Surgery for Meralgia Paresthetica: neurolysis versus nerve resection

Area of Science:

• Surgical neurology
• Peripheral nerve surgery

Background:

• Meralgia Paresthetica (MP) is a condition affecting the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve.
• Surgical management options include nerve resection and neurolysis with transposition.
• Long-term efficacy of these surgical procedures for MP remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the long-term outcomes of nerve resection versus neurolysis for Meralgia Paresthetica.
• To evaluate recurrence rates following surgical intervention for MP.

Main Methods:

• A prospective case-series study involving 14 non-obese patients with Meralgia Paresthetica.
• Patients were managed with either nerve resection or neurolysis.
• Outcomes were assessed through follow-up visits for up to 18 months.

Main Results:

• Nine patients underwent nerve resection, achieving complete symptom relief with no recurrence during follow-up.
• Five patients underwent neurolysis, with all experiencing Meralgia Paresthetica recurrence within 1 to 9 months post-procedure.

Conclusions:

• Nerve resection demonstrates superior efficacy over neurolysis in preventing Meralgia Paresthetica recurrence.
• Nerve resection is a more effective surgical option for the long-term management of MP.