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Electrophysiologic evaluation of genitofemoral nerve in children with inguinal hernia repair
Tutku Soyer1, Aliye Tosun, Işik Keleş
1Department of Pediatric Surgery, Kirikkale University Faculty of Medicine, Kirikkale, Turkey. tutku@sanalofis.net
Insights
Genitofemoral nerve (GFN) latency may increase after pediatric inguinal hernia repair. This electrophysiological change suggests potential surgical injury, possibly contributing to chronic groin pain in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Neurology
- Clinical Electrophysiology
Background:
- Genitofemoral nerve (GFN) injury is a potential complication of inguinal hernia repair.
- Chronic pressure from the hernia sac or surgical intervention can lead to GFN damage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively evaluate genitofemoral nerve (GFN) function electrophysiologically in children undergoing inguinal hernia repair.
- To assess changes in GFN motor response latency and duration before and after surgery.
Main Methods:
- Prospective evaluation of children with inguinal hernia.
- Electrophysiological assessment of bilateral GFN motor response using surface electrodes preoperatively and 3-6 months postoperatively.
- Statistical analysis using the Wilcoxon signed ranked test (P < .05 significance).
Main Results:
- Eleven pediatric patients with a mean age of 4.45 years were included.
- Mean GFN latency increased significantly from 2.37 ms preoperatively to 3.14 ms postoperatively (P = .008).
- No significant difference was observed in GFN motor response duration.
Conclusions:
- Genitofemoral nerve (GFN) latency may prolong following inguinal hernia repair in children.
- This electrophysiological prolongation suggests possible surgical injury to the GFN.
- Prolonged GFN latency could be associated with the development of chronic groin pain post-hernia repair.
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.
