If you have groin pain that lasts for longer than three months after inguinal hernia surgery, it is not considered normal or part of the healing process. This type of pain is classified as chronic and should never be ignored since it can mean that there is an underlying cause that needs to be addressed and evaluated by a nerve decompression specialist such as Dr. Williams.
Causes and Symptoms of Chronic Groin Pain
Inguinal hernia surgery is performed on patients when soft tissue from part of their intestines has protruded through a part of the abdominal muscle and causes pain and other complications. Hernia surgery comes with risks and can result in chronic groin pain due to accidental damage or injury to the nerves that can occur from the actual procedure. Chronic groin pain can also be due to inflammation if mesh was used for the hernia repair. The body may think that the mesh repair is a foreign object and begin to attack it. This can result in inflammation and pain.
Some symptoms of chronic groin pain after hernia surgery that patients often experience include:
- Sharp pain that radiates into the groin
- Pain when walking, sitting, or squatting
- Pain with intercourse
- Pain in the testicles
- Burning sensation
Treating Chronic Groin Pain After Hernia Surgery
Chronic groin pain can interfere with work, social activities, and personal relationships. It can make it difficult to enjoy daily life. Many patients become frustrated with trying to find the right treatment for their chronic pain. A nerve decompression specialist can evaluate your pain and determine the cause so that they can recommend the best type of treatment for your specific need and condition.
Some options that may be recommended for chronic groin pain from hernia surgery are:
- Pain medication
- Nerve block
- Nerve ablation
- Peripheral nerve field stimulation
If conservative methods of treatment do not provide pain relief, surgery may be considered. In some cases, the mesh used for the hernia repair may need to be surgically removed. Surgery such as a neurectomy can also be done to treat chronic groin pain. In this type of procedure, peripheral nerves around the previous hernia surgery are cut to minimize pain.
Dr. Williams has had success in treating patients with chronic groin pain by performing a surgery called partial nerve denervation. This procedure is done by keeping the mesh hernia repair in place but removing the nerves causing the pain.
If you have chronic groin pain after hernia surgery, contact Dr. Williams for an evaluation. To schedule an appointment in the Baltimore office, contact us at (410) 709-3868 or fill out our contact form online.
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