Crucial anatomy and technical cues for laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal repair: Advanced manipulation for groin hernias in adults

Figure 7 Critical nerves and other structures. Laparoscopic view in the groin area focused on the relation between the critical nerves [especially genital branch of the genitofemoral nerve and lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN)] and the other structures. Although the genitofemoral nerves run to the lower limbs, the more common nerve injuries are unfortunately to the genitofemoral nerve and LFCN. Each of these serious injuries has disastrous consequences for the patient with intractable pain. ARM: Abdominal rectal muscle; EIA: External iliac artery; EIV: External iliac vein; Gb-GFN: Genital branch of the genitofemoral nerve; IIR: Indirect inguinal ring; LFCN: Lateral femoral cutaneous nerve; VD: Vas deferens.