Definition
Ilioinguinal neuralgia is a neurological disorder due to lesions or dysfunction of this nerve and is accompanied by pain and neurological deficits in region of the ilioinguinal nerve.
Aetiology
Ilioinguinal neuralgia is caused by a traumatic lesion in lower abdominal incisions, such as the Pfannenstiel incision, appendectomy, 'bone harvesting' of the iliac crest, kidney biopsy, and inguinal hernia surgery. In inguinal hernia surgery 5-53% of patients have severe postoperative pain.
Signs and symptoms
The symptoms in ilioinguinal neuralgia neuropathy usually consist of an unpleasant painful feeling in the lower abdomen and groin, with pain radiating to the inner side of the upper leg, scrotum or greater labia. Patients complain of a characteristic burning, stabbing neuropathic pain.
Diagnostics
Physical Examination
Neurological examinations, particularly in the region of the ilioinguinal nerve, can confirm the diagnosis.
Additional Somatic Diagnostics
- Diabetes must be excluded.
- EMG of the ilioinguinal nerve.
- Referral when there is suspicion of other aetiology.
- RAND-36 (quality of life)
- VAS Pain (maximal, minimal, actual, average/week)
- PCS (catastrophising)
- HADS (fear and depression)
Additional Psycho-cognitive Diagnostics
Multidisciplinary Treatment
Whether or not somatic treatment is indicated is based on the pain diagnosis. Based on the findings of the pain questionnaires, additional diagnostics and/or multidisciplinary treatment comprising various non-somatic treatments may be necessary.
Non-somatic Treatment
- Psychological Treatment
- Depression Treatment
- Cognitive-Behavioural Treatment
- Rehabilitation Treatment
Somatic Treatment
Pharmacological treatment:
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- Anticonvulsives: carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, gabapentine and pregabaline.