Electrophysiologic evaluation of genitofemoral nerve in children with inguinal hernia repair

Abstract

Aim: Genitofemoral nerve (GFN) injury may occur because of chronic pressure of hernia sac or surgical intervention. A prospective study was performed to evaluate GFN electrophysiologically in children with inguinal hernia repair. Methods: Children with inguinal hernia were evaluated for GFN electrophysiologically before and after (3-6 months postoperatively) inguinal hernia repair. Bilateral GFN motor response latencies and durations were investigated electrophysiologically by surface electrodes. Wilcoxon signed ranked test was used for statistical analysis, and P values lower than .05 was considered to be significant. Results: Eleven patients with a mean age of 4.45 +/- 2.16 were enrolled in the study. Mean latency of patients was 2.37 +/- 0.89 milliseconds preoperatively and 3.14 +/- 1.02 milliseconds postoperatively. Latency of GFN was found prolonged after hernia repair (P = .008). Duration of GFN motor response was 9.94 +/- 1.49 milliseconds and 11.18 +/- 2.44 milliseconds, respectively, in preoperative and postoperative recordings. There was no significant difference detected in mean durations (P > .05). Conclusion: Latency of GFN may prolong after inguinal hernia repair. Prolongation of GFN latency may be the result of surgical injury during hernia repair and consequently also related with chronic groin pain. (C) 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.