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Posterior Scrotal and Labial Nerves

nervi scrotales/labiales posteriores

The posterior scrotal nerves (in males) and posterior labial nerves (in females) are superficial branches of the perineal nerve supplying the skin of the posterior scrotum and the posterior labia majora respectively. They emerge from the perineal body and distribute over the lateral and posterior perineal skin, providing cutaneous innervation to the posterior genitalia.

Region: Pelvis & Hip

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

The posterior scrotal/labial nerves are at risk during perineal surgery including abdominoperineal resection, perineal hernia repair, posterior vaginal wall repair, and anal fistula procedures. Their injury produces perineal and genital skin numbness. Pudendal nerve block anaesthetises these branches for perineal procedures. Pudendal neuralgia affecting these branches produces burning perineal pain worse with sitting, managed by pudendal nerve blocks and in refractory cases by Alcock canal decompression.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Posterior Labial Nerve Entrapment in Perineal Pain

Entrapment or injury to the posterior labial nerves produces vulvar and posterior perineal burning pain characteristic of pudendal neuralgia, worsened by sitting and relieved by standing or a pudendal nerve block, managed by physiotherapy, pudendal nerve block, and in refractory cases by Alcock canal surgical decompression.