Chronic postherniorrhaphy pain following inguinal hernia surgery: Etiology, risk factors, anatomy, and treatment options

Despite recent advances in surgical technique for inguinal hernia repair, chronic groin pain following the surgical repair of an inguinal hernia is not uncommon. Injury to the ilioinguinal, iliohypogastric, or genitofemoral nerves is the most common etiology. Specific risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing chronic groin pain have been identified. Ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve blocks may play an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic groin pain. As in many pain syndromes, early diagnosis and early treatment are crucial. Evidence-based management of chronic groin pain is poorly studied, although cryotherapy and neuromodulation techniques show potential efficacy.