Home Body Atlas Nerves Ilioinguinal Nerve
Nerve Abdomen

Ilioinguinal Nerve

nervus ilioinguinalis

The ilioinguinal nerve traverses the inguinal canal and supplies sensory innervation to the upper medial thigh, scrotum or labium majus, and root of the penis or mons pubis. It is the nerve most commonly injured in inguinal hernia repair — either directly during the repair or by entrapment in the mesh material — producing chronic groin and scrotal pain (ilioinguinal neuralgia) that is one of the most challenging complications of herniorrhaphy.

Region: Abdomen
Anatomical Data

Origin, Insertion & Supply

OriginLumbar plexus (L1)
Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

Post-herniorrhaphy inguinal neuralgia from ilioinguinal nerve injury produces chronic burning groin pain, scrotal or labial numbness, and occasionally hyperalgesia that significantly impairs quality of life. Triple neurectomy (ilioinguinal, iliohypogastric, and genitofemoral nerves) provides pain relief in 70 to 80 percent of refractory cases. Conservative management includes neuromodulator medications, targeted nerve blocks, and radiofrequency ablation.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Post-Herniorrhaphy Inguinal Neuralgia

Ilioinguinal nerve damage during hernia repair producing chronic groin and scrotal pain managed with nerve blocks and triple neurectomy for refractory cases.

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