Outcome of the operative management of nerve injuries in the ilioinguinal region

BACKGROUND: Injuries to the ilioinguinal, iliohypogastric, and genitofemoral nerves can result in pain in the inguinal region. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective analysis of 13 patients with such injuries is reported, with emphasis on the cause of the injury, diagnosis, and the outcome of operative management. RESULTS: The causes of the injuries included appendectomy, inguinal herniorrhaphy, inguinal lymph node dissection, orchiectomy, total abdominal hysterectomy, abdominoplasty, iliac crest bone graft, and femoral catheter placement. Diagnosis of the injury was based on patient history and physical examination. CONCLUSIONS: The outcome of operative management was graded as excellent (n=10) and good (n=3). Patient satisfaction was high postoperatively; all were able to return to their normal activity level.