Review of Ilioinguinal Nerve Blocks for Ilioinguinal Neuralgia Post Hernia Surgery.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The purpose of this review is to evaluate the current evidence on ultrasound-guided ilioinguinal nerve blocks for ilioinguinal neuralgia post hernia surgery.

METHODS

A literature search was performed to find all relevant case reports, case series, prospective or retrospective cohort studies, and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) where ultrasound-guided or landmark-based ilioinguinal nerve blocks were used for ilioinguinal neuralgia post-inguinal hernia surgery.

RECENT FINDINGS

A total of six studies were identified with suitable data for inclusion. Three studies were retrospective, two studies were prospective, and one study was a randomized controlled trial. A total of 133 subjects were enrolled across these studies. Approximately 55-70% had a beneficial analgesic response to treatment. No major complications were reported in these studies. Ultrasound- and landmark-based ilioinguinal nerve blocks are safe and effective for pain relief post inguinal hernia surgery. Although there were two studies that did not show a statically significant difference in both techniques, the ultrasound-guided injection has the advantage of direct visualization of pathology, more accurate needle placement, and decreased risks of intravascular injections.