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Meralgia paraesthetica following open appendicectomy.
D Kavanagh1, S Connolly, F Fleming
1Department of Surgery, St Vincent's University Hospital, Elm Park & University College Dublin. dara_kav@hotmail.com
Irish Medical Journal
|August 16, 2005
Summary
Meralgia paresthetica, a nerve entrapment causing pain, can occur after open appendectomy. This under-recognized complication involves the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve and presents unique management challenges.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Surgical Complications
Background:
- Meralgia paresthetica involves lateral femoral cutaneous nerve entrapment, causing pain and altered sensation.
- It's linked to surgeries causing direct nerve injury or occurring remotely.
Observation:
- Two cases of meralgia paresthetica emerged immediately after open appendectomy.
- Anatomical variants of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve, present in up to 25% of individuals, may predispose to injury during appendectomy.
Findings:
- This study reports meralgia paresthetica as a previously undocumented complication of open appendectomy.
- Clinical presentation was confirmed by electromyography (EMG) studies.
Implications:
- Highlights an under-recognized risk following open appendectomy.
- Suggests increased clinical awareness for this nerve entrapment syndrome.
- Emphasizes the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges for clinicians and patients.