manipulation During Inguinal Hernia Repair?

INTRODUCTION: Nerve damage has been implicated in chronic groin pain, particularly iliohypogastric, ilioinguinal, and genital branches of genitofemoral nerves. We investigated whether three nerve identification (3N) and preservation is associated with decreased pain 6 mo after hernia repair compared to two common strategies of nerve management: ilioinguinal nerve identification (1N) and two nerve identification (2N). METHODS: We identified adult inguinal hernia patients within the Abdominal Core Health Quality Collaborative national database. Six-month postoperative pain was defined using the EuraHS Quality of Life tool. A proportional odds model was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and expected mean differences in 6-month pain for nerve management while adjusting for confounders identified a priori. RESULTS: Four thousand four hundred fifty one participants were analyzed; 358 (3N), 1731 (1N), and 2362 (2N) consisting mostly of White males (84%) over the age of 60 y old. Academic centers identified all three nerves more often than ilioinguinal or two nerve identification methods. Median 6-month postoperative pain scores were 0 [interquartile range 0-2] for all nerve management groups (P = 0.51 3N versus 1N and 3N versus 2N). There was no evidence of a difference in the odds of higher 6-month pain score in nerve management methods after adjustment (3N versus 1N OR: 0.95; 95% confidence interval 0.36-1.95, 3N versus 2N OR: 1.00; 95% confidence interval 0.50-1.85). CONCLUSIONS: Although guidelines emphasize three nerve preservation, the management strategies evaluated were not associated with statistically significant differences in pain 6 mo after operation. These findings suggest that nerve manipulation may not contribute as a significant role in chronic groin pain after open inguinal hernia repair.

Dermatome Mapping Test in the analysis of anatomo-clinical correlations after inguinal hernia repair.

BACKGROUND: Nerve identification is recommended in inguinal hernia repair to reduce or avoid postoperative pain. The aim of this prospective observational study was to identify nerve prevalence and find a correlation between neuroanatomy and chronic neuropathic postoperative inguinal pain (CPIP) after 6 months. MATERIAL: A total of 115 patients, who underwent inguinal hernia mesh repair (Lichtenstein tension-free mesh repair) between July 2018 and January 2019, were included in this prospective observational study. The mean age and BMI respectively resulted 64 years and 25.8 with minimal inverse distribution of BMI with respect to age. Most of the hernias were direct (59.1%) and of medium dimension (47.8%). Furthermore, these patients were undergoing Dermatome Mapping Test in preoperatively and postoperatively 6 months evaluation. RESULTS: Identification rates of the iliohypogastric (IH), ilioinguinal (II) and genitofemoral (GF) nerves were 72.2%, 82.6% and 48.7% respectively. In the analysis of nerve prevalence according to BMI, the IH was statistically significant higher in patients with BMI < 25 than BMI ≥ 25 P (< 0.05). After inguinal hernia mesh repair, 8 patients (6.9%) had chronic postoperative neuropathic inguinal pain after 6 months. The CPIP prevailed at II/GF dermatome. The relation between the identification/neurectomy of the II nerve and chronic postoperative inguinal pain after 6 months was not significant (P = 0.542). CONCLUSION: The anatomy of inguinal nerve is very heterogeneous and for this reason an accurate knowledge of these variations is needed during the open mesh repair of inguinal hernias. The new results of our analysis is the statistically significant higher IH nerve prevalence in patients with BMI < 25; probably the identification of inguinal nerve is more complex in obese patients. In the chronic postoperative inguinal pain, the II nerve may have a predominant role in determining postoperative long-term symptoms. Dermatome Mapping Test in an easy and safe method for preoperative and postoperative 6 months evaluation of groin pain. The most important evidence of our analysis is that the prevalence of chronic pain is higher when the nerves were not identified.

Role of MR Neurography in Groin and Genital Pain: Ilioinguinal, Iliohypogastric, and Genitofemoral Neuralgia.

OBJECTIVE: Chronic neuralgia of the border nerves (ilioinguinal, iliohypogastric, and genitofemoral) is difficult to diagnose and treat clinically. We examined the role of MR neurography (MRN) in the evaluation of border nerve abnormalities and the results of treatments directed at the MRN-detected nerve abnormalities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective cross-sectional study included 106 subjects with groin or genital pain (mean [± SD] age, 50.7 ± 15.4 years) who showed mono- or multifocal neuropathy of the border nerves at 3-T MRN. Subjects who underwent CT-guided perineural injection were assessed for pain response. Injection responses were categorized as positive, possible positive, and negative. Subjects who received hyaluronidase, continuous radiofrequency ablation, or surgery were also evaluated for treatment outcomes. RESULTS: One hundred forty abnormal nerves were positive for neuropathy in 106 studies. Eighty of 106 subjects had single neuropathy, and 26 had multifocal neuropathy. Fifty-eight subjects underwent CT-guided perineural injections, with five receiving bilateral injections (63 injections). Improvement in subjective pain was seen in 53 of 63 cases (84.2%). A statistically significant improvement in pain response was noted in the isolated ilioinguinal nerve block group as compared with the isolated genitofemoral nerve block group (p = 0.0085). Thirteen of 58 subjects received multiple nerve injections at the same sitting. Both groups receiving single or multiple nerve injections had similar improvement in pain scores of 84% and 85%, respectively, although this difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Our retrospective analysis showed improved pain relief in subjects who underwent CT-guided nerve blocks on the basis of a positive MRN.

Two-Team Surgical Approach to Improve Retroperitoneal Nerve Identification in the Treatment of Groin Pain.

BACKGROUND: An estimated 700,000 groin hernia repairs are performed in the United States each year. Studies have shown that up to 50% of patients who undergo groin hernia repair are affected by persistent pain beyond the first few days after surgery. At 2 to 5 years after either open or laparoscopic, mesh or without mesh, 10% to 12% of these patients will have persistent and disabling pain. If the ilioinguinal, iliohypogastric, or genitofemoral nerves are injured below the transversalis muscle layer, the traditional external, open approach to nerve resection will not help these patients. The traditional internal, laparoscopic, approach to the retroperitoneum can be used for nerve resection, but identification of the correct nerve is difficult. Therefore, we have developed a 2-team, dual approach, combining open and endoscopic approaches to solve this problem. METHODS: A retrospective review of the electronic medical records was performed to identify all patients who underwent a dual approach for groin denervation after persistent postherniorraphy pain. This dual approach included an external incision paired with a laparoscopic, retroperitoneal approach to identify and/or transect the ilioinguinal, iliohypogastic, lateral femoral cutaneous, and genital branch of the genitofemoral nerve. Inclusion criteria are persistent groin pain with alleviation after preoperative nerve block and either a failed attempt at an external approach groin denervation or pain after a primary laparotomy/laparoscopy procedure. RESULTS: Thirteen patients met the inclusion criteria. All patients underwent a dual approach, and nerves were identified and confirmed in both the external groin and laparoscopic approaches. When placed on a scale from excellent/good to fair/poor relief of pain, 10 patients (77%) described excellent/good relief and 3 (23%) continued to have persistent pain. CONCLUSIONS: A combined open surgical procedure, to identify the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve, and a laparoscopic procedure in the retroperitoneum have demonstrated the feasibility of this approach to identify correctly the nerve to be resected to relieve disabling groin pain.

Targeted Robotic Assisted Microsurgical Denervation of the Spermatic Cord for the Treatment of Chronic Orchialgia or Groin Pain: A Single Center, Large Series Review.

PURPOSE: Microsurgical denervation of the spermatic cord is a treatment option for chronic orchialgia refractory to conservative treatment. A recent study showed specific nerve fibers as the possible cause of chronic orchialgia. Our goal was to present the outcomes of ligation of these nerves using a technique of targeted robotic assisted microsurgical denervation of the spermatic cord. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 772 patients who underwent targeted robotic assisted microsurgical denervation of the spermatic cord from October 2007 to July 2016. Selection criteria were chronic testicular pain more than 3 months in duration, failed conservative treatments, negative neurological and urological workup, and temporary resolution of pain with a local anesthetic spermatic cord block. Targeted robotic assisted microsurgical denervation of the spermatic cord was performed. Pain was assessed preoperatively and postoperatively using a subjective visual analog scale and objectively with the standardized and validated PIQ-6 (Pain Impact Questionnaire-6) score. RESULTS: Followup data were available on 860 cases. During a median followup of 24 months (range 1 to 70) 718 cases (83%) showed a significant reduction in pain and 142 (17%) had no change in pain by subjective visual analog scale scoring. Of cases with a significant reduction in pain 426 (49%) had complete resolution and 292 (34%) had a 50% or greater reduction. Objective PIQ-6 analysis showed a significant reduction in pain in 67% of patients 6 months postoperatively, in 68% at 1 year, in 77% at 2 years, in 86% at 3 years and in 83% at 4 years. CONCLUSIONS: Targeted robotic assisted microsurgical denervation of the spermatic cord is an effective, minimally invasive approach with potential long-term durability in patients with refractory chronic orchialgia.

Mesh Removal and Selective Neurectomy for Persistent Groin Pain Following Lichtenstein Repair.

BACKGROUND: Some patients with persistent inguinodynia following a Lichtenstein hernia repair fail all non-surgical treatments. Characteristics of mesh-related pain are not well described whereas a meshectomy is controversial. Aims were to define mesh-related pain symptoms, to investigate long-term effects of a meshectomy and to provide recommendations on meshectomy. METHODS: Consecutive patients undergoing open meshectomy with/without selective neurectomy for chronic inguinodynia following Lichtenstein repair were analysed including a follow-up questionnaire. Outcome measures were complications, satisfaction (excellent, good, moderate, poor) and hernia recurrence rate. Recommendations for meshectomy are proposed based on a literature review. RESULTS: Seventy-four patients (67 males, median age 56 years) underwent mesh removal (exclusively mesh, 26%; combined with tailored neurectomy, 74%) between June 2006 and March 2015 in a single centre. Complications were intraoperatively recognized small bowel injury (n = 1) and testicular atrophy (n = 2). A 64% excellent/good long-term result was attained (median 18 months). Success rates of a meshectomy (63%) or combined with a neurectomy (64%) were similar. Five hernia recurrences occurred during follow-up (7%). A patient with a pure mesh-related groin pain characteristically reports a 'foreign body feeling'. Pain intensifies during hip flexion (car driving) and is attenuated following hip extension or supine position. Palpation is painful along the inguinal ligament whereas neuropathic characteristics (hyperpathic skin, trigger points) are lacking. CONCLUSIONS: Mesh removal either or not combined with tailored neurectomy is beneficial in two of three patients with characteristics of mesh-related inguinodynia following Lichtenstein hernia repair who are refractory to alternative pain treatments.

Surgical treatment of intractable pelvic, groin, and perineal neuropathic pain in a gynaecologic patient: triple neurectomy.

BACKGROUND: Gynaecologists who are asked to assess patients with pain in the genital area are not generally trained to consider neurogenic causes for the pain, nor are they generally familiar with the surgical procedures that can eliminate this pain. CASE: A 54-year-old woman who had undergone multiple laparotomies for Caesarean section, abdominal hysterectomy, treatment of ovarian cysts, and lysis of adhesions through a transverse abdominal approach presented with a seven- to eight-month history of severe neuropathic left-sided groin, labial, and perineal pain. Neurectomy involving the iliohypogastric, ilioinguinal, and genitofemoral nerves was performed. Postoperatively the patient experienced complete resolution of the pain. CONCLUSION: Neuropathic pain should be considered in the differential diagnosis of women with an extensive history of lower abdominal surgery. Neurectomy is an effective treatment for this.

Contexte : Les gynécologues à qui l'on demande d'évaluer des patientes qui présentent des douleurs affectant les organes génitaux ne disposent généralement pas de la formation qui leur permettrait de tenir compte des causes neurogènes de la douleur; d'ordre général, les interventions chirurgicales permettant d'éliminer cette douleur ne leur sont également pas familières. Cas : Une femme de 54 ans qui avait subi de multiples laparotomies (césarienne, hystérectomie abdominale, prise en charge de kystes ovariens et libération d'adhérences) par l'intermédiaire d'une approche abdominale transversale connaissait de graves douleurs neuropathiques inguinales, labiales et périnéales affectant le côté gauche depuis 7-8 mois. Une neurectomie visant les nerfs ilio-hypogastrique, ilio-inguinal et génitocrural a été menée. À la suite de l'intervention, la patiente en est venue à connaître une résolution totale de la douleur. Conclusion : La présence de douleurs neuropathiques devrait être envisagée dans le cadre du diagnostic différentiel chez les femmes qui présentent des antécédents importants de chirurgie abdominale basse. La neurectomie constitue alors un traitement efficace.

Retroperitoneal course of iliohypogastric, ilioinguinal, and genitofemoral nerves: A study to improve identification and excision during triple neurectomy.

Triple neurectomy of the iliohypogastric (IHN), ilioinguinal (IIN), and genitofemoral (GFN) nerves is an available treatment option for chronic groin pain when conservative measures are ineffective. This research study attempted to define the variability of IHN, IIN, and GFN by categorizing variation and establishing a relationship to clinically significant landmarks. 22 cadavers (43 specimens) were dissected. Age, gender, ethnicity, BMI, and pertinent medical history were recorded for each specimen. Nerve emergence, insertion, and split points were measured in relation to clinically significant landmarks. Retroperitoneal trajectories of IHN, IIN, and GFN were analyzed and categorized based on nerve branching patterns. IIN and IHN had three branching patterns - type A (47%) in which the IIH and IIN exit as separate branches; type B (26%) in which the IIH and IIN exit as a single bundle and split; and type C (28%) in which the IIH and IIN exit and do not split. The GFN had three branching patterns--type 1 (50%) in which the GFN exited from the psoas major and then split into the genital and femoral branches; type 2 (30%) in which the GFN exited and did not split; and type 3 (20%) in which the GFN exited the psoas major already split into the genital and femoral branches. Variations in the IHN, IIN, and GFN nerves outlined in this study will provide surgeons with clinically useful information aiding in successful and efficient localization of these nerves during retroperitoneal procedures, including laparoscopic triple neurectomy.

Genitofemoral neuralgia: a review.

Genitofemoral neuralgia is a cause of neuropathic pain that is often debilitating in nature. It is characterized by chronic neuropathic groin pain that is localized along the distribution of the genitofemoral nerve. The symptoms include groin pain, paresthesias, and burning sensation spreading from the lower abdomen to the medial aspect of the thigh. It may present with scrotal pain in male, while females experience symptoms radiating to the labia majora and mons pubis. Genitofemoral neuropathy has been attributed to iatrogenic nerve injury occurring during inguinal and femoral herniorrhaphy, with cases developing after both open and laparoscopic techniques. Diagnosis of genitofemoral neuralgia can be challenging, due to the overlap in sensory distribution the nerve shares with the ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric nerve. Differential nerve blocks are recommended in effort to differentiate the nerves when patients present with lower abdominal and groin pain. Once a diagnosis has been made, there exist several treatment options for genitofemoral neuralgia ranging from medical management, non-invasive injections, and surgery. Literature has also brought light to radiofrequency ablation and cryoablation performed under ultrasound guidance as emerging treatments. The aim of the current article is to review the anatomy, diagnostic techniques, and treatment options for patients with genitofemoral neuralgia.

Pubic inguinal pain syndrome: the so-called sports hernia.

The "sportsman's hernia" commonly presents as a painful groin in those sports that involve kicking and twisting movements while running, particularly in rugby, football, soccer, and ice hockey players. Moreover, sportsman's hernia can be encountered even in normally physically active people. The pain experienced is recognized at the common point of origin of the rectus abdominis muscle and the adductor longus tendon on the pubic bone and the insertion of the inguinal ligament on the pubic bone. It is accepted that this chronic pain caused by abdominal wall weakness or injury occurs without a palpable hernia. We proposed the new name "pubic inguinal pain syndrome." In the period between January 2006 and November 2013 all patients afferent in our ambulatory clinic for chronic groin pain without a clinically evident hernia were assessed with medical history, physical examination, dynamic ultrasound, and pelvic and lumbar MRI. All patients were proposed for a conservative treatment and then, if it was not effective, for a surgical treatment. Our etiopathogenetic theory is based on three factors: (1) the compression of the three nerves of the inguinal region, (2) the imbalance in strength of adductor and abdominal wall muscles caused by the hypertrophy and stiffness of the insertion of rectus muscle and adductor longus muscle, and (3) the partial weakness of the posterior wall. Our surgical procedure includes the release of all three nerves of the region, the correction of the imbalance in strength with the partial tenotomy of the rectus and adductor longus muscles, and the repair of the partial weakness of the posterior wall with a lightweight mesh. This treatment reported excellent results with complete relief of symptoms after resumption of physical activity in all cases.

Successful treatment of testicular pain with peripheral nerve stimulation of the cutaneous branch of the ilioinguinal and genital branch of the genitofemoral nerves.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the effect of peripheral nerve stimulation on neuropathic testicular pain. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A 30-year-old man with a four-year history of chronic testicular pain following scrotal hydrocele surgery had two percutaneous leads implanted in his groin and low-frequency stimulation of the cutaneous branch of the ilioinguinal and genital branch of the genitofemoral nerves. RESULT: At seven-month follow-up, the pain intensity had declined from 9/10 to 2/10 on the numeric rating scale. CONCLUSION: We report the successful implantation of an ilioinguinal and genitofemoral nerve stimulator for sustained suppression of intractable neuropathic testicular pain.

Effects of variable courses of inguinal nerves on pain in patients undergoing Lichtenstein repair for inguinal hernia: preliminary results.

BACKGROUND: Problems due to damage to ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric nerves which have many variations following surgery for inguinal hernia cause additional work leave and delay in return to daily life. We aimed to compare outcomes of nerve identification and preservation with a careful dissection during Lichtenstein repair of inguinal hernia between normal courses of inguinal based nerves and variable courses of inguinal based nerves. METHODS: This is a prospective study and 116 adult male patients with primary inguinal hernia were operated between December 2009 and June 2010. The patients with a normal nerve trace identified on exploration were assigned into Group Normal Course and those with variable nerve course were assigned into Group Variable Course. These two groups were compared in terms of demographic features, preoperative and postoperative variables, return to work and daily routines, duration of fulfilling personal needs, visual analogue scores before and one and six months after surgery, four-point verbal-rank scale scores, numbness and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: Out of 116 patients, 70 (60.3%) had variable courses of the nerves and were assigned into the Group Variable Course and 46 (39.7%) had normal courses of the nerves and were assigned into Group Normal Course. A single stem for both nerves over spermatic cord (21.6%) and acute infero-lateral angulation of the Ilioinguinal nerve in close contact with and parallel to the Superficial Inguinal Ring fibers at exit (15.5%) were the most observed variations. Duration of surgery was significantly longer in Group Variable Course (p <0.001). Numbness was also slightly higher in this group one month after surgery. This difference nearly disappeared six months after surgery. CONCLUSION: Although careful and gentle exploration increases the duration of surgery and early neuropraxia, identification and preservation of nerves during surgery for inguinal hernia help to achieve similar outcomes in both patients with a normal course of nerves and those with a variable course of nerves.

Anatomic variability of groin innervation.

Inguinal hernia repairs are very common yet fairly complex surgical procedures.Variations in the anatomical course of the inguinal nerves require that diligence is taken in their proper recognition. Inadvertent surgical injury to these nerves is associated with long term postoperative pain and complications. The aim of the present study was to highlight the complexity and variation in the innervation of the inguinal region in order to increase proper nerve identification during surgical interventions. Bilateral dissection of the inguinal and posterior abdominal regions in one human male cadaver revealed an atypical anatomic topography of the groin innervation. This unusual case was observed at the Jagiellonian University Anatomy Department during routine cadaveric preparations. The left ilioinguinal nerve was absent. The left genital branch of the genitofemoral nerve arose higher than expected from the lumbar plexus and supplied the groin region, which is typically innervated by the ilioinguinal nerve. Furthermore, the left lateral cutaneous femoral nerve and the right genital branch of the genitofemoral nerve also followed uncharacteristic courses. Awareness of topographical nerve variations during inguinal hernia repair will help surgeons identify and preserve important nerves, thus decreasing the incidence of chronic postoperative pain.

[Radical operations of inguinal hernias with the temporary translocation of inguinal nerves].

This article presents the results of anatomic researches of the innervations of the inguinal area, performed for studying an arrangement of the main nerves of the inguinal area in relation to the operation access and the area of plasty of the posterior wall of the inguinal canal. The method of temporary translocation of inguinal nerves is developed for their preservation at radical operations of inguinal hernias. Long-term experience of surgical treatment of inguinal hernias with the temporary translocation of inguinal nerves is summarized.

Groin pain of neurological origin as a differential diagnosis of femoroacetabular impingement.

BACKGROUND: To describe the experience in the diagnostic process and treatment of patients with groin pain (GP) of neurological origin due to entrapment of the iliohypogastric (IH), ilioinguinal (IL) and genitofemoral (GF) nerves in a hip preservation clinic. METHODS: Retrospective study of patients with GP of neurological origin confirmed with ultrasound-guided nerve block. Clinical outcomes were reported in 21 cases (age, 53.3 ± 15.9 years) treated with conservative treatment from January to December 2019, and in 9 patients (age 43.7 ± 14.6 years) who underwent neurectomy from January 2015 to December 2019. Pain intensity was assessed with a numerical rating scale (NRS) before starting the diagnostic process (Day 0) and at the end of follow-up. RESULTS: All cases reported pain on groin palpation. Half of these cases also reported a positive FADIR test (flexion, adduction, internal rotation) (15/30). On day 0, the intensity of pain in cases treated with conservative treatment was severe in 19 patients (NRS 7-10) and moderate in 2 (NRS 4-6), with a median improvement of 7 points (interquartile range [IQR] 5.5-8.0) at the end of follow-up (p < 0.001). In neurectomy group, a similar improvement in pain severity was (Day 0: 9 points [IQR 8.0-9.0]; end of follow-up: 0 points [IQR: 0-2.0]; p = 0.002). At the end of the study, 17/21 patients with conservative treatment and 7/9 with neurectomy were pain free or with mild pain (NRS < 3). CONCLUSIONS: In cases with PG of neurological origin, there is a high frequency of false positives in the FADIR test. Our findings suggest that neurectomy is a treatment option for patients in whom conservative treatment fails, providing significant pain relief.

[Application of ultrasound guidance for ilioinguinal or iliohypogastric nerve block in pediatric inguinal surgery].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of ultrasound guidance for ilioinguinal or iliohypogastric nerve block in pediatric outpatients undergoing inguinal surgery. METHODS: The present study was approved by the ethics committee of our hospital. One hundred children with ASA status I, aged 4 - 8 years old, scheduled for unilateral inguinal surgery were randomly divided into ultrasound group (Group U) and traditional group (Group T) (n = 50 each). Upon entering operation room, they were monitored by electrocardiography (ECG), heart rate (HR) and oxygen saturation (SpO(2)). After an induction of general anesthesia, intravenous access was established and laryngeal mask inserted with spontaneous breathing. Intraoperative anesthesia was maintained with 2% sevoflurane in 50% nitrous oxide with 50% oxygen. Children in Group U received an ilioinguinal or iliohypogastric block under ultrasonic guidance with a mixture of 0.8% lidocaine and 0.25% levobupivacaine at 0.2 ml/kg while those in Group T performed according to the traditional method of anatomical localization with the same local anesthetic at 0.3 ml/kg. During surgery, the vital signs of HR, respiratory rate (RR), SpO(2), partial pressure of end-tidal carbon dioxide (P(ET)CO(2)) and exhaled sevoflurane concentration were recorded. Additional intraoperative analgesic requirements were recorded. Face legs activity cry consolability (FLACC) score was used to assess the pain score postoperatively at recovery time, 2 and 4 h postoperation respectively. If the pain score was above 3, the child received acetaminophen rectally. The number of postoperative rectal acetaminophen was recorded. The degrees of parental satisfaction were investigated at 2 and 4 h postoperation. Intra-or postoperative adverse events were also recorded. RESULTS: HR at skin incision and sac traction in Group U was significantly lower than those in Group T (P < 0.05). Six children (12%) needed to increase inhaled sevoflurane concentration during operation in Group U versus 17 (34%) in Group T (P < 0.05). The pain score at recovery time, 2 and 4 h postoperation in Group U was significantly lower than those in T group (P < 0.05). Only 4 children (8%) needed postoperative rectal acetaminophen in Group U versus 13 (26%) in Group T (P < 0.05). The degree of parental satisfaction at 2 h postoperation was significantly higher in Group U than that in Group T (P < 0.05). One case in Group T had needle puncturing into blood vessels. No other adverse event was observed in two groups. CONCLUSION: The method of ultrasonic guidance for ilioinguinal or iliohypogastric nerve block is both feasible and effective. It can not only enhance the effect of nerve block, reduce the occurrences of complications, lower the quantity of local anesthetic and alleviate the medicinal toxicity.

A short postgraduate anatomy course may improve the junior surgical residents' anatomy knowledge for the nerves of the inguinal region.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Inguinal hernia repair is one of the most common operations in a junior surgical resident's postgraduate training. Short recall courses can improve junior residents' anatomy knowledge and results in better surgical outcomes. We aimed to investigate the effect of a short course on anatomical competency during inguinal hernia repairs. METHODS: During the first 25 inguinal hernia repairs, two junior residents were asked to identify iliohypogastric, ilioinguinal, and genital branch of genitofemoral nerves. Then, the residents were given a short recall course by anatomists. Afterwards, the participants were taken into an in-vivo anatomy test again. The same parameters were recorded in another 25 inguinal hernia repairs. In addition to the nerve identification records, case characteristics [body mass index (BMI < or = 25 vs. >25), hernia type (indirect vs. direct), and anesthesia used (general or regional vs. local)] were recorded. RESULTS: Anatomy education had a clear impact on the correct identification rates for the iliohypogastric and ilioinguinal nerves. The rates increased from 70% to 90% and above. Correct identification rate for the three nerves together significantly increased from 16 to 52% following anatomy education (P = 0.006). All three nerves were identified with significantly higher success rates after anatomy education. The increase in the success rate for identification of the genital branch of genitofemoral nerve was 4-fold. CONCLUSIONS: Short anatomy courses in specific subjects for junior surgical residents given by formal anatomists may be effective during postgraduate education. The benefit obtained in the present study for the inguinal region nerves may be expanded to more important anatomical structures, such as the recurrent laryngeal nerve in a thyroidectomy, or more complex subjects.

Where is the nerve? Review of operation note documentation practice for inguinal hernia repair.

INTRODUCTION: Careful identification and management of inguinal nerves during inguinal hernia repair is important to avoid iatrogenic injury. Documentation of this practice may inform postoperative clinical management. We set out to investigate how often surgeons identify inguinal nerves and document findings and management in their operation notes. METHODS: We carried out a retrospective review of operation notes at a single district general hospital. We analysed operation notes for documentation of identification and intraoperative management (preservation or sacrifice) of the inguinal nerves (iliohypogastric, ilioinguinal, genital branch of genitofemoral nerve). We collected data on the baseline characteristics of the patients, hernia characteristics and primary operating surgeons for subgroup analysis. RESULTS: A total of 100 patients were included in the analysis. Identification of any inguinal nerves (generic 'nerve') was documented in 17% of operation notes. Documentation in the operation notes of named individual nerves was limited. No documentation of intraoperative management of inguinal nerves was found in 83% of operation notes. Preservation of the inguinal nerves (generic 'nerve') was recorded in 8% and sacrifice recorded in 9% of cases. Subgroup analysis revealed similar incidence of documentation of identification and management of inguinal nerves across grades of primary surgeon, with overall incidence low for all grades. CONCLUSION: This study reveals a lack of appreciation of the importance of documenting identification and management of inguinal nerves in operation notes. Further consideration of the potential implications of poor documentation would be beneficial to improve standards.

Effectiveness of multiple neurectomies to prevent chronic groin pain after tension-free hernia repair.

The question of which nerve--the ilioinguinal or the iliohypogastric--most often causes chronic groin pain after hernia repair remains to be answered. We sought to evaluate the effects of prophylactic neurectomies on the incidence of persistent groin pain after Lichtenstein repair. Two hundred forty patients were randomized to 1 of 4 groups: the all-nerve preservation group, the ilioinguinal neurectomy group, the iliohypogastric neurectomy group, and the neurectomies group. During follow-up visits, pain was characterized through use of the McGill Pain Questionnaire and the visual analog scale, and quality of life was assessed with the Short Form 6 Dimension. Significant differences regarding chronic groin pain at 1 year were found between the preservation group and both neurectomies groups, in favor of the latter. No statistically significant differences in quality of life were noted in any of the groups. In conclusion, both nerves seem to be responsible for neuropathic postherniorrhaphy pain. Elective excision of the nerves can be done safely during tension-free hernia repair.