Evaluation of genitofemoral nerve motor conduction in inguinoscrotal pathologies

Inguinoscrotal pathologies are commonly seen in childhood. The genitofemoral nerve (GFN) is responsible for sensitive innervations of scrotal region and the motor innervations of cremasteric muscle. GFN also innervates the afferent and efferent pathways of cremasteric reflex. A prospective study was performed to evaluate the possible relation between inguinoscrotal pathologies and GFN motor functions.

Patients with inguinal hernia, hydrocele, undescended or retractile testicles, aged between 2-12 years were enrolled in the study. Bilateral latency and duration of GFN motor conductions (GFNMC) were obtained electrophysiologically by surface electrodes. GFNMC recordings of non-pathological sides were assessed as control group. Latency and duration of each group were compared with control group (Mann-Whitney U test). P values lower than .05 were considered significant.

Seventy-three electrophysiologic evaluations were investigated in inguinal hernia (n:18), hydrocele (n:9), undescended testicle (n:14), retractile testicle (n:12) and control (n:20) groups. There was no age difference between groups and controls. Latency was significantly prolonged in inguinal hernia group when compared with control group (P = .028). Although the latencies were shortened in undescended testicle group, no significant difference detected (P > .05).

Prolonged latencies in inguinal hernia may be a result of nerve trap caused by hernia sac. GFN motor functions showed no causative role in other inguinoscrotal pathologies. It can be also suggested that clinical features of other inguinoscrotal pathologies were not affected by GFN motor functions. Electrophysiological studies in younger age groups with large number of patients are needed to support our suggestions.