Groin pain in the absence of hernia: a new syndrome

Groin pain may be produced by a true hernia, trauma to the groin structures or peripheral nerve, or root compression at various levels. Approximately 4,000 patients underwent inguinal herniorrhaphy (group A). An additional 134 patients complaining of groin pain and exhibiting no evidence of primary or recurrent hernia fell into two categories: 30 patients who had a previous herniorrhaphy (group B) and 104 patients without previous surgery (group C). Group B patients underwent a diagnostic nerve block which, when positive, suggested ilioinguinal nerve compromise at the wound. Those who failed conservative measures underwent nerve division. Group C patients were advised to decrease recreational and occupational activities; if that failed, they underwent lumbosacral spine imaging. There were no neuralgias in group A. Eight group B patients responded to conservative measures; the 22 others required ilioinguinal nerve division which relieved their pain. In group C, 42 patients responded to physical activity restriction plus NSAIDs; the remaining 62 underwent imaging which revealed lumbosacral bone pathology producing root compression and were referred to orthopedists. Lumbosacral spine pathology should be suspected in patients who complain of groin pain in the absence of hernia or previous herniorrhaphy. Recognition of this syndrome may avoid negative exploratory herniorrhaphies.