Paralysis of the femoral nerve following totally extraperitoneal laparascopic inguinal hernia repair.

Totally extraperitoneal preparation (TEP) of an inguinal hernia is an established method of treating inguinal hernias associated with an acceptable complication rate (2-12%) and low rate of recurrence (0-3%). This is the first reported case of sensorimotor paralysis of the femoral nerve following the complete endoscopic mesh treatment of a primary inguinal hernia to the left side. Following a discussion of the necessary diagnostic and therapeutic steps, traumatic postsurgical paralysis of the nerve as well as spontaneous paralysis of the femoral nerve are discussed. The prognosis is positive given the lack of macroscopic evidence of any direct damage to the nerve.