ENTRAPMENT NEUROPATHY IN LAPAROSCOPIC HERNIORRHAPHY

In laparoscopic hernia repairs, the staples used to affix prosthetic m esh have resulted in entrapment neuropathies. This paper describes the diagnosis and treatment of nine cases of entrapment neuropathy. Injur ies to all the branches of the lumbar plexus, with the exception of th e obdurator nerve, have been treated. Generally, the entrapments are s elf-limiting, but chronic disability requiring surgical intervention c an occur. Staple removal and neurolysis controlled the severe, chronic pain of one femoral nerve entrapment. A thorough understanding of the anatomy of these nerves can prevent stapling in the areas of danger a nd thus greatly reduce the incidence of this complication.