Postherniorrhaphy groin pain and how to avoid it

Groin pain following inguinal hernia repair remains a challenge to most general surgeons. Prevention of groin pain may be the most effective solution to this management problem and necessitates careful anatomic dissection and precise knowledge of surgical anatomy of the groin as well as potential pitfalls of surgical intervention. When complications arise, a period of watchful waiting is warranted, but surgical intervention with triple neurectomy offers the most definitive resolution of symptoms. This article aims to provide a thorough review of pertinent anatomic landmarks for the proper identification of the nerves that, if injured, result in chronic groin pain and to provide a treatment algorithm for patients suffering with this morbidity.