During open repair of a right indirect inguinal hernia using the Lichtenstein tension-free technique, the surgeon must identify the ilioinguinal nerve. Division of this nerve during the repair would cause:

• A Loss of the cremasteric reflex
• B Weakness of internal oblique muscle
• C Loss of sensation over the anterior abdominal wall below the umbilicus
• D Paraesthesia of the scrotum, inner thigh, and root of the penis ✓

Explanation

The ilioinguinal nerve (L1) travels through the inguinal canal and exits through the superficial inguinal ring to supply sensation to the anterior scrotum (or labia majora), the medial thigh, and the root of the penis. Division causes sensory loss in these areas. Loss of the cremasteric reflex results from damage to the genitofemoral nerve (genital branch), not the ilioinguinal nerve.

Reference: Bailey & Love's Short Practice of Surgery, 27th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.