Triple Neurectomy Research Articles

Surgical Treatment of Neuropathic Chronic Postherniorrhaphy Inguinal Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background/Objectives: Neuropathic chronic postherniorrhaphy inguinal pain (CPIP) is a serious adverse outcome following inguinal hernia repair surgery. The optimal surgical treatment for neuropathic CPIP remains controversial in the current literature. This systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of various surgical techniques utilized to manage neuropathic CPIP. Methods: The electronic databases Medline, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Central, and Google Scholar were searched. Inclusion criteria were defined to select studies reporting on the efficacy of surgical interventions in patients with neuropathic CPIP. The primary outcome was postoperative pain relief, as determined by postoperative numerical or nonnumerical pain scores. Results: Ten studies met the inclusion criteria. Three surgical techniques were identified: selective neurectomy, triple neurectomy, and targeted muscle reinnervation. Proportions of good postoperative results of the surgical techniques ranged between 46 and 88 percent. Overall, the surgical treatment of neuropathic CPIP achieved a good postoperative result in 68 percent (95% CI, 49 to 82%) of neuropathic CPIP patients (n = 244), with targeted muscle reinnervation yielding the highest proportion of good postoperative results. Conclusions: The surgical treatment of neuropathic CPIP is generally considered safe and has demonstrated effective pain relief across various surgical techniques. Targeted muscle reinnervation exhibits considerable potential for surpassing current success rates in inguinal hernia repair surgery.

Robot-assisted laparoscopic triple neurectomy for chronic inguinal pain: Description of the technique, our experience and preliminary results

IntroductionChronic inguinal pain or inguinodynia following hernioplasty is a relatively common complication that can be very incapacitating. Surgical treatment by triple neurectomy is a therapeutic option when previous treatments (oral/local therapy or neuromodulation) have failed. ObjectiveRetrospective description of the surgical technique and results of laparoscopic and robot-assisted triple neurectomy for chronic inguinodynia. Material and methodsWe describe the inclusion/exclusion criteria as well as the surgical technique applied in 7 patients operated on at the University Health Care Complex of León (Urology Department) after failure of other treatment options. ResultsThe patients presented chronic groin pain, reporting a preoperative pain VAS of 7.43 out of 10. After surgery, this score was reduced to 3.71 on the first postoperative day and to 4.2 points one year after surgery. Hospital discharge occurred 24 h after surgery with no relevant complications being reported. ConclusionsLaparoscopic or robot-assisted triple neurectomy is a safe, reproducible, and effective technique for the treatment of chronic groin pain refractory to other treatments.

V-022 POSTOPERATIVE INGUINODYNIA: LAPAROSCOPIC NEURECTOMY AND MESH REMOVAL

Abstract Aim Chronic groin pain following a hernioplasty is a complication with an incidence of 10–12%. A multidisciplinary approach, including pain management services, interventional radiology and surgery, has proven the best outcomes. Persistence of symptoms and lack of efficacy of non-surgical treatments make surgical treatment with prosthetic removal and neurectomies an appropriate alternative. Material & Methods We present the clinical case of a 35-year-old male with a history of bilateral laparoscopic groin hernioplasty performed at another institution 10 years ago. After the surgery, he developed chronic groin pain, predominantly on the left side, and underwent multiple interventions. He complained that the pain was severe and incapacitating, affecting his quality of life. Dermatome mapping evidenced compromise of the three inguinal nerves (ilioinguinal, iliohypogastric and inguinal branch of genitofemoral). A multidisciplinary approach including NSAIDs, pregabalin, tricyclic antidepressants and periradicular blocks followed by radiofrequency ablation was established, without success. A laparoscopic left inguinal exploration with mesh removal and triple neurectomy was then decided. Results The patient had an adequate postoperative course. He returned to daily activities including sports practice, and no recurrence was observed after 1 year of follow up. Conclusions A multidisciplinary approach is suggested for the treatment of postoperative inguinodynia. Neurectomy and mesh removal is a safe and effective strategy, and must be considered for the management of severe postoperative groin pain in which non-operative approaches failed. Surgery entails a great challenge and therefore should be performed in specialized centers.

Triple neurectomía transperitoneal laparoscópica y con asistencia robótica para el tratamiento del dolor inguinal crónico: descripción de la técnica, nuestra experiencia y resultados preliminares

IntroductionChronic inguinal pain or inguinodynia following hernioplasty is a relatively common complication that can be very incapacitating. Surgical treatment by triple neurectomy is a therapeutic option when previous treatments (oral/local therapy or neuromodulation) have failed. ObjectiveRetrospective description of the surgical technique and results of laparoscopic and robot-assisted triple neurectomy for chronic inguinodynia. Material and methodsWe describe the inclusion/exclusion criteria as well as the surgical technique applied in 7 patients operated on at the University Health Care Complex of León (Urology Department) after failure of other treatment options. ResultsThe patients presented chronic groin pain, reporting a preoperative pain VAS of 7.43 out of 10. After surgery, this score was reduced to 3.71 on the first postoperative day and to 4.2 points one year after surgery. Hospital discharge occurred 24hours after surgery with no relevant complications being reported. ConclusionsLaparoscopic or robot-assisted triple neurectomy is a safe, reproducible, and effective technique for the treatment of chronic groin pain refractory to other treatments.

Is pain control for chronic neuropathic pain after inguinal hernia repair using endoscopic retroperitoneal neurectomy effective? A meta-analysis of 142 patients from 1995 to 2022

PurposeNeuropathic pain is a complication after groin hernia surgery. Triple neurectomy of the iliohypogastric nerve, ilioinguinal nerve and genitofemoral nerve is an efficient treatment modality, with several surgical approaches. The minimally invasive endoscopic method to neurectomy was specifically investigated in this meta-analysis. Our aim is to determine the efficacy of this method in the treatment of chronic neuropathic pain posthernia repair surgery.MethodsA systematic review was conducted using four databases to search for the keywords (“endoscopic retroperitoneal neurectomy” and “laparoscopic retroperitoneal neurectomy”). The NCBI National Library of Medicine, Cochrane Library, MEDLINE Complete and BioMed Central were last searched on 26 May 2022. Randomised control trials and retrospective or prospective papers involving endoscopic retroperitoneal neurectomy operations after inguinal hernia repair were included. All other surgeries, procedures and study designs were excluded. The internal quality of included studies was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. The percentage of patients who had reduction in pain (“positive treatment outcome”) was used to assess the procedure’s effectiveness in each analysis.ResultsFive comparable endoscopic retroperitoneal neurectomy studies with a total of 142 patients were analysed. Both the Wald test (Q (6) = 1.79, = .775) and the probability ratio test (Q (6) = 4.24, = .374) provide similar findings (0.000, 0.0% [0.0%; 78%]). The meta-analysis’ key finding is that the intervention was up to 78% effective (95% confidence interval, 71%; 84%).ConclusionEndoscopic retroperitoneal neurectomy can be an effective treatment option for postoperative neuropathic pain relief following surgical hernia repair. Although there is limited reported experience with this technique, it may provide a clinical benefit to the patient. We recommend further prospective data and long-term follow-up studies be conducted to confirm and expand on these outcomes.

EVALUATION OF POSTOPERATIVE PAIN IN PRESERVATION AND ELECTVE DISSECTION OF THE ILIOINGUINAL NERVE IN INGUINAL HERNIOPLASTY

The use of mesh techniques in the treatment of inguinal hernias significantly reduce recurrences. However the incidence of  inguinodinia still present significant complication. The study was designed as a randomized, prospective, unilaterally blind clinical study. Forty male patients were included, to whom hernioplasty by Lichtenstein method with implantation of polypropylene mesh was performed. Patients were divided into 2 groups of twenty patients each. In first one the technique of the ilioinguinal preservation was used, and in the second one dissection of the ilioinguinal nerve was performed. At appropriate time points two types of scales were used to assessed the intensity of the pain: Numeric scale of pain (NSP) and Stanford pain scale (SPS).Data from 40 patients have been analyzed, of which 20 with preservation and 20 with dissection of the ilioinguinal nerve. Inguinodynia was present in two patients, one in each group, i.e. 5%, which indicates that there was no significant difference in the occurrence of inguinodynia in the group with preservation and dissection of the ilioingvinal nerve. No single direction can yet be given as to whether it is better to preserve or dissect the inguinal nerves, and there is also division over whether, if a neurectomy should be performed, it should be limited to the IIN or a triple neurectomy should be performed. Key words: inguinodinia, inguinal hernia, mesh techniques.

A Case Report of Effectiveness of Triple Neurectomy and Round Ligament Resection for Chronic Groin Pain After Laparoscopic Percutaneous Extraperitoneal Closure

A Case Report of Effectiveness of Triple Neurectomy and Round Ligament Resection for Chronic Groin Pain After Laparoscopic Percutaneous Extraperitoneal Closure

Surgical treatment for chronic pain after inguinal hernia repair: a systematic literature review.

Chronic postoperative inguinal pain (CPIP) is a frequent complication after inguinal surgery with a significant decrease in quality of life. There is still no clear algorithm regarding surgical treatment. The aim of this systematic review was to provide an overview on the principles and outcome of surgical interventions for CPIP based on the available literature. A literature search was performed using the databases PubMed and SCOPUS following the PRISMA statement. Used Mesh terms and keywords were "postoperative pain," "chronic pain," "inguinal hernia," and "surgical treatment." All articles were reviewed regarding surgical technique and outcome. MINORS criteria for the assessment of the methodological quality of non-randomized surgical studies were applied. Eighteen articles, of which 17 cohort studies and one randomized controlled trial (RCT), described the surgical management of CPIP. Selective as well as triple neurectomy, often in combination with mesh removal and removal of suture material, was performed. Success rate, defined as significant or complete relief of pain, ranged from 33 until 100%, with most articles reaching success rates above 70%, showing a clear advantage of surgical therapy for chronic pain. The use of surgical triple neurectomy seems effective and helpful in a high percentage of patients with CPIP. Surgical treatment should only be considered after adequate preoperative diagnostic evaluation of which the dermatome sensory mapping seems a useful tool for detailed neurophysiological assessment of patients with persistent post-herniorrhaphy pain undergoing remedial neurectomy.

A Simplified clinical algorithm for standardized surgical treatment of chronic pain after inguinal hernia repair: A quality assessment study.

The optimal surgical strategy for the treatment of chronic pain after inguinal hernia repair is controversial and based on relatively weak evidence. The purpose of this study was to analyze pain-related functional impairment using a simplified clinical treatment algorithm for a standardized surgical treatment. The algorithm was predefined, and the indication to operate was based on strict criteria. This was a prospective, non-controlled, explorative study. The pain operation was either open triple neurectomy with total mesh removal or laparoscopic retroperitoneal triple neurectomy. A clinically relevant postoperative change was defined as ⩾25% change from the baseline level. Primary outcome was pain-related impairment of physical function using the Activity Assessment Scale. Secondary outcomes included Individual Patient-Reported Outcome Measures, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and PainDETECT Questionnaire. A total of 240 patients were referred (2016-2019). Sixty-six patients were included for the analysis. A total of 25% of referred patients were offered a pain operation. Follow-up was a median 3 months (range: 3-13). Activity Assessment Scale scores were clinically relevant improved in 43 patients (68%), not clinically relevant different in 19 (30%), and clinically relevant worsened in one (2%). Secondary outcome scores were all significantly improved (P < 0.05) except for the risk of postoperative depression (P = 0.092). Fifty-one patients (77%) reported that chronic groin pain was reduced after the operation. Pain-related functional impairment was improved with clinical relevance in roughly 70% of patients through a simplified clinical algorithm for surgical treatment of severe chronic pain after an inguinal hernia repair.

A study to improve identification of the retroperitoneal course of iliohypogastric, ilioinguinal, femorocutaneous and genitofemoral nerves during laparoscopic triple neurectomy.

Laparoscopic triple neurectomy is an available treatment option for chronic groin pain, but a poor working knowledge of the retroperitoneal neuroanatomy makes it an unsafe technique. Describe the retroperitoneal course of iliohypogastric, ilioinguinal, lateral femoral cutaneous and genitofemoral nerves, to guide the surgeon who operates in this region. Fifty adult cadavers were dissected resulting in 100 anatomic specimens. Additionally, 30 patients were operated for refractory chronic inguinal pain, using laparoscopic triple neurectomy. All operations and dissections were photographed. Measurements were made between the nerves of the lumbar plexus and various landmarks: interneural distances in a vertical midline plane, posterior or anterior iliac spine and branch presentation model. The ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric nerves were independent in 78% (Type II) and separated by an average of 2.5 ± 0.8cm. In surgery study, only 38% were recognized as Type II and at a significantly greater distance (3.5 ± 1.2cm, p < 0.001). The distance between ilioinguinal and lateral femoral cutaneous nerves was also greater during surgery, with statistical significance (5.1 ± 1.5 versus 4.2 ± 1.5, p < 0.005). The distance of the nerves to their bone references were not statistically different. The genitofemoral nerve emerged from the psoas major muscle in 20% as two separate branches (Type II), regardless of the study. The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve had a mean distance of 0.98 ± 1.6cm medial to the anterior superior iliac spine. The identification of the IH, II, FC and GF nerves is essential to reduce the rate of failures in the treatment of CGP. The frequent anatomical variations of the lumbar plexus nerves make knowledge of their courses in the retroperitoneal space essential to ensure safe surgery. The location of the nerves in the LTN is distorted by up to 1cm. regarding references in the cadavers.

Retroperitoneal Approach for Ilioinguinal, Iliohypogastric, and Genitofemoral Neurectomies in the Treatment of Refractory Groin Pain After Inguinal Hernia Repair.

Inguinal hernia repair is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures. Postoperative neuropathic groin pain is a potentially disabling complication and can be due to a neuroma of the ilioinguinal, iliohypogastric, and/or genitofemoral nerves. In this article, we present our operative technique-a retroperitoneal approach to the ipsilateral ilioinguinal, iliohypogastric, and genitofemoral nerves with neurectomy and proximal transposition of these nerves-for management of neuropathic pain. A retrospective review was performed of 12 of the patients who underwent this surgery at our institution. Three of 12 patients underwent a selective neurectomy, whereas 9 of 12 underwent a triple neurectomy; 3 of the 9 patients who underwent triple neurectomy also had a retroperitoneal peripheral nerve stimulator placed at the time of neurectomy. Pain visual analog scores (VASs) demonstrated significant improvement after neurectomy (preoperative pain VAS of 85 ± 11 vs postoperative pain VAS of 47 ± 32, P = 0.0027). Eight of 12 patients experienced partial or complete pain relief, whereas 4 of 12 patients had no pain relief. There were no major complications, and the minor complication rate was low for all patients and primarily related to peripheral nerve stimulator placement. This retroperitoneal approach to triple neurectomy for treatment of refractory groin pain in postoperative inguinal hernia repair patients is safe and effective for an otherwise devastating problem.

Triple neurectomy or selective neurectomy: Do they have equal effectiveness?

Triple neurectomy or selective neurectomy: Do they have equal effectiveness?

Approach to the Patient with Chronic Groin Pain.

Chronic postoperative inguinal pain has become a primary outcome parameter after elective inguinal hernia repair with significant consequences affecting patient productivity, employment, and quality of life. A systematic and thorough preoperative evaluation is important to identify the etiologies and types of pain. Owing to the complex nature of chronic pain, a multimodal and multidisciplinary treatment approach is recommended. Patients with chronic pain refractory to conservative measures may be considered for surgical intervention. Triple neurectomy remains the most definitive and accepted remedial operation performed and provides effective relief in the majority of patients.

Management of chronic pain after hernia repair.

Chronic pain following inguinal hernia repair is a common problem and feared complication. Up to 16% of people experience chronic pain following the repair of a groin hernia. The aim of this review was to provide an overview of treatment strategies for patients with chronic pain following inguinal hernia repair based on best practice guidelines and current clinical routines. The optimal management of chronic pain following inguinal hernia surgery should begin with a thorough clinical examination to rule out other causes of chronic pain and to rule out a recurrence. A scaled approach to treatment is recommended. Initially, watchful waiting can be tried if it can be tolerated by the patient and then systemic painkillers, escalating to blocks, and surgery as the final option. Surgery should include mesh removal and triple neurectomy following anterior approaches or mesh and tack removal following a posterior approach. The diagnosis and treatment strategies should be performed by or discussed with experts in the field.

A clinical study of the incidence and disability caused by mesh neuralgia after inguinal mesh hernioplasty and the effects of prophylactic ilioinguinal neurectomy and its role in preventing chronic groin pain after inguinal hernioplasty

Background: Residual neuralgia, called as Inguinodynia, is an important complication unique to groin hernia repair. The reported incidence ranges between 9-63%. The symptoms are potentially disabling. Symptoms are often more pronounced on axial twisting of body. Methods for prevention include identification and preservation of all nerves, Ilioinguinal Neurectomy and triple Neurectomy during surgery.Methods: One hundred patients underwent elective unilateral Lichtenstein’s tension free hernioplasty. 50 patients were subjected to elective ilioinguinal neurectomy. The remaining underwent standard Liechtenstein’s mesh hernioplasty, without ilioinguinal neurectomy. Randomization was achieved by allocating alternate patients to each group - prophylactic neurectomy, or nerve preservation. All patients, during each review were asked to fill out a Pain Disability Questionnaire to assess sensory loss and pain disability objectively.Results: At completion of 6 monthly follow up pain at rest (none in group ‘A’ compared with 3 in group ‘B’), after coughing 5 times (none in group ‘A’ compared with 7 in group ‘B’), after climbing 4 flights of stairs(3 in group ‘A’ compared with 16 in group ‘B’) and after cycling for 20 minutes (11 in group ‘A’ compared with 22 in group ‘B’) were all significantly lesser in the neurectomy group as compared with the non neurectomy group. More importantly, exertional chronic pain incidence at 6 months was significantly less in group ‘A’.Conclusions: It was concluded that pain after inguinal mesh hernioplasty is a cause of morbidity, pain was complained of by a significantly larger number of non-neurectomised patients at 6 months of follow-up, prophylactic ilioinguinal neurectomy is associated with reduced exertional chronic groin pain, disability caused by pain after inguinal hernioplasty, is significantly reduced by ilioinguinal neurectomy and an extremely significant reduction in the requirement of medication is brought about by neurectomy compared with controls.

A Case of Chronic Pain after Inguinal Herniorrhaphy Treated Successfully with Mesh Resection and Triple Neurectomy

鼠径ヘルニア術後の慢性疼痛は，患者のQOLを著しく低下させる重篤な合併症である．今回，鼠径ヘルニア術後の慢性疼痛に対して，メッシュ除去術および神経切離術を行い，著明な除痛が得られた1例を経験したので報告する．症例は77歳の男性で，右腎癌治療に伴う慢性腎不全で血液維持透析中であった．左内鼠径ヘルニアに対して鼠径ヘルニア修復術（Mesh Plug法）を施行した．術後3カ月で左鼠径部痛が出現した．左鼠径部の異常感覚と左鼠径部から左大腿内側にかけての放散痛を認めたことから，神経因性の慢性疼痛と診断した．鎮痛剤による内服加療が奏効せず，初回手術より5カ月でメッシュ除去術および神経切離術を施行した．手術直後より著明な除痛が得られた．病理組織学的検査では，陰部大腿神経陰部枝周囲に広範な脂肪壊死および瘢痕化所見を認め，そこへ向かって同神経が牽引されていたことから，今回の神経因性疼痛の原因の一つと考えられた．

Triple Neurectomy is Effective for Scrotal Pain following Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair—A Case Report—

Triple Neurectomy is Effective for Scrotal Pain following Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair—A Case Report—

Quantitative validation of sensory mapping in persistent postherniorrhaphy inguinal pain patients undergoing triple neurectomy.

Neurectomy of the inguinal nerves may be considered for selected refractory cases of chronic postherniorrhaphy inguinal pain (CPIP). There is to date a paucity of easily applicable clinical tools to identify neuropathic pain and examine the neurosensory effects of remedial surgery. The present quantitative sensory testing (QST) pilot study evaluates a sensory mapping technique. Longitudinal (preoperative, immediate postoperative, and late postoperative) dermatomal sensory mapping and a comprehensive QST protocol were conducted in CPIP patients with unilateral, predominantly neuropathic inguinodynia presenting for triple neurectomy (n=13). QST was conducted in four areas on the affected, painful side and in one contralateral comparison site. QST variables were compared according to sensory mapping outcomes: (o)/normal sensation, (+)/pain, and (-)/numbness. Diagnostic ability of the sensory mapping outcomes to detect QST-assessed allodynia or hypoesthesia was estimated through calculation of specificity and sensitivity values. Preoperatively, patients exhibited mechanical hypoesthesia and allodynia and pressure allodynia and hyperalgesia in painful areas mapped (+) (p<.05); sensory mapping outcome (+) demonstrated high ability to detect mechanical allodynia [sensitivity 0.74 (95% CI 0.61-0.86), specificity 0.94 (0.84-1.00)] and pressure allodynia [sensitivity 0.96 (0.89-1.00), specificity 1.00 (1.00-1.00)], but not thermal allodynia. Postoperatively, mapped areas of numbness (-) were associated with mechanical and thermal hypoesthesia (p<.05); (-) showed high sensitivity and specificity to detect mechanical and cold hypoesthesia. Sensory mapping provides an accurate clinical neuropathic assessment with strong correlation to QST findings of preoperative mechanical and pressure allodynia, and postoperative mechanical and thermal hypoesthesia in CPIP patients undergoing neurectomy.

Efficacy of retroperitoneal triple neurectomy for refractory neuropathic inguinodynia

BackgroundRefractory neuropathic inguinodynia following inguinal herniorrhaphy is a common and debilitating complication. This prospective study evaluated long-term outcomes associated with laparoscopic retroperitoneal triple neurectomy. MethodsSixty-two consecutive patients (51 male; mean age, 47); all failing pain management; prior reoperation in 35, prior neurectomy in 26; average follow-up 681 days (range: 90 days to 3 years). Measured outcomes include numeric pain ratings, dermatomal mapping, histologic confirmation, quantitative sensory testing, complications, narcotic usage, and activity level. ResultsMean numerical pain scores were significantly decreased (baseline, 8.6) at all postoperative time points (POD 1, 3.6; P < .001: POD 90, 2.3, P < .001) with durable efficacy from POD 90 to 3 years (P < .001). Quantitative sensory testing showed marked group-level increases of sensory thresholds. Narcotic dependence decreased in 57/62 and was eliminated in 44/62 and activity level improved in 58/62. ConclusionsRetroperitoneal triple neurectomy is an effective and durable treatment for refractory neuropathic inguinodynia.

Neurophysiological and Clinical Effects of Laparoscopic Retroperitoneal Triple Neurectomy in Patients with Refractory Postherniorrhaphy Neuropathic Inguinodynia.

Chronic postherniorrhaphy inguinal pain (CPIP) is a complex, major health problem. In the absence of recurrence or meshoma, laparoscopic retroperitoneal triple neurectomy (LRTN) has emerged as an effective surgical treatment of CPIP. This prospective pilot study evaluated the neurophysiological and clinical effects of LRTN. Ten consecutive adult CPIP patients with unilateral predominantly neuropathic inguinodynia underwent three comprehensive quantitative sensory testing (QST) assessments (preoperative, immediate postoperative, and late postoperative). Pain severity, health-related function, and sleep quality were assessed over the course of a 6-month follow-up period. QST revealed marked increases in mechanical, pressure, thermal, and pain thresholds in the areas with maximum pain prior to LRTN surgery for the immediate (P < 0.01; mean 160.9 minutes, range 103 to 255 minutes after extubation) and late postoperative (P < 0.05; mean 27.9 days, range 14 to 78 days after surgery) assessments compared to baseline. Wind-up phenomena were eliminated postoperatively. LRTN provided robust group-level improvements of all clinical measures. No preoperative QST variables were found to be predictive of surgical outcomes. The positive change in heat pain threshold (preoperative compared to late postoperative) showed significant positive correlations with improvements of pain scores and function. LRTN may produce immediate, profound, and consistent positive effects across multiple mechanical, pressure, and thermal QST variables, and marked improvements of clinical outcomes in selected CPIP patients. These data contribute to the understanding of mechanisms involved in the success of LRTN. Large, high-powered studies are warranted to determine whether preoperative or repeated longitudinal QST may guide patient selection and predict effectiveness of LRTN.