Prophylactic ilioinguinal neurectomy in open inguinal hernia repair: a randomized control trial

Background: Inguinal neuralgia is one of the important complications of hernia repair which occurs due to entrapment, neuroma or fibrotic reactions involving the ilioinguinal nerve. Hence the excision of ilioinguinal nerve should theoretically eliminate the possibility of inguinal neuralgia. But routine ilioinguinal neurectomy is still controversial and is not widely accepted. Hence a study was conducted to evaluate the effect of prophylactic ilioinguinal neurectomy in open inguinal hernia repair.Methods: A prospective study was conducted in the General Surgery Department in a tertiary center for a period of 20 months, from December 2011 to July 2013. The patients were randomly allocated to either group A or group B by block randomized technique. Group ‘A’ patients underwent neurectomy of ilioinguinal nerve whereas the ilioinguinal nerve in group ‘B’ patients was safeguarded.Results: A total of 60 patients were studied with 30 patients each in group A and group B. During vigorous activities, more group B patients had pain compared to group A patients at 4-month [15 (50%) vs. five (17%); p=0.006; Chi-square test] and 8-month follow-up [15 (50%) vs. five (17%); p=0.006; Chi-square test].Conclusions: Inguinal neuralgia is a significant and debilitating complication following hernia repair. The prophylactic neurectomy can be an appropriate solution in the prevention of chronic groin pain following inguinal hernia repair and can be considered as an ideal inclusion into the standard hernia repair procedures.

Pulsed Radiofrequency for Chronic Inguinal Neuralgia

Background: Chronic inguinal neuralgia has been reported after inguinal herniorrhaphy, caesarean section, appendectomy, and trauma to the lower quadrant of the abdomen or inguinal region. Objectives: This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of pulsed radiofrequency in management of chronic inguinal neuralgia. Study Design: Randomized, double-blind controlled trial. Setting: Hospital outpatient setting. Methods: Twenty-one patients were allocated into 2 groups. Group 1 received 2 cycles of pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) for each nerve root. In Group 2, after stimulation, we spent the same time to mimic PRF. Both groups received bupivacaine 0.25% + 4 mg dexamethasone in 2 mL for each nerve root. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was assessed. Duration of the first block effective pain relief was reported. Repeated PRF blockade was allowed for any patient who reported a VAS > 30 mm in both groups during the one year follow-up period. The number and duration of blocks were reported and adverse effects were also reported. Results: Significantly longer duration of pain relief was noticed in Group 1 (P = 0.005) after the first block, while the durations of pain relief of the second block were comparable (P = 0.59). In Group 1 the second PRF produced pain relief from the twenty-fourth week until the tenth month while in Group 2, pain relief was reported from the sixteenth week until the eighth month after the use of PRF. All patients in Group 2 received 3 blocks (the first was a sham PRF) during the one year follow-up period. Meanwhile, 2 PRF blocks were sufficient to achieve pain relief for patients in Group 1 except 4 patients who needed a third PRF block. No adverse events were reported. Limitations: Small sample size. Conclusion: For intractable chronic inguinal pain, PRF for the dorsal root ganglion represents a promising treatment modality. Key words: Radiofrequency, chronic, inguinal neuralgia

Radiofrequency Neurolysis Versus Local Nerve Infiltration in 42 Patients with Refractory Chronic Inguinal Neuralgia

Background: Chronic inguinal neuralgia involving ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric nerves is a frequent complication of surgical procedures involving a lower abdominal incision such as hernia repair, appendicitis surgery, or cesarean sections. Chronic inguinal neuralgia is a very painful condition and diagnosis can be challenging as it is an overlooked impairment. Existing specific treatments are inefficient and often fail. Objective: The purposes of this study are to describe, evaluate, and compare ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric radiofrequency neurolysis (RFN) and local injection. Study Design: Retrospective comparison cohort study from 2005 to 2011. Setting: A single center, Academic Interventional Pain Management Unit Methods: Forty-two patients suffering from chronic inguinal pain refractory to specific medication were included. A total of 18 RFN procedures (14 patients) and 28 injections (28 patients) were performed. Pain was assessed in both groups using Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores (0-10) measured immediately before and after the procedure and at one, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after the procedure. Mean duration of pain prior to the procedure and mean duration of pain relief were noted. Moreover, mean maximum early pain relief was assessed. All procedures were ambulatory under computed tomography (CT) guidance. Injections contained 1.5 mL of cortivazol and 3 mL of lidocaine-ropivacaine (30%-70%). Radiofrequency neurolysis was performed using a Neurotherm RF Generator. In both cases, 22-gauge needles were used. After needle retrieval, control slices were taken and the patient was supervised for 30 minutes at the CT unit. Results: The mean age in both groups was 48.7 years. Forty-two patients (97.6%) presented postsurgical inguinal pain, 62% of which occurred after hernia repair. All included patients had undergone previously unsuccessful pain therapies. Mean VAS scores were 7.72 in the RF group and 7.46 in the infiltration group. Maximum early pain relief did not statistically differ (77% in the RFN group and 81.5% in the injection group). Mean duration of pain relief was statistically significant (P = .005) in the RF group (12.5 months) compared to the infilitration group (1.6 months). Mean VAS scores during the year following the procedure were all significantly in favor of radiofrequency neurolysis management. Limitations: Those inherent to small study samples and retrospective studies. Conclusion: Radiofrequency neurolysis appears to be significantly more effective than local nerve infiltrations. It is a safe and effective treatment for chronic inguinal pain. Local steroid injection along with local injection of anesthetics should be used as a confirmation of ilioinguinal neuropathy before performing radiofrequency neurolysis. Key words: Radiofrequency, Ilioinguinal, Iliohypogastric, neuropathy, infiltration, computed tomography guidance.