What are the effects of the superficial nerve – ilioinguinal nerve – being removed during sports hernia surgery?
The nerve is removed during sports hernia surgery to avoid the postoperative complication of inguinal neuralgia, a painful complication caused by scar tissue irritating the nerve. This can mimic the symptoms of sports hernia. The nerve supplies skin sensation to the inguinal region. This skin will be numb after sports hernia surgery, but with time this sensation fades. It will always be numb to the touch. More importantly, this has no effect on sexual function or enjoyment.
