Genitofemoral neuralgia: a review

Abstract

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.

Keywords: ablative therapy; herniorrhaphy; neuralgia; neurectomy; neuropathy; postoperative complications.