A 60-year-old man undergoes elective repair of a right indirect inguinal hernia via open Lichtenstein technique. Which nerve, if injured during dissection of the hernia sac, results in loss of sensation over the upper medial thigh?

• A Genital branch of the genitofemoral nerve
• B Iliohypogastric nerve
• C Femoral branch of the genitofemoral nerve
• D Ilio-inguinal nerve ✓

Explanation

The ilio-inguinal nerve (L1) traverses the inguinal canal lying on the surface of the cord and supplies sensory innervation to the upper medial thigh, root of the penis, and upper scrotum. Injury during open hernia repair produces hypesthesia or neuralgia in the upper medial thigh and scrotum. The genital branch of the genitofemoral nerve innervates the cremaster and lateral scrotum, while the iliohypogastric nerve provides sensation to the suprapubic area.

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.