Clinical anatomy : official journal of the American Association of Clinical Anatomists & the British Association of Clinical Anatomists
-
Proper anesthesia and knowledge of the anatomical location of the iliohypogastric and ilioinguinal nerves is important during hernia repair and other surgical procedures. Surgical complications have also implicated these nerves, emphasizing the importance of the development of a clear topographical map for use in their identification. The aim of this study was to explore anatomical variations in the iliohypogastric and ilioinguinal nerves and relate this information to clinical situations. ⋯ The nerve entered the abdominal wall 2.8 ± 1.3 cm medial and 1.4 ± 1.2 cm inferior to the ASIS and terminated 4 ± 1.3 cm lateral to the midline. For both nerves, the distance between the ASIS and the midline was 12.2 ± 1.1 cm. To reduce nerve damage and provide sufficient anesthetic for nerve block during surgical procedures, the precise anatomical location and spinal nerve contributions of the iliohypogastric and ilioinguinal nerves need to be considered.