Anatomical Danger Zone in Open Inguinal Herniorrhaphy

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Because of complex inguinal structures, we cannot overcome the neurogenic complications in open inguinal herniorrhaphy. Nowadays, there are few studies of anatomical danger zones in open herniorrhaphy. So, in this study we would cover the danger zones in hernia surgery with a cadaver. METHODS: We studied the anatomic structures of three male cadavers. There was no anatomical variation among them. We can ascertain the running of the ilioinguinal nerve, iliohypogastric nerve, and genitofemoral nerve. RESULTS: We can see that the ilioinguinal nerve runs anterior to the spermatic cord in the inguinal canal and lies beneath the external oblique aponeurosis. The iliohypogastirc nerve runs on the anterior surface of the internal oblique muscle, and aponeurosis medial and superior to the internal ring. The genital branch of the genitofemoral nerve lies on the iliopubic tract and accompanies the cremaster vessels to form a neurovascular bundle. In these areas, we often suture the anchor in open herniorrhaphy, increasing probability of these nerves suffering injury. CONCLUSION: In open inguinal herniorrhaphy, surgeons must have a comprehensive understanding of the neural anatomy of the groin to reduce post-operative complications. Moreover, we must consider not only anatomical understanding but also surgical procedures reducing neurogenic complications. So, we suggest certain procedures to reduce nerve injury such as three dimensional mesh or the use of fibrin glue.