This is the Scientific Surgery Archive, which contains all randomized clinical trials in surgery that have been identified by searching the top 50 English language medical journal issues since January 1998. Compiled by Jonothan J. Earnshaw, former Editor-in-Chief, BJS
Nerve management during open hernia repair. BJS 2007; 94: 17-22.
Published: 4th January 2007
Authors: A. R. Wijsmuller, R. N. van Veen, J. L. Bosch, J. F. M. Lange, G. J. Kleinrensink, J. Jeekel et al.
Background
Peroperative identification and subsequent division or preservation of the inguinal nerves during open hernia repair may influence the incidence of chronic postoperative pain.
Method
A systematic literature review was performed to identify studies investigating the influence of different types of nerve management.
Results
Based on three randomized studies the pooled mean percentage of patients with chronic pain after identification and division of the ilioinguinal nerve was similar to that after identification and preservation of the ilioinguinal nerve. Two cohort studies suggested that the incidence of chronic pain was significantly lower after identification of all inguinal nerves compared with no identification of any nerve. Another cohort study reported a significant difference in the incidence of chronic pain in favour of identification and facultative pragmatic division of the genital branch of the genitofemoral nerve compared with no identification at all.
Conclusion
The nerves should probably be identified during open hernia repair. Division of and preservation of the ilioinguinal nerve show similar results. Copyright © 2007 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Full text