Ilioinguinal Nerve Block
An ilioinguinal nerve block is a minimally invasive pain management procedure that targets the ilioinguinal nerve, a sensory nerve that wraps above the upper ridge of the hip bone and supplies sensation to the lower abdomen, upper inner thigh, and groin.
By injecting a local anesthetic—sometimes combined with a steroid—near the ilioinguinal nerve, physicians can temporarily block or reduce pain signals. The injection can be used for both diagnostic purposes (to confirm the source of pain) and therapeutic purposes (to provide pain relief).
Who Benefits from an Iliolinguinal Nerve Block?
An ilioinguinal nerve block may be recommended if you are experiencing:
- Chronic groin or lower abdominal pain
- Post-surgical pain after hernia repair (inguinal or femoral)
- Pain after C-section, appendectomy, or other pelvic/abdominal surgeries
- Ilioinguinal neuralgia (nerve irritation or entrapment causing burning, sharp, or radiating pain)
- Pain in the upper inner thigh, groin, scrotum, or labia
- Pain not relieved with medications, rest, or conservative therapy
What to Expect
- Preparation: You may be asked to avoid food or drink for a few hours before the procedure. An IV line may be placed if sedation is needed.
- Positioning: You will lie on your back to allow access to the groin or lower abdomen.
- Imaging Guidance: Ultrasound or fluoroscopy (X-ray) is often used to guide the needle precisely to the ilioinguinal nerve.
- Injection: After numbing the skin, a thin needle is placed near the ilioinguinal nerve, and a mixture of local anesthetic (and sometimes steroid) is injected.
- Duration: The procedure usually takes less than 10 minutes.
- Outpatient: Patients go home the same day.
After the Procedure
- Pressure will be applied to the injection site immediately after the procedure to reduce post-block bruising or swelling.
- Immediate Relief: A local anesthetic can provide pain relief within minutes. This may be temporary, serving as a diagnostic test.
- Longer-Term Relief: If a steroid is used, longer-lasting pain reduction may occur over days to weeks.
- Monitoring: You may be observed for about 15 minutes before discharge.
Recovery and Aftercare
- Activity: Light activity is typically allowed within 24 hours. Avoid strenuous activity the day of the injection.
- Return to Normal Life: Most patients can return to normal routines within a day.
- Repeat Treatments: Some patients require a series of blocks for sustained relief.
- Complementary Care: Physical therapy or nerve-desensitization strategies may be recommended to maximize results.
Risks and Considerations
While generally safe, potential risks include:
- Temporary numbness or weakness in the groin or thigh
- Infection or bleeding at the injection site
- Worsening of pain (rare and usually temporary)
- Allergic reaction to medication