Groin pain after hernia repair is a common and distressing condition that can significantly affect a patient’s quality of life. It is often caused by damage to the nerves that innervate the groin region during surgery. At The Nerve Institute, Dr. Mytien Goldberg and her team specialize in diagnosing and treating peripheral nerve injuries and nerve pain, including those related to hernia repair. Dr. Goldberg is well-equipped to provide effective and personalized care to patients suffering from groin pain after hernia repair in Los Angeles.
Groin Pain After Hernia Repair
Los Angeles
What is Hernia Repair?
Hernia repair is a surgical procedure that aims to fix a hernia, which occurs when an internal organ or tissue protrudes through a weakened abdominal wall area. This can cause discomfort, pain, and potential complications if left untreated. During hernia repair, the surgeon will make an incision in the affected area and reposition the herniated tissue or organ back into its proper place. The weakened area of the abdominal wall is then reinforced with a mesh or sutures to prevent hernia recurrence.
Potential Causes of Groin Pain After Hernia Repair:
- Nerve damage during surgery
- Inflammation of the nerves or surrounding tissue
- Scar tissue formation
- Infection at the surgical site
- Inadequate pain management after surgery
- Recurrence of the hernia
- Adhesions or scar tissue formation within the abdomen
- Repetitive strain or overuse of the groin muscles post-surgery
- Inguinal lymphadenitis (swelling of the lymph nodes in the groin)
Surgical Intervention for Persistent Groin Pain
If other treatments have been unsuccessful, surgical intervention may be necessary to treat groin pain after hernia repair in Los Angeles. Surgery can involve removing scar tissue or neuromas (abnormal growths of nerve tissue) causing the pain or performing a nerve decompression to relieve pressure on the affected nerves. Nerve decompression surgery involves freeing the affected nerves from surrounding tissue or repositioning them to reduce compression. Dr. Goldberg may perform these procedures using minimally invasive techniques to minimize recovery time.
How Nerve Damage Causes Groin Pain
Nerves are bundles of specialized cells called neurons that transmit signals between the brain, spinal cord, and various parts of the body. Sensory nerves carry information about touch, temperature, and pain from the skin and organs to the brain, while motor nerves transmit signals that control muscle movement. During hernia repair surgery, the nerves in the groin area can become damaged, leading to various symptoms, including chronic pain.
The nerves most commonly affected during hernia repair are the ilioinguinal, iliohypogastric, and genitofemoral nerves, which innervate the groin and genital region. These nerves can be damaged during the procedure due to their proximity to the surgical site or being stretched or compressed during surgery. When nerves are damaged, they may become inflamed or form scar tissue, which can interfere with the transmission of nerve signals and cause groin pain after hernia repair in Los Angeles.
In some cases, nerve damage may be temporary and resolve on its own, but in other cases, it may be permanent and require more advanced treatment options, such as nerve blocks, nerve stimulation, or surgery to relieve the pain.
Symptoms of Groin Pain After Hernia Repair:
- Persistent or recurrent pain in the groin area
- Sharp, shooting, or burning pain
- Numbness or tingling in the groin or the surrounding area
- Pain that worsens with activity or movement
- Discomfort during sexual activity or bowel movements
- Swelling or inflammation in the groin or surgical site
- Muscle weakness or atrophy in the affected area
- Loss of sensation or reflexes in the affected area
Schedule Your Consultation With Dr. Goldberg
The Nerve Institute, led by Dr. Mytien Goldberg, is committed to providing personalized care and treatment for patients experiencing groin pain after hernia repair in Los Angeles. Dr. Goldberg’s expertise in nerve reconstruction and painful neuroma treatment makes her well-suited to diagnose and treat this condition. If you are experiencing chronic pain in the groin area after hernia repair surgery, schedule a consultation with Dr. Goldberg to discuss your options. She will work with you to develop a customized surgical plan that addresses your needs and helps you find relief from your symptoms. If you are experiencing any other nerve pain, such as leg pain after orthopedic surgery or peroneal nerve compression, she also has a treatment for you. No matter the pain, contact us and we can help.
