Ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric nerves

Question 1

Ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric nerves anatomy

Answer 1

• T12–L1 nerve root
• Both nerves pass laterally through the head of the psoas muscle before running diagonally along quadratus lumborum
• The iliohypogastric nerve pierces the external oblique aponeurosis above the superficial inguinal ring, while the ilioinguinal nerve emerges through it
• Both nerves have a sensory function only
• The Iliohypogastric provides sensation to the skin of the gluteal and hypogastric regions
• The ilioinguinal nerve provides sensory innervation to the skin overlying the groin, inner thigh and labia majora

Question 2

Causes of ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric damage

Answer 2

• Suture entrapment at the lateral borders of low transverse or Pfannenstiel incisions that extend beyond the lateral border of the rectus abdominus muscle
• The reported incidence of ilioinguinal or iliohypogastric neuropathy following a Pfannenstiel incision is 3.7%
• Laparoscopic and retropubic mid urethral tape procedures may also injure this nerve

Question 3

Symptoms of ilios nerves damage

Answer 3

• Sharp burning pain radiating from the incision site to the mons pubis, labia and thigh
• Paraesthesia over the nerve distribution areas
• Pain relief following administration of local anaesthetic