8954 Abdominal Wall Nerve Blocks

Abstract

<h3>Study Objective</h3> To demonstrate the nerve block techniques for the ilioinguinal, iliohypogastric, lateral femoral cutaneous, and the genital branch of the genitofemoral nerves. <h3>Design</h3> Procedural video. <h3>Setting</h3> Operating room at an academic medical center. <h3>Patients or Participants</h3> Patients with chronic abdominal pain. <h3>Interventions</h3> This video demonstrates how to perform nerve blocks to the ilioinguinal, iliohypogastric, lateral femoral cutaneous, and genital branch of the genitofemoral nerves. It also highlights the techniques of these nerve blocks and includes general management and follow-up principles for these patients. <h3>Measurements and Main Results</h3> Patients' individual responses to nerve blocks are assessed on a pain scale of 0-10. They are measured prior to and after nerve blocks to gauge response. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Determining the source of chronic abdominal and pelvic pain can be difficult for gynecologists. Nerve blocks can be an effective strategy to help evaluate and possibly treat abdominal wall pain. These blocks can delineate whether pain is originating from the abdominal wall or from another source. Nerve blocks can also potentially be therapeutic in instances of nerve entrapment, muscle spasms, neuralgia, or myofascial pain. These instructional videos on administering abdominal nerve blocks can help gynecologists provide another potential source of therapy for their patients.