Efficacy of retroperitoneal triple neurectomy for refractory neuropathic inguinodynia

Abstract

Background: Refractory neuropathic inguinodynia following inguinal herniorrhaphy is a common and debilitating complication. This prospective study evaluated long-term outcomes associated with laparoscopic retroperitoneal triple neurectomy.

Methods: Sixty-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.

Results: Mean 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.

Conclusions: Retroperitoneal triple neurectomy is an effective and durable treatment for refractory neuropathic inguinodynia.

Keywords: Inguinodynia; Postinguinal herniorrhaphy pain; Triple neurectomy.