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Review of Ilioinguinal Nerve Blocks for Ilioinguinal Neuralgia Post Hernia Surgery

  • Anesthetic Techniques in Pain Management (D Wang, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Pain and Headache Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

The purpose of this review is to evaluate the current evidence on ultrasound-guided ilioinguinal nerve blocks for ilioinguinal neuralgia post hernia surgery.

Methods

A literature search was performed to find all relevant case reports, case series, prospective or retrospective cohort studies, and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) where ultrasound-guided or landmark-based ilioinguinal nerve blocks were used for ilioinguinal neuralgia post-inguinal hernia surgery.

Recent Findings

A total of six studies were identified with suitable data for inclusion. Three studies were retrospective, two studies were prospective, and one study was a randomized controlled trial. A total of 133 subjects were enrolled across these studies. Approximately 55–70% had a beneficial analgesic response to treatment. No major complications were reported in these studies.

Summary

Ultrasound- and landmark-based ilioinguinal nerve blocks are safe and effective for pain relief post inguinal hernia surgery. Although there were two studies that did not show a statically significant difference in both techniques, the ultrasound-guided injection has the advantage of direct visualization of pathology, more accurate needle placement, and decreased risks of intravascular injections.

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References

Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Anesthesiology, Division of Pain Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, 3 Crescent Drive, Philadelphia, PA, 19112, USA

    Andrew K. Wong & Andrew T. Ng

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  1. Andrew K. Wong
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Correspondence to Andrew T. Ng.

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Wong, A.K., Ng, A.T. Review of Ilioinguinal Nerve Blocks for Ilioinguinal Neuralgia Post Hernia Surgery. Curr Pain Headache Rep 24, 80 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-020-00913-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-020-00913-4

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