2017 Volume 50 Issue 7 Pages 513-520
Purpose: Chronic pain has been recognized as a common complication following inguinal hernia repair, while its treatment has not been established. The aim of the study was to validate the feasibility of a self-made algorithm for treatment of patients with refractory chronic pain. Materials and Methods: Between March 2013 and August 2016, 11 patients with uncontrollable pain despite continuous use of analgesics more than 3 months after inguinal hernia repair were treated according to a self-made algorithm. Results: Six, four, and one patients had nociceptive pain, neuropathic pain and orchialgia, respectively. Eight patients got relief from pain after treatment. Of 8 patients, 5 achieved pain relief by trigger point block and/or ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric nerve block. Remaining 3 patients underwent surgery and achieved pain relief immediately after surgery. Conclusions: It is important to choose the therapeutic option, depending on a type of pain (i.e. nociceptive, neuropathic, or orchialgia) for management of refractory chronic pain. A self-made algorithm is feasible and enables surgeon-driven management of these patients.
