[Management of chronic pain after inguinal hernioplasty]

Chronic groin pain after herniorrhaphy is a concern, as approximately 10% of patients undergoing inguinal hernia repair have symptoms, which often limit physical ability. The etiopathogenesis is related to periostitis pubis (somatic pain) and more often to nerve injury (neuropathic pain). It is clinically important to distinguish between these two types of pain because treatment can be different. The physician should establish a routine diagnosis and treatment, and most patients will need surgical approach. Prevention of this condition is of great importance and can lead to a lower incidence of the syndrome. Some measures are key, such as how to avoid application of stitches or clips to the pubis periosteum, using the prosthesis carefully and identifying the nerves in the groin. This last measure is certainly the most important in the prevention of chronic pain and involves thorough knowledge of anatomy and the use of refined technique.