Applied anatomy of the genital branch of the genitofemoral nerve in open inguinal herniorrhaphy.
OBJECTIVE
To record the anatomical variations and clinical importance of the genital branch of the genitofemoral nerve in the inguinal canal.


METHODS
Neuropathology study.


METHODS
General hospital, Taiwan.


METHODS
58 cadavers.


METHODS
116 dissections findings of the genitofemoral nerve in the inguinal canal.


METHODS
Anatomical variations.


RESULTS
All the genital branches passed through the ventral aspect of the internal ring. Almost all these branches entered the ring and continued within the spermatic cord between the fibres of the cremaster and the internal spermatic fascia. In 59% the nerve was related to the inferior fibres and in 38% it was in relation to the lateral or medial fibres. In only 3% did the genital branch run outside the spermatic cord.


CONCLUSIONS
To avoid damage to the genital branch of the genitofemoral nerve, suturing should be done over the dorsal aspect of the internal ring. The cremaster should be incised longitudinal rather than transversely and the genital branch of the genitofemoral nerve should be identified before repair of the posterior wall.
Department of Ophthalmology, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.
Wan-Cherng
WC
Liu
Tien-Hua
TH
Chen
Jia-Fwu
JF
Shyu
Chien-hsing
CH
Chen
Chung
C
Shih
Jaang J
JJ
Wang
Sung-Pao
SP
Kung
Wing-Yui
WY
Lui
Chew-Wun
CW
Wu
Jiang-Chuan
JC
Liu
D002102:Cadaver; D005260:Female; D005267:Femoral Nerve / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D005836:Genitalia, Female / Q000294:innervation; D005837:Genitalia, Male / Q000294:innervation; D006552:Hernia, Inguinal / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007264:Inguinal Canal / Q000294:innervation*; D008297:Male