What is an Ilioinguinal Nerve Block?
An ilioinguinal nerve block using local anesthetic and steroids is useful in the treatment of persistent pain after inguinal surgery or groin trauma, when the pain is thought to be secondary to inflammation or entrapment of the ilioinguinal nerve.
Why is an Ilioinguinal Nerve Block performed?
The ilioinguinal nerve block is used to treat groin pain, often after hernia surgery or trauma to the groin. The procedure may provide pain relief for patients with groin, hip, and lower abdominal pain and may be used repeatedly to manage chronic groin neuralgia.
How is an Ilioinguinal Nerve Block performed?
Laying on your back, the skin in the inguinal area is disinfected before being injected with numbing medicine, which may sting for several seconds. Using x-ray guidance, a small needle will be inserted into the area of the inguinal nerve. A small mixture of numbing medicine (anesthetic) and anti-inflammatory (cortisone/steroid) is injected. Pressure is applied to the injection site immediately afterwards to decrease the post block bruising or swelling. Keep a pain diary for the next week and report the results to your doctor.
What should I expect after an Ilioinguinal Nerve Block?
You may eat a light meal before the procedure and take your regular medications, with the exception of blood thinners. If you’re an insulin dependent diabetic, take your insulin and eat. If you are on blood thinners, such as: Coumadin (Warfarin), Plavix (Clopidogrel), Lovenox, Pletal (Cilostazol), Effient (Prasugrel), Teclid ( Ticlopidine), or Pradaxa (Dabigatran), notify the office so that special instructions may be given. Make sure the office is aware if you are allergic to iodine, contrast, or medical dye. You will need to have a driver accompany you and be responsible for getting you home. You are not allowed to drive allowed the day of the procedure. You may return to your normal activities the day after the procedure, including returning to work unless instructed otherwise by the physician.
