Impact of Ilio-inguinal Nerve Excision on Sexual Function in Open Inguinal Hernia Mesh Repair: a Prospective Follow-up Study

AbstractThe aim of this study was to prospectively compare sexual function in patients undergoing inguinal hernia surgical repair with or without excision of the ilio-inguinal nerve. Eighty-four patients (76 males and 8 females) with a unilateral inguinal hernia were enrolled in the study. They underwent an open tension free repair with mesh implantation ("plug and patch" technique). The ilio-inguinal nerve was identified and was either preserved (Preservation group, n = 42) or divided (Excision group, n = 42). Patients were asked to answer an anonymous standardised questionnaire about their sexual function pre-operatively, 3 months postoperatively and every 6 months afterwards during the follow-up. Thirty-two patients (excision group: n = 17; preservation group: n = 15; p > 0.05) reported pre-operative sexual dysfunction related to the groin hernia. Three months after surgery 19 patients referred a clear improvement of their preoperative complaints. Eleven patients reported new functional problems. About...