Anatomy of ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric nerves in relation to trocar placement and low transverse incisions

Entrapped by pain: The diagnosis and management of endometriosis affecting somatic nerves

Somatic nerve entrapment caused by endometriosis is an underrecognized and often misdiagnosed issue that leads to many women suffering unnecessarily. While the classic symptoms of endometriosis are well-known to the gynaecologic surgeon, the dermatomal-type pain caused by endometriosis impacting neural structures is not within gynecologic day-to-day practice, which often complicates diagnosis and delays treatment. A thorough understanding of pelvic neuroanatomy and a neuropelveologic approach is required for accurate assessments of patients with endometriosis and nerve entrapment. Magnetic resonance imaging is the preferred imaging modality for this presentation of endometriosis. Surgical management with laparoscopic or robotic-assisted techniques is the preferred approach to treatment, with excellent long-term results reported after nerve detrapment and endometriosis excision. The review calls for increased awareness and education on the links between endometriosis and the nervous system, advocating for patient-centered care and further research to refine the diagnosis and treatment of this challenging condition.

Diagnostic and Therapeutic Ilioinguinal and Iliohypogastric Nerve Blocks: A Case Report

We present a case report of a consult for a gynecologic patient who presented with unrelenting postsurgical pain and previously underwent laparoscopic surgery. Given the pain distribution, we hypothesized the patient had an ilioinguinal or iliohypogastric nerve entrapment injury. We performed a diagnostic and therapeutic ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric nerve block, alleviating the patient's pain. The patient returned to the operating room to release a fascial stitch, permanently relieving the pain. This is a reminder that anesthesiologists can use regional anesthesia for both diagnosis and treatment.

Guideline No. 445: Management of Chronic Pelvic Pain

OBJECTIVE

To provide evidence-based recommendations for the management of chronic pelvic pain in females.

TARGET POPULATION

This guideline is specific to pelvic pain in adolescent and adult females and excluded literature that looked at pelvic pain in males. It also did not address genital pain.

BENEFITS, HARMS, AND COSTS

The intent is to benefit patients with chronic pelvic pain by providing an evidence-based approach to management. Access to certain interventions such as physiotherapy and psychological treatments, and to interdisciplinary care overall, may be limited by costs and service availability.

EVIDENCE

Medline and the Cochrane Database from 1990 to 2020 were searched for articles in English on subjects related to chronic pelvic pain, including diagnosis, overlapping pain conditions, central sensitization, management, medications, surgery, physiotherapy, psychological therapies, alternative and complementary therapies, and multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary care. The committee reviewed the literature and available data and used a consensus approach to develop recommendations. Only articles in English and pertaining to female subjects were included.

VALIDATION METHODS

The authors rated the quality of evidence and strength of recommendations using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. See online Appendix A (Tables A1 for definitions and A2 for interpretations of strong and conditional [weak] recommendations).

INTENDED AUDIENCE

Family physicians, gynaecologists, urologists, pain specialists, physiotherapists, and mental health professionals.

TWEETABLE ABSTRACT

Management of chronic pelvic pain should consider multifactorial contributors, including underlying central sensitization/nociplastic pain, and employ an interdisciplinary biopsychosocial approach that includes pain education, physiotherapy, and psychological & medical treatments.

SUMMARY STATEMENTS

RECOMMENDATIONS.

Comparative study of intact specimen extraction in laparoscopic nephrectomy by Pfannenstiel incision

OBJECTIVES

The aim of our study is to demonstrate that the Pfannenstiel incision is a reliable option in terms of postoperative complications compared to other types of incisions usually performed for kidney extraction after laparoscopic nephrectomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective and comparative study of 256 patients who underwent laparoscopic nephrectomy or nephroureterectomy. Patients were divided into two groups: specimen extraction by Pfannenstiel incision (group 1) and specimen extraction by way of other incisions (group 2). Incisional hernia, surgical site infection, pain score, seroma, haematoma/bleeding, wound dehiscence and muscle paralysis were analyzed in each patient.

RESULTS

Patients in Pfannenstiel group presented a rate of wound complications of 11.72% vs. 27.34% with other incisions, p=0.002, it was significantly inferior the rate of wound dehiscence (5.5% vs. 12.5%, p=0.047) and seroma (3.1% vs. 7.8%, p=0.022). Using multivariate logistic regression, Pfannenstiel incision was a significant protective predictor factor for wound complications (OR=0.34, p=0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

The Pfannenstiel incision allowed the extraction of bigger kidney masses with less incidence of dehiscence, seroma and in general wound complications. The hospital stay was lower in Pfannenstiel extraction group. These results present this incision as a reliable and safe option in the decision of which incision to select.

Anatomical Variations of the Iliohypogastric Nerve: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Several anatomical variations of the iliohypogastric nerve branches have been observed in earlier studies. Knowledge of these variations is useful for the improvement of peripheral nerve blocks and avoidance of iatrogenic nerve injuries during surgeries. The purpose of this study was to perform a systematic review of the literature about the anatomical topography and variations of the iliohypogastric nerve. An extensive search on PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science electronic databases was conducted by the first author in November 2021, based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Anatomical or cadaveric studies about the origin, the course, and the distribution of the iliohypogastric nerve were included in this review. Thirty cadaveric studies were included for qualitative analysis. Several anatomical variations of the iliohypogastric nerve were depicted including its general properties, its origin, its branching patterns, its course, its relation to anatomical landmarks, and its termination. Among them, the absence of the iliohypogastric nerve ranged from 0 to 34%, its origin from L1 ranged from 62.5 to 96.5%, and its isolated emergence from psoas major ranged from 47 to 94.5%. Numerous anatomical variations of the iliohypogastric nerve exist but are not commonly cited in classic anatomical textbooks. The branches of the iliohypogastric nerve may be damaged during spinal anesthesia and surgical procedures in the lower abdominal region. Therefore, a better understanding of the regional anatomy and its variations is of vital importance for the prevention of iliohypogastric nerve injuries.

Common Focal Neuropathies in the Hospitalized Patient

Neuropathies are a common problem encountered by neurologist in the hospitalized setting. Nerve injury may occur secondary to compression, stretch, and direct trauma, among other causes. Common focal neuropathies include the ulnar, median, and radial nerve in the upper extremities and sciatic, peroneal, and femoral nerve in the lower extremities. Surgical and obstetric risk factors are especially important considerations in evaluation of patients with focal neuropathies. Treatment is either conservative therapy or surgery depending on the mechanism of injury and extent of recovery.

Review: Pelvic nerves - from anatomy and physiology to clinical applications

A prerequisite for nerve-sparing pelvic surgery is a thorough understanding of the topographic anatomy of the fine and intricate pelvic nerve networks, and their connections to the central nervous system. Insights into the functions of pelvic nerves will help to interpret disease symptoms correctly and improve treatment. In this article, we review the anatomy and physiology of autonomic pelvic nerves, including their topography and putative functions. The aim is to achieve a better understanding of the mechanisms of pelvic pain and functional disorders, as well as improve their diagnosis and treatment. The information will also serve as a basis for counseling patients with chronic illnesses. A profound understanding of pelvic neuroanatomy will permit complex surgery in the pelvis without relevant nerve injury.

Suprapubic-assisted laparoendoscopic single-site surgery versus standard laparoscopic nephrectomy: A propensity score-based analysis

OBJECTIVES

To compare suprapubic-assisted laparoendoscopic single-site surgery nephrectomy with standard laparoscopic nephrectomy.

METHODS

A retrospective case-control study comparing three surgeons' experience with 122 suprapubic-assisted laparoendoscopic single-site surgery nephrectomy and 107 standard laparoscopic nephrectomy was carried out. Operative time, estimated blood loss, intraoperative complications, intraoperative conversion, postoperative bowel recovery, postoperative analgesics, postoperative visual analog pain scale score, postoperative length of stay, days before going back to work, postoperative complications and Patient Scar Assessment Questionnaire were compared after propensity score matching.

RESULTS

A total of 97 matched pairs were obtained after propensity score matching. There were no statistically significant differences between the suprapubic-assisted laparoendoscopic single-site surgery nephrectomy and standard laparoscopic nephrectomy groups with respect to operative time, estimated blood loss, intraoperative complications, intraoperative conversion, postoperative bowel recovery, length of stay and postoperative complications. Suprapubic-assisted laparoendoscopic single-site surgery nephrectomy group had decreased postoperative analgesics (20.9 vs 23.5, P = 0.04), visual analog pain scale score at 24 h (4.28 vs 5.28, P = 0.000), visual analog pain scale score at discharge (1.01 vs 1.47, P = 0.000), days before going back to work (28.4 vs 31.9, P = 0.000) and Patient Scar Assessment Questionnaire score (34.0 vs 42.0, P = 0.000), compared with the standard laparoscopic nephrectomy group.

CONCLUSIONS

Suprapubic-assisted laparoendoscopic single-site surgery nephrectomy and standard laparoscopic nephrectomy are equivalent in terms of the safety and efficacy. However, suprapubic-assisted laparoendoscopic single-site surgery nephrectomy confers less postoperative pain, fewer days before going back to work and better cosmetic result when compared with standard laparoscopic nephrectomy.

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

BACKGROUND

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.

OBJECT

Describe the retroperitoneal course of iliohypogastric, ilioinguinal, lateral femoral cutaneous and genitofemoral nerves, to guide the surgeon who operates in this region.

METHODS

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.

RESULTS

The ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric nerves were independent in 78% (Type II) and separated by an average of 2.5 ± 0.8 cm. In surgery study, only 38% were recognized as Type II and at a significantly greater distance (3.5 ± 1.2 cm, 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 ± 1.6 cm medial to the anterior superior iliac spine.

CONCLUSION

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 1 cm. regarding references in the cadavers.

Development of a safety zone for rectus abdominis fascia graft harvest based on dissections of the ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric nerves

BACKGROUND

As a result of the vaginal mesh controversy, surgeons are performing more nonmesh, autologous fascia pubovaginal slings to treat stress urinary incontinence in women. The rectus abdominis fascia is the most commonly harvested site for autologous pubovaginal slings, so it is crucial that surgeons are familiar with the relationship between this graft harvest site and the ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric nerves, which can be injured during this procedure.

OBJECTIVE

The aims of this study were as follows: (1) to estimate the safest area between the bilateral courses of the ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric nerves in which a rectus abdominis fascia graft could be harvested with minimal risk of injury to these nerves and (2) to determine the location and dimensions of a graft harvest site that maximized graft length while remaining close to the pubic symphysis.

STUDY DESIGN

The ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric nerves were dissected bilaterally in 12 unembalmed female anatomical donors. The distances of these nerves to a 10 × 2 cm rectus abdominis fascia graft site located 4 cm above the pubic symphysis were measured. Nerve courses inferior to the graft site were determined for each donor by linearly extrapolating measurement points; analysis was performed with and without extrapolation. Average nerve trajectories were estimated assuming a linear regression function to predict the horizontal measurement as a quadratic function of the vertical distance; 95% confidence bands were also estimated. An estimated safety zone was determined to be the region between all credible nerve bounds.

RESULTS

The largest safety zone that was closest to the pubic symphysis was located at 5.4 cm superior to the pubic symphysis. At this location, the inferior border of the graft could measure 9.4 cm in length (4.7 cm bilaterally from the midline). Extrapolated nerve courses below the study graft site yielded a smaller safety zone located 2.7 cm superior to the pubic symphysis, allowing for the inferior border of the graft to be 4.8 cm (2.4 cm bilaterally from the midline).

CONCLUSION

A rectus abdominis fascia graft harvested 5.4 cm superior to the pubic symphysis with the inferior border of the graft measuring 9.4 cm in length should minimize injury to the ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric nerves. These dimensions allow for the longest graft while remaining relatively close to the pubic symphysis. The closer a graft is harvested to the pubic symphysis, the smaller in length the graft must be to avoid injury to the ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric nerves.

Persistent Abdominal Pain 2 Years After Cesarean Delivery

A 29-year-old multiparous patient is referred for chronic lower abdominal pain radiating into her groin since undergoing cesarean delivery 2-years previously. Laboratory and radiographic evaluation results are negative. She asks you, "Please tell me, why am I having this pain?"

Postoperative pain and neuropathy after caesarean operation featuring blunt or sharp opening of the fascia: a randomised, parallel group, double-blind study

The purpose of this study was to compare postoperative pain and neuropathy after primary caesarean sections with either blunt or sharp fascial expansions. A total of 123 women undergoing primary caesarean sections were included in the study. The sharp group had 61 patients, and the blunt group had 62. In the sharp group, the fascia was incised sharply and extended using scissors. In blunt group, the fascia was bluntly opened by lateral finger-pulling. The primary outcome was postoperative pain. The long-term chronic pain scores were significantly lower in the blunt group during mobilisation (p = .012 and p = .022). Neuropathy was significantly more prevalent in the sharp group at both 1 and 3 months postoperatively (p = .043 and p = .016, respectively). The odds ratio (OR) and 95%CI for postoperative neuropathy at 1 and 3 months were as follows; OR 3.71, 95%CI 0.97-14.24 and OR 5.67, 95%CI 1.18-27.08, respectively. The OR for postoperative pain after 3 months was 3.26 (95%CI 1.09-9.73). The prevelance of postsurgical neuropathy and chronic pain at 3 months were significantly lower in the blunt group. Blunt fascial opening reduces the complication rate of postoperative pain and neuropathy after caesarean sections. Impact statement What is already known on this subject? The anatomic relationship of the abdominal fascia and the anterior abdominal wall nerves is a known fact. The fascia during caesarean sections can be opened by either a sharp or blunt extension. Data on the isolated impact of different fascial incisions on postoperative pain is limited. What do the results of this study add? The postoperative pain scores on the incision area are lower in the bluntly opened group compared to the sharp fascial incision group. By extending the fascia bluntly, a decrease in trauma and damage to nerves was observed. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or future research? The lateral extension of the fascia during caesarean sections must be done cautiously to prevent temporary damage to nerves and vessels. The blunt opening of the fascia by lateral finger pulling might be a preferred method over the sharp approach that uses scissors. We included only primary caesarean cases, however, comparisons of blunt and sharp fascial incisions in patients with more than one abdominal surgery should be explored in future studies.

International guidelines for groin hernia management

INTRODUCTION

Worldwide, more than 20 million patients undergo groin hernia repair annually. The many different approaches, treatment indications and a significant array of techniques for groin hernia repair warrant guidelines to standardize care, minimize complications, and improve results. The main goal of these guidelines is to improve patient outcomes, specifically to decrease recurrence rates and reduce chronic pain, the most frequent problems following groin hernia repair. They have been endorsed by all five continental hernia societies, the International Endo Hernia Society and the European Association for Endoscopic Surgery.

METHODS

An expert group of international surgeons (the HerniaSurge Group) and one anesthesiologist pain expert was formed. The group consisted of members from all continents with specific experience in hernia-related research. Care was taken to include surgeons who perform different types of repair and had preferably performed research on groin hernia surgery. During the Group's first meeting, evidence-based medicine (EBM) training occurred and 166 key questions (KQ) were formulated. EBM rules were followed in complete literature searches (including a complete search by The Dutch Cochrane database) to January 1, 2015 and to July 1, 2015 for level 1 publications. The articles were scored by teams of two or three according to Oxford, SIGN and Grade methodologies. During five 2-day meetings, results were discussed with the working group members leading to 136 statements and 88 recommendations. Recommendations were graded as "strong" (recommendations) or "weak" (suggestions) and by consensus in some cases upgraded. In the Results and summary section below, the term "should" refers to a recommendation. The AGREE II instrument was used to validate the guidelines. An external review was performed by three international experts. They recommended the guidelines with high scores. The risk factors for inguinal hernia (IH) include: family history, previous contra-lateral hernia, male gender, age, abnormal collagen metabolism, prostatectomy, and low body mass index. Peri-operative risk factors for recurrence include poor surgical techniques, low surgical volumes, surgical inexperience and local anesthesia. These should be considered when treating IH patients. IH diagnosis can be confirmed by physical examination alone in the vast majority of patients with appropriate signs and symptoms. Rarely, ultrasound is necessary. Less commonly still, a dynamic MRI or CT scan or herniography may be needed. The EHS classification system is suggested to stratify IH patients for tailored treatment, research and audit. Symptomatic groin hernias should be treated surgically. Asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic male IH patients may be managed with "watchful waiting" since their risk of hernia-related emergencies is low. The majority of these individuals will eventually require surgery; therefore, surgical risks and the watchful waiting strategy should be discussed with patients. Surgical treatment should be tailored to the surgeon's expertise, patient- and hernia-related characteristics and local/national resources. Furthermore, patient health-related, life style and social factors should all influence the shared decision-making process leading up to hernia management. Mesh repair is recommended as first choice, either by an open procedure or a laparo-endoscopic repair technique. One standard repair technique for all groin hernias does not exist. It is recommended that surgeons/surgical services provide both anterior and posterior approach options. Lichtenstein and laparo-endoscopic repair are best evaluated. Many other techniques need further evaluation. Provided that resources and expertise are available, laparo-endoscopic techniques have faster recovery times, lower chronic pain risk and are cost effective. There is discussion concerning laparo-endoscopic management of potential bilateral hernias (occult hernia issue). After patient consent, during TAPP, the contra-lateral side should be inspected. This is not suggested during unilateral TEP repair. After appropriate discussions with patients concerning results tissue repair (first choice is the Shouldice technique) can be offered. Day surgery is recommended for the majority of groin hernia repair provided aftercare is organized. Surgeons should be aware of the intrinsic characteristics of the meshes they use. Use of so-called low-weight mesh may have slight short-term benefits like reduced postoperative pain and shorter convalescence, but are not associated with better longer-term outcomes like recurrence and chronic pain. Mesh selection on weight alone is not recommended. The incidence of erosion seems higher with plug versus flat mesh. It is suggested not to use plug repair techniques. The use of other implants to replace the standard flat mesh in the Lichtenstein technique is currently not recommended. In almost all cases, mesh fixation in TEP is unnecessary. In both TEP and TAPP it is recommended to fix mesh in M3 hernias (large medial) to reduce recurrence risk. Antibiotic prophylaxis in average-risk patients in low-risk environments is not recommended in open surgery. In laparo-endoscopic repair it is never recommended. Local anesthesia in open repair has many advantages, and its use is recommended provided the surgeon is experienced in this technique. General anesthesia is suggested over regional in patients aged 65 and older as it might be associated with fewer complications like myocardial infarction, pneumonia and thromboembolism. Perioperative field blocks and/or subfascial/subcutaneous infiltrations are recommended in all cases of open repair. Patients are recommended to resume normal activities without restrictions as soon as they feel comfortable. Provided expertise is available, it is suggested that women with groin hernias undergo laparo-endoscopic repair in order to decrease the risk of chronic pain and avoid missing a femoral hernia. Watchful waiting is suggested in pregnant women as groin swelling most often consists of self-limited round ligament varicosities. Timely mesh repair by a laparo-endoscopic approach is suggested for femoral hernias provided expertise is available. All complications of groin hernia management are discussed in an extensive chapter on the topic. Overall, the incidence of clinically significant chronic pain is in the 10-12% range, decreasing over time. Debilitating chronic pain affecting normal daily activities or work ranges from 0.5 to 6%. Chronic postoperative inguinal pain (CPIP) is defined as bothersome moderate pain impacting daily activities lasting at least 3 months postoperatively and decreasing over time. CPIP risk factors include: young age, female gender, high preoperative pain, early high postoperative pain, recurrent hernia and open repair. For CPIP the focus should be on nerve recognition in open surgery and, in selected cases, prophylactic pragmatic nerve resection (planned resection is not suggested). It is suggested that CPIP management be performed by multi-disciplinary teams. It is also suggested that CPIP be managed by a combination of pharmacological and interventional measures and, if this is unsuccessful, followed by, in selected cases (triple) neurectomy and (in selected cases) mesh removal. For recurrent hernia after anterior repair, posterior repair is recommended. If recurrence occurs after a posterior repair, an anterior repair is recommended. After a failed anterior and posterior approach, management by a specialist hernia surgeon is recommended. Risk factors for hernia incarceration/strangulation include: female gender, femoral hernia and a history of hospitalization related to groin hernia. It is suggested that treatment of emergencies be tailored according to patient- and hernia-related factors, local expertise and resources. Learning curves vary between different techniques. Probably about 100 supervised laparo-endoscopic repairs are needed to achieve the same results as open mesh surgery like Lichtenstein. It is suggested that case load per surgeon is more important than center volume. It is recommended that minimum requirements be developed to certify individuals as expert hernia surgeon. The same is true for the designation "Hernia Center". From a cost-effectiveness perspective, day-case laparoscopic IH repair with minimal use of disposables is recommended. The development and implementation of national groin hernia registries in every country (or region, in the case of small country populations) is suggested. They should include patient follow-up data and account for local healthcare structures. A dissemination and implementation plan of the guidelines will be developed by global (HerniaSurge), regional (international societies) and local (national chapters) initiatives through internet websites, social media and smartphone apps. An overarching plan to improve access to safe IH surgery in low-resource settings (LRSs) is needed. It is suggested that this plan contains simple guidelines and a sustainability strategy, independent of international aid. It is suggested that in LRSs the focus be on performing high-volume Lichtenstein repair under local anesthesia using low-cost mesh. Three chapters discuss future research, guidelines for general practitioners and guidelines for patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The HerniaSurge Group has developed these extensive and inclusive guidelines for the management of adult groin hernia patients. It is hoped that they will lead to better outcomes for groin hernia patients wherever they live. More knowledge, better training, national audit and specialization in groin hernia management will standardize care for these patients, lead to more effective and efficient healthcare and provide direction for future research.

Perineural steroid injections around ilioinguinal, iliohypogastric, and genitofemoral nerves for treatment of chronic refractory neuropathic pain: A retrospective study

Background: Perineural local anaesthetic and steroid injections around ilioinguinal (II), iliohypogastric (IH), and genitofemoral (GF) nerves are often performed to treat chronic refractory neuropathic pain in the lower abdomen and groin, but there is a lack of published data on outcomes of these interventions. Aims: The objective of this retrospective study was to evaluate analgesic outcomes of ultrasound-guided II, IH, and GF nerve blocks in patients with chronic neuropathic pain in the lower abdominal wall and groin. Methods: Analgesic outcomes were assessed at 6 weeks after injections and patients were classified as "responders" if the numerical rating scale for pain score reduced by 30% or more. Variables analyzed for impact on outcomes included demographics, intensity of pain and duration, etiology, dose of opioid, presence of anxiety, depression, and diabetes mellitus. Results: In this cohort of 54 patients with severe baseline pain who had failed to receive analgesic benefit from recommended first- and second-line medications for neuropathic pain, 30 patients had history of surgery and 24 had pain secondary to visceral inflammatory pathologies. Twenty-five (46.3%) patients were identified as responders. A majority of the patients in this cohort had pain for more than one year. There was a higher incidence of diabetes mellitus in nonresponders compared to responders but the difference was not significant (14% and 0%, respectively; P = 0.115). Conclusions: Ultrasound-guided perineural steroids can ameliorate chronic refractory abdominal wall and groin neuropathic pain in patients who have failed to respond to conventional medical management at 6 weeks after the procedures.

Diagnosis of Ilioinguinal Nerve Injury Based on Electromyography and Ultrasonography: A Case Report

Being located in the hypogastric area, the ilioinguinal nerve, together with iliohypogastric nerve, can be damaged during lower abdominal surgeries. Conventionally, the diagnosis of ilioinguinal neuropathy relies on clinical assessments, and standardized diagnostic methods have not been established as of yet. We hereby report the case of young man who presented ilioinguinal neuralgia with symptoms of burning pain in the right groin and scrotum shortly after receiving inguinal herniorrhaphy. To raise the diagnostic certainty, we used a real-time ultrasonography (US) to guide a monopolar electromyography needle to the ilioinguinal nerve, and then performed a motor conduction study. A subsequent US-guided ilioinguinal nerve block resulted in complete resolution of the patient's neuralgic symptoms.

Management of Postoperative Abdominal Wall Pain

Postoperative incisional pain is expected after surgery. However, when a patient is complaining of pain months after surgery, this can be a source of frustration and confusion to the patient and the surgeon. Whether the pain is a result of myofascial pain, incisional hernia, or nerve injury, understanding potential sources of abdominal wall pain can simplify this diagnostic dilemma. This chapter will focus on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of postsurgical abdominal wall pain.

LESS living donor nephrectomy: Surgical technique and results

Purpose:

We present the findings of 50 patients undergoing pure trans-umbilical laparo-endoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) living donor nephrectomy (LDN), between February 2010 and May 2014.

Materials and Methods:

Laparo-endoscopic single-site surgery LDN was performed through an umbilical incision. Different trocars were used, namely Gelpoint (Applied Mιdical, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA) SILS port (Covidien, Hamilton, Bermuda), R-port (Olympus Surgical, Orangeburg, NY) and standard trocars, inserted through the same skin incision but using separate fascial punctures. The standard laparoscopic technique was employed. The kidney was pre-entrapped in a retrieval bag and extracted trans-umbilically. Data were collected prospectively including questionnaires containing patient reported oral pain medication duration and time to recovery.

Results:

LESS LDN was successful in all patients. Mean warm ischemia time was 6.2 min (3–15), mean procedure time was 233.2 min (172–300), and hospitalization stay was 3.94 days (3–7) with a visual analogue pain score at discharge of 1.32 (0–3). No intraoperative complications occurred. The mean time of oral pain medication was 8.72 days (1–20) and final scar length was 4.06 cm (3–5). Each allograft was functional.

Conclusion:

Although challenging, trans-umbilical LESS LDN seems to be feasible and safe. Hence, LESS has the potential to improve cosmetic results and decrease morbidity.

Pfannenstiel incision for intact specimen extraction in laparoscopic transperitoneal radical nephrectomy: a longitudinal prospective outcome study

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the intra- and postoperative outcomes of patients undergoing laparoscopic radical nephrectomy with intact specimen extraction through a Pfannenstiel transverse suprapubic incision.

METHODS

Prospective follow-up of 26 laparoscopic transperitoneal radical nephrectomies for suspected renal tumors in which the kidneys were extracted via a Pfannenstiel lower abdominal transverse incision.

RESULTS

The mean operating time was 152.3 (80-255) minutes, and the mean blood loss was 90 (20-300) ml. The mean extraction time was 20.4 (12-35) minutes. The mean weight of the removed specimen was 631.5 (190-1505) grams, and the mean longest diameter of the extracted specimen was 17.4 (9-25) cm. The mean extraction incision size was 10.7 (7-16) cm. No open surgical conversions were necessary. Pain control was excellent, with minimal intravenous morphine equivalent narcotic use by patients: 15.7 (0-31) mg in the recovery room, 33.8 (0-127) mg on the first postoperative day and 8.7 (0-60) mg in the first week after discharge. The patients experienced a short duration to full ambulation and normal dietary intake. Postoperative follow-up visits were recorded for at least six months. The patients reported a high cosmetic satisfaction rate of 97.7% (60-100). No late postoperative complications were observed related to the extraction site.

CONCLUSIONS

The operative specimen can be extracted via a low transverse Pfannenstiel incision during radical laparoscopic nephrectomy. This incision ensures the extraction of large specimens while preserving the aesthetic and functional advantages of laparoscopy without increasing the cancer risk. The absence of muscle cutting maintains the integrity of the abdominal wall and elicits minimal pain. No postoperative incisional hernias or keloid formations were observed.

Caesarean section: could different transverse abdominal incision techniques influence postpartum pain and subsequent quality of life? A systematic review

The choice of the type of abdominal incision performed in caesarean delivery is made chiefly on the basis of the individual surgeon's experience and preference. A general consensus on the most appropriate surgical technique has not yet been reached. The aim of this systematic review of the literature is to compare the two most commonly used transverse abdominal incisions for caesarean delivery, the Pfannenstiel incision and the modified Joel-Cohen incision, in terms of acute and chronic post-surgical pain and their subsequent influence in terms of quality of life. Electronic database searches formed the basis of the literature search and the following databases were searched in the time frame between January 1997 and December 2013: MEDLINE, EMBASE Sciencedirect and the Cochrane Library. Key search terms included: "acute pain", "chronic pain", "Pfannenstiel incision", "Misgav-Ladach", "Joel Cohen incision", in combination with "Caesarean Section", "abdominal incision", "numbness", "neuropathic pain" and "nerve entrapment". Data on 4771 patients who underwent caesarean section (CS) was collected with regards to the relation between surgical techniques and postoperative outcomes defined as acute or chronic pain and future pregnancy desire. The Misgav-Ladach incision was associated with a significant advantage in terms of reduction of post-surgical acute and chronic pain. It was indicated as the optimal technique in view of its characteristic of reducing lower pelvic discomfort and pain, thus improving quality of life and future fertility desire. Further studies which are not subject to important bias like pre-existing chronic pain, non-standardized analgesia administration, variable length of skin incision and previous abdominal surgery are required.

[Influencing factors on surgical duration of ovarian cystectomy by single-port access]

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the factors influencing the operative duration of ovarian cystectomy by single-port access (SPA).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Observational monocentric study from June 2010 to September 2012. Inclusive patients were patients with an indication of ovarian cystectomy may be done by laparoscopy. The procedures were performed by the SPA system LESS®. Factors evaluated were BMI of the patient, histological nature and size of the cyst.

RESULTS

We performed 54 cystectomy in 49 patients. SPA surgery was successfully completed in 53 patients. The median operative time was statistically longer for endometriotic cysts than dermoid cysts or serous-mucinous cysts (P=0.003). Cases exceeding 60minutes were significantly higher in the endometriosis group (P=0.005). There wasn't correlation found between the BMI of the patient and operative time (P=0.5). The operating time wasn't increased according to the size of the cyst (P=0.9).

CONCLUSION

Endometriotic cysts nature appears to be the only limiting factor of cystectomy by SPA. Further studies are needed to evaluate the factors that may limit the SPA actions.

High-resolution 3-T MR neurography of the lumbosacral plexus

The lumbosacral plexus comprises a network of nerves that provide motor and sensory innervation to most structures of the pelvis and lower extremities. It is susceptible to various traumatic, inflammatory, metabolic, and neoplastic processes that may lead to lumbrosacral plexopathy, a serious and often disabling condition whose course and prognosis largely depend on the identification and cure of the causative condition. Whereas diagnosis of lumbrosacral plexopathy has traditionally relied on patients' medical history, clinical examination, and electrodiagnostic tests, magnetic resonance (MR) neurography plays an increasingly prominent role in noninvasive characterization of the type, location, and extent of lumbrosacral plexus involvement and is developing into a useful diagnostic tool that substantially affects disease management. With use of 3-T MR imagers, improved coils, and advanced imaging sequences, which provide exquisite spatial resolution and soft-tissue contrast, MR neurography provides excellent depiction of the lumbrosacral plexus and its peripheral branches and may be used to confirm a diagnosis of lumbrosacral plexopathy with high accuracy or provide superior anatomic information should surgical intervention be necessary.

Specimen processing during laparoscopic renal surgery: a review of techniques and technologies

Laparoscopic surgery has well-defined benefits for patients and has become accepted over time as a standard access strategy for the management of benign and malignant urologic diseases. Unlike in open surgery, the surgeon is often faced with the additional challenges of specimen retrieval and extraction at the end of laparoscopic extirpative procedures. This final step often requires significant laparoscopic skill to entrap and safely extract the laparoscopic specimens. Failure to apply safe exit steps at the end of a laparoscopic procedure may lead to significant morbidity. The aim of this review is to explore the different techniques and technologies available for laparoscopic kidney retrieval, entrapment and safe extraction.

Magnetic resonance neurography of the pelvis and lumbosacral plexus

Recent advances in magnetic resonance (MR) imaging have revolutionized peripheral nerve imaging and made high-resolution acquisitions a clinical reality. High-resolution dedicated MR neurography techniques can show pathologic changes within the peripheral nerves as well as elucidate the underlying disorder or cause. Neurogenic pain arising from the nerves of the pelvis and lumbosacral plexus poses a particular diagnostic challenge for the clinician and radiologist alike. This article reviews the advances in MR imaging that have allowed state-of-the-art high-resolution imaging to become a reality in clinical practice.

Ultrasound-guided pain interventions - a review of techniques for peripheral nerves

Ultrasound has emerged to become a commonly used modality in the performance of chronic pain interventions. It allows direct visualization of tissue structure while allowing real time guidance of needle placement and medication administration. Ultrasound is a relatively affordable imaging tool and does not subject the practitioner or patient to radiation exposure. This review focuses on the anatomy and sonoanatomy of peripheral non-axial structures commonly involved in chronic pain conditions including the stellate ganglion, suprascapular, ilioinguinal, iliohypogastric, genitofemoral and lateral femoral cutaneous nerves. Additionally, the review discusses ultrasound guided intervention techniques applicable to these structures.

Laparoscopic triple neurectomy for intractable groin pain: technical report of 3 cases

BACKGROUND

Neuropathic groin pain can be a severely debilitating condition. Triple neurectomy of the ilioinguinal, iliohypogastric, and genitofemoral nerves is a viable treatment option.

OBJECTIVE

To present our initial experience with the laparoscopic retroperitoneal approach to triple neurectomy.

METHODS

Three patients (33 to 48 years of age) presented with chronic groin pain of 3 to 7 years' duration. The discomfort manifested in the ilioinguinal, iliohypogastric, and genitofemoral nerve distributions and severely affected their lifestyles, resulting in multiple unsuccessful medical and surgical treatments without symptomatic relief. Because the patients failed other modes of treatment, they underwent a laparoscopic retroperitoneal triple neurectomy.

RESULTS

Three patients underwent a triple neurectomy from November 2006 to May 2009. All patients reported debilitating chronic groin pain and underwent prior treatments ranging from anesthetic blocks to orchiectomy without lasting relief. The first case illustrates the anatomic variation of the genitofemoral nerve and the importance of transecting both branches for adequate symptomatic relief. The remaining cases demonstrate successful transection of all 3 nerves with significant pain relief at 10 months to 3 years of follow-up. No major complications were encountered.

CONCLUSION

This technique provides several advantages in the treatment of chronic groin pain. The retroperitoneal approach provides a facile method to reach the nerves in 1 stage and provides a dissection field free of previous scars. As a laparoscopic technique, benefits include small incision sites with small scars, less postoperative pain, and shorter hospitalizations and/or same-day discharges with effective relief of groin pain.

Gynecologic management of neuropathic pain

Obstetrician/gynecologists often are the initial management clinicians for pelvic neuropathic pain. Although treatment may require comprehensive team management and consultation with other specialists, there are a few critical and basic steps that can be performed during an office visit that offer the opportunity to improve quality of life significantly in this patient population. A key first step is a thorough clinical examination to map the pain site physically and to identify potentially involved nerves. Only limited evidence exists about how best to manage neuropathic pain; generally, a combination of surgical, manipulative, or pharmacologic methods should be considered. Experimental methods to characterize more precisely the nature of the nerve dysfunction exist to diagnose and treat neuropathic pain; however, additional scientific evidence is needed to recommend these options unanimously. In the meantime, an approach that was adopted from guidelines of the International Association for the Study of Pain has been tailored for gynecologic pain.

Abdominal wall paresis as a complication of minimally invasive lateral transpsoas interbody fusion

Object

The minimally invasive lateral transpsoas approach for interbody fusion has been increasingly employed to treat various spinal pathological entities. Gaining access to the retroperitoneal space and traversing the abdominal wall poses a risk of injury to the major nervous structures. Nerve injury of the abdominal wall can potentially lead to paresis of the abdominal musculature and bulging of the abdominal wall. Abdominal wall nerve injury resulting from the minimally invasive lateral retroperitoneal transpsoas approach has not been previously reported. The authors describe a case series of patients presenting with paresis and bulging of the abdominal wall after undergoing a minimally invasive lateral retroperitoneal approach.

Methods

The authors retrospectively reviewed all patients who underwent a minimally invasive lateral transpsoas approach for interbody fusion and in whom development of abdominal paresis developed; the patients were treated at 4 institutions between 2006 and 2010. All data were recorded including demographics, diagnosis, operative procedure, positioning, hospital course, follow-up, and complications. The onset, as well as resolution of the abdominal paresis, was reviewed.

Results

The authors identified 10 consecutive patients in whom abdominal paresis developed after minimally invasive lateral transpsoas spine surgery out of a total of 568 patients. Twenty-nine interbody levels were fused (range 1–4 levels/patient). There were 4 men and 6 women whose mean age was 54.1 years (range 37–66 years). All patients presented with abdominal paresis 2–6 weeks postoperatively. In 8 of the 10 patients, abdominal wall paresis had resolved by the 6-month follow-up visit. Two patients only had 1 and 4 months of follow-up. No long-term sequelae were identified.

Conclusions

Abdominal wall paresis is a rare but known potential complication of abdominal surgery. The authors report the first case series associated with the minimally invasive lateral transpsoas approach.

A new look at trigger point injections

Trigger point injections are commonly practised pain interventional techniques. However, there is still lack of objective diagnostic criteria for trigger points. The mechanisms of action of trigger point injection remain obscure and its efficacy remains heterogeneous. The advent of ultrasound technology in the noninvasive real-time imaging of soft tissues sheds new light on visualization of trigger points, explaining the effect of trigger point injection by blockade of peripheral nerves, and minimizing the complications of blind injection.

Risks associated with laparoscopic entry: guidelines for clinical practice from the French College of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians

The aim of these recommendations of the French National College of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians was to focus the surgeon's attention on those aspects which could allow him/her to prevent, or at least limit, the incidence of these serious complications, in the absence of a previous laparotomy or specific risk factors (obesity, gauntness, large pelvic mass or pregnancy), four widely evaluated techniques can be used in a first line approach (Grade B): blind trans-umbilical technique following creation of pneumoperitoneum with a needle, open laparoscopy (Hasson technique), left upper quadrant entry (pneumoperitoneum and insertion of the first trocar) and direct trans-umbilical trocar with no prior pneumoperitoneum. The currently existing trials do not allow one or another of these techniques to be preferred. Radially expanding insertion systems and optical trocars cannot be recommended as a first-line approach, as a consequence of their currently insufficient degree of evaluation (Grade C). Trans-umbilical (blind or open) laparoscopic entry in a slim woman must be associated with care, as a result of the proximity of the large vessels (Grade B). If a blind trans-umbilical insertion technique is decided upon, one option can be to insufflate into the left upper quadrant (professional consensus). In the case of a previous midline laparotomy, whatever the technique used, initial entry is recommended at a distance from the scars (Grade B). It is recommended to carry out micro-laparoscopy in the LUQ, because this is the most completely evaluated technique for this indication (Grade C). One option is to use open laparoscopy at a distance from the existing scars (professional consensus). During pregnancy, the insertion position of the first laparoscopic trocar will need to be adapted according to the volume of the uterus (Grade B). Starting from 14WG, trans-umbilical Veress needle insufflation is contraindicated (Grade C). Two trocar insertion techniques are thus recommended: open laparoscopy (using the trans-umbilical or supra-umbilical routes, depending on the volume of the uterus) or micro-laparoscopy via the left upper quadrant (Grade C). After the second quarter of pregnancy, with laparoscopy the patient will need to be placed on a table inclined towards her left side, in order to minimize compression of the inferior vena cava (Grade B). In the case of laparoscopy during pregnancy, the insufflation pressure must be maintained at a maximum of 12mmHg (Grade B). After 24WG, if laparoscopy is performed, it is recommended to apply open laparoscopy, above the level of the umbilicus (professional consensus). Patients must be informed of the risks inherent to the insertion of trocars during laparoscopy (vascular, bowel or bladder injury) (Grade B). The more benign the pathology requiring an operation, the more detailed the supplied information must be, including that concerning rare but serious complications (Grade B).

Lumbar plexus nerve entrapment syndromes as a cause of groin pain in athletes

In athletes, groin pain is not uncommon and can be severe and activity-limiting. Nerve entrapment syndromes of the lumbar plexus are a rare but important etiology that should be considered when evaluating athletes. Diagnosis can be made based on patterns of pain and hypoesthesia following the sensory distribution of the involved nerve and by pain relief with nerve block. Conservative therapies, including nerve blocks, neurodestructive procedures, and medications, may provide long-term pain relief. If nonsurgical therapies fail, referral should be made for surgical exploration and neurectomy.

International guidelines for prevention and management of post-operative chronic pain following inguinal hernia surgery

PURPOSE

To provide uniform terminology and definition of post-herniorrhaphy groin chronic pain. To give guidelines to the scientific community concerning the prevention and the treatment of chronic groin and testicular pain.

METHODS

A group of nine experts in hernia surgery was created in 2007. The group set up six clinical questions and continued to work on the answers, according to evidence-based literature. In 2008, an International Consensus Conference was held in Rome with the working group, with an audience of 200 participants, with a view to reaching a consensus for each question.

RESULTS

A consensus was reached regarding a definition of chronic groin pain. The recommendation was to identify and preserve all three inguinal nerves during open inguinal hernia repair to reduce the risk of chronic groin pain. Likewise, elective resection of a suspected injured nerve was recommended. There was no recommendation for a procedure on the resected nerve ending and no recommendation for using glue during hernia repair. Surgical treatment (including all three nerves) should be suggested for patients who do not respond to no-surgery pain-management treatment; it is advisable to wait at least 1 year from the previous herniorraphy.

CONCLUSION

The consensus reached on some open questions in the field of post-herniorrhaphy chronic pain may help to better analyze and compare studies, avoid sending erroneous messages to the scientific community, and provide some guidelines for the prevention and treatment of post-herniorraphy chronic pain.

Trajectory of the main sensory and motor branches of the lumbar plexus outside the psoas muscle related to the lateral retroperitoneal transpsoas approach

Object

The minimally invasive lateral retroperitoneal transpsoas approach is increasingly used to treat various spinal disorders. Accessing the retroperitoneal space and traversing the abdominal wall poses a risk of injury to the major nervous structures and adds significant morbidity to the procedure. Most of the current literature focuses on the anatomy of the lumbar plexus within the substance of the psoas muscle. However, there is sparse knowledge regarding the trajectory of the lumbar plexus nerves that travel along the retroperitoneum and abdominal wall muscles in relation to the lateral approach to the spine. The objective of this study is to define the anatomical trajectories of the major motor and sensory branches of the lumbar plexus that are located outside the psoas muscle.

Methods

Six adult fresh frozen cadaveric specimens were dissected and studied (12 sides). The relationship between the retroperitoneum, abdominal wall muscles, and the lumbar plexus nerves was analyzed in reference to the minimally invasive lateral retroperitoneal approach. Special attention was given to the lumbar plexus nerves that run outside of psoas muscle in the retroperitoneal cavity and within the abdominal muscle wall.

Results

The skin and muscles of the abdominal wall and the retroperitoneal cavity were dissected and analyzed with respect to the major motor and sensory branches of the lumbar plexus. The authors identified 4 nerves at risk during the lateral approach to the spine: subcostal, iliohypogastric, ilioinguinal, and lateral femoral cutaneous nerves. The anatomical trajectory of each of these nerves is described starting from the spinal column until their termination or exit from the pelvic cavity.

Conclusions

There is risk of direct injury to the main motor/sensory nerves that supply the anterior abdominal muscles during the early stages of the lateral retroperitoneal transpsoas approach while obtaining access to the retroperitoneum. There is also a risk of injury to the ilioinguinal, iliohypogastric, and lateral femoral cutaneous nerves in the retroperitoneal space where they travel obliquely during the blunt retroperitoneal dissection. Moreover, there is a latent possibility of lesioning these nerves with the retractor blades against the anterior iliac crest.