Quantitative Sensory Testing and Analysis of Post Inguinal Hernia Surgery Pain

Increasing experience has identified post-herniorraphy chronic pain as an under-recognized
and important complication. Nerve entrapment and injury are recognized as causes of such
pain. Operative treatment for selected patients with this condition includes surgical
exploration of the affected groin, identification and removal of involved nerves, and
removal of meshoma. This procedure has been highly effective in treatment of chronic pain.
This study will attempt to subjectively and objectively evaluate the patient's chronic groin
pain using quantitative sensory testing (QST) and validated pain scales and questionnaires.
Quantitative sensory testing is a method used to assess damage to the small and large nerve
fibers. It is used to diagnose and assess the severity of nerve damage, and can also help to
determine if a neuropathy is responding to treatment. QST uses a computer testing system to
measure how nerves react to vibration and changes in temperature. The procedure is
non-invasive and the patient will feel minimal to no discomfort during testing. The
hypothesis is that any decrease in subjective pain scores would be accompanied by improved
QST results.