Ablation for nerve pain?

Question

I have nerve problems from inguinal hernia surgery. Usually, when I try to exercise, pain shoots up from my testicle (surgical side) to the area of incision and down the top of my thigh.

I have gone through drugs; visits to my surgeon, a urologist, a second surgeon, and a pain center (in Washington DC); and nerve blockers.

We are now starting to talk of pulsed RF ablation because I once got about two weeks relief from one genitofemoral nerve blocker. (I'm going to try it again to see if I get relief again.) My doctor seems hesitant about RF ablation; I am unsure if it's because he does't think it's great or because he has little experience with it.

What can you tell me about the procedure and results for my type of nerve pain?

Is micro-nerve surgery possible for this sort of problem?

Will I eventually need to have a surgeon go in again, rip out the mesh and all the scar tissue it has bonded with, and cut all three of my nerves?

All info is appreciated. Thanks.

Answer 1

I know a couple of people that did RFA for their nerve problems and had pretty good success with it. I have the link to a site that has some messageboards where you may be able to get even more information. It's at: http://www.painfoundation.org