Symptom reduction and patient satisfaction after surgical therapy of Meralgia paresthetica - A bicentric retrospective analysis.

Introduction: Surgical treatment for Meralgia paresthetica is indicated in patients showing deficient effects of conservative interventions and merely temporary positive responses after local infiltrations of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN). Research question: To improve clinical outcome data, especially with focus on the long-term effect of such procedures, we evaluated patients in two neurosurgical centers with regard to their satisfaction and reduction of symptoms. Methods: Retrospective analysis of perioperative characteristics and follow-up telephone survey concerning subjective satisfaction after surgery using the Patient Satisfaction Index (PSI), subjective complaint reduction (percentage) and pain response (Numeric Rating Scale). In addition, health-related quality of life and sensation at the thigh were evaluated. Regression analysis concerning risk factors for an insufficient outcome was applied. Results: A total of 108 surgeries were performed on 94 patients (50% female, median age 56 years, BMI 27.9 kg/m Conclusions: Surgical treatment of Meralgia paresthetica significantly improves associated complaints in the majority of patients leading to a high amount of satisfying results. Nicotine abuse seems to be a risk factor for insufficient outcomes.