Editorial
Copyright ©2011 Baishideng Publishing Group Co., Limited. All rights reserved.
World J Gastrointest Surg. Jun 27, 2011; 3(6): 73-81
Published online Jun 27, 2011. doi: 10.4240/wjgs.v3.i6.73
Current trends in the diagnosis and management of post-herniorraphy chronic groin pain
Abdul Hakeem, Venkatesh Shanmugam
Abdul Hakeem, Department of General Surgery, Aintree University Hospital NHS Trust, Longmoor Lane, Liverpool, L9 7AL, United Kingdom
Venkatesh Shanmugam, Department of General and Colorectal Surgery, Nottingham University Hospital NHS Trust, Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, United Kingdom
Author contributions: Hakeem A did the literature search and wrote the initial draft; Shanmugam V cross-checked the literature search,edited the paper and conceptualised the idea.
Correspondence to: Mr. Abdul Hakeem, MRCS, Department of General Surgery, Aintree University Hospital NHS Trust, Longmoor Lane, Liverpool, L9 7AL, United Kingdom. drhabdulrahman@yahoo.com
Telephone: +44-113-8085924 Fax: +44-132-5490293
Received: March 1, 2011
Revised: April 24, 2011
Accepted: May 1, 2011
Published online: June 27, 2011
Abstract

Inguinodynia (chronic groin pain) is one of the recognised complications of the commonly performed Lichtenstein mesh inguinal hernia repair. This has major impact on quality of life in a significant proportion of patients. The pain is classified as neuropathic and non-neuropathic related to nerve damage and to the mesh, respectively. Correct diagnosis of this problem is relatively difficult. A thorough history and clinical examination are essential, as is a good knowledge of the groin nerve distribution. In spite of the common nature of the problem, the literature evidence is limited. In this paper we discuss the diagnostic tools and treatment options, both non-surgical and surgical. In addition, we discuss the criteria for surgical intervention and its optimal timing.

Keywords: Hernia; Lichtenstein repair; Chronic groin pain; Inguinodynia; Neuropathic pain; Neurectomy; Nerve block