Endoscopy-induced anterior cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome: a case series

Background and study aims  Anterior cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome (ACNES) is a common but frequently overlooked disorder. Here we report on a series of patients with ACNES following endoscopy. Patients and methods  This case series included consecutive patients with localized abdominal pain following an endoscopic procedure that was consistent with ACNES who presented to the author's Gastroenterology Outpatient Clinic from February 2019 to February 2021. Results  Six patients presented with complaints compatible with ACNES. All of them were successfully managed with local injection therapy (n = 5) or pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) (n = 1). Conclusions  It appears that ACNES can be induced by endoscopy. Early recognition is important to avoid unnecessary diagnostics and delayed pain relief in patients. Most patients can be managed with local injection therapy.