Can An Abdominal Panniculectomy Cause Nerve Damage In My Leg?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I am interested in abdominal panniculectomy surgery. I have a question about what is the best way to cut into the groin region so a female person having this procedure does not end up with a femoral nerve being cut? I do no want a numb thigh or leg if I have a panniculectomy done. I wish I could get an answer from a great surgeon such as you. Please email me a response and explain it this can be done with no nerve damage to my leg. Thank You it would be much appreciated. 

A: An abdominal panniculectomy does not enter the femoral triangle which is a subfascial space in the upper thigh. Thus femoral nerve injury is not a concern with this procedure. The nerves that are at risk is the lateral and anterior cutaneous branches of the iliohypogastric, the lateral femoral cutaneous and the ilioinguinal. While their risk of injury or entrapment is low, they can still be responsible for chronic pain and numbness. But this does not entail a risk of ‘nerve damage to the leg’. 

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana