Peripheral nerve injuries resulting from common surgical procedures in the lower portion of the abdomen.

Twenty-three patients had a painful ilioinguinal and/or iliohypogastric nerve entrapment syndrome following common surgical procedures in the lower portion of the abdomen (appendectomy, repair of inguinal hernia, and gynecologic procedures through transverse incision). The diagnostic triad of nerve entrapment after operation comprises (1) typical burning or lancinating pain near the incision that radiates to the area supplied by the nerve, (2) clear evidence of impaired sensory perception of the nerve, and (3) pain relieved by infiltration with anesthetic for local effects at the site where the two nerves leave the internal oblique muscle. Surgical repair of the scar with resection of the compromised nerve is the most effective treatment. Sixteen patients became symptom free after neurectomy, seven still suffer chronic pain in the scar.