Abstract

Ilioinguinal/ıliohypogastric nerve block (IINB) provides analgesia for inguinal herniorrhaphy, orchiopexy, and hydrocelectomy surgeries as a supplement to general anesthesia or for postoperative analgesia in pediatric patients. However, INB may be complicated by transient femoral nerve palsy and may lead to temporary weakness in the lower extremity.

Between 2002 and 2008, 379 groin operations were performed in 325 children aged 2 to 14 years. All the nerve blocks were performed with the patient under general anesthesia using Bupivacaine 0.25 %, 0.2 ml/kg body weight. Of the 379 groin operations, 2 (0.5 %) who had a right inguinal hernia and postoperative leg weakness on the side of the nerve block. The weakness of right leg was noticed when the patients began to mobilize. Complete spontaneous recovery occurred 4 and 6 h later.

Transient femoral nerve palsy after INB can occur in children and it is transient. It is important that the patients are informed of this potential risk of the INB and the patients may be discharged without delay.