The genitofemoral nerve divides into a genital branch that enters the inguinal canal and supplies the cremaster muscle and scrotal skin, and a femoral branch that exits through the femoral sheath to supply a small patch of upper anterior thigh skin. It is the nerve responsible for the cremaster reflex (stroking the inner thigh produces ipsilateral scrotal elevation). Genitofemoral neuralgia from retroperitoneal surgery, laparoscopy, or inguinal hernia repair produces groin and scrotal pain.
| Origin | Lumbar plexus (L1, L2) |
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The genitofemoral nerve is at risk during laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair (TAPP and TEP procedures) and retroperitoneal surgery where the nerve lies on the anterior psoas surface. Its injury produces burning groin, scrotal or labial, and anterior thigh pain that is part of the post-herniorrhaphy chronic groin pain syndrome requiring triple neurectomy for relief in refractory cases.
Groin and scrotal burning from nerve injury during laparoscopic hernia repair or retroperitoneal surgery, managed with nerve block and included in triple neurectomy for inguinal neuralgia.
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