What is Post-Surgical Neuralgia?

Understanding Post-Surgical Neuralgia from Ilioinguinal and Iliohypogastric Nerve Entrapment

What is Post-Surgical Neuralgia?

Post-surgical neuralgia is a chronic pain condition that occurs when nerves are damaged or entrapped following surgery. One common yet often overlooked cause is entrapment of the ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric nerves, leading to persistent pain in the lower abdomen, groin, and upper thigh regions.

Causes and Risk Factors

Entrapment or injury to the ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric nerves can result from various surgical procedures, including:

- Hernia Repair (Inguinal, Femoral); The nerves may become trapped in scar tissue or affected by sutures and mesh placement.
- Cesarean Section (C-Section); Nerve damage may occur due to surgical incisions in the lower abdominal region.
- Hysterectomy and Other Pelvic Surgeries; Surgical interventions near the lower abdominal wall can lead to nerve irritation or entrapment.
- Appendectomy; Nerve pathways can be affected during surgical removal of the appendix.
- Liposuction and Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck); Cosmetic procedures may inadvertently cause nerve compression or injury.

Symptoms

Symptoms of post-surgical neuralgia due to ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric nerve entrapment can vary in intensity but typically include:

- Sharp, burning, or stabbing pain in the lower abdomen, groin, or upper thigh.
- Numbness or tingling along the nerve pathway.
- Pain worsened by movement, such as bending, stretching, or prolonged standing.
- Tenderness over the nerve course upon touch or pressure.
- Hypersensitivity to clothing or light touch in the affected region.
- Treatment Options

Effective treatment focuses on pain relief and restoring function. Depending on the severity of symptoms, treatment options include:

- Medications; Neuropathic pain medications (e.g., gabapentin, pregabalin) and anti-inflammatory drugs may provide relief.
- Physical Therapy; Nerve gliding exercises and manual therapy can help reduce irritation.
- Ultrasound-Guided Hydrodissection; A minimally invasive procedure where a glucose solution is injected around the nerve to separate it from surrounding tissues, reducing entrapment and inflammation.
- Cryoneuroablation;  A targeted treatment that uses extreme cold to temporarily deactivate the nerve, providing long-lasting pain relief without permanent damage.
- Surgical Nerve Release; Reserved for cases that do not respond to other treatments, where the nerve is surgically decompressed.

When to Seek Help

If you experience persistent pain after surgery that affects your daily life, its important to seek evaluation from a pain specialist. Early diagnosis and targeted treatment can significantly improve your quality of life.

At Vasu Pain management, we specialize in advanced pain management techniques, including ultrasound-guided interventions, to help you find relief from post-surgical neuralgia. Contact us today to learn more about your treatment options.