Could I have a neuroma or a nerve entrapment? 10 months Tummy tuck post-op painful to touch belly

Question

During my 14 day po TT I suffered a trauma to my abdomen when my son accidentally jammed his elbow into my MR area. Since then and now 10 mth post-op I have been experiencing a painful to touch, hypersensitive and a uncomfortable tight swollen belly. MR was not compromised..One cat scan and 2 ultrasounds came back normal with no sign of hematoma or seroma. Seeing a pain specialist who now have me taking different meds such as neurontin and Lyrica but no relief as of yet.

Christopher J. Morea, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  It is quite possible that you may have a nerve entrapment causing your pain.  This can be difficult to diagnose.  I think you are taking the correct steps by consulting with a pain specialist.  I would also suggest discussing this with your operative surgeon.

Christopher Khorsandi, MD · Answer

It is possible to have an entrapped nerve especially in the groin crease in this case. I recommend consulting with the surgeon who initially preformed the procedure. Also get a second opinion from Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. Good Luck.

Adrian Richards, MBBS, MSc · Answer

Thank you very much for your interesting enquiry. I must say, it is unusual to have pain in
your tummy 10 months following a tummy tuck surgery.I think seeing a pain specialist may be the
best option as it may well be that you do have a nerve trapped in the area.
In most cases abnormal sensation and pain does settle
following surgery and I hope it does so in your case.AR

Grady B. Core, MD · Answer

This is a rare situation which I have seen on two occasions and both patients were treated with local blocks sa a diagnostic tool which helped isolate the entrapped nerve. One patient eventually resolved but another was treated with reoperation and release of the prior plication suture (which was a permanent suture). the suture release can be done endoscopically, however, there is no guarantee that the suture release will be curative. I would recommend sticking with the current pain medicine specialist for now and only seek reoperation as a last resort. I wish you all the best.

Demetrio J. Aguila III, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  I'm sorry to hear that you've been having pain and hypersensitivity.What you describe could certainly be a neuroma.  It's also possible that you have a nerve entrapment.  If your pain specialist has recommended neurontin and lyrica, it is likely that you have what we call "neuropathic pain."  In the setting of previous surgery, it's possible that you have a problem that is surgically correctable.A thorough history and physical examination are necessary to help determine the likely cause of your symptoms.  I would suggest that you start by speaking with your plastic surgeon about your concerns - it's possible that your surgeon may be able to address your symptoms.  I also recommend that you find a surgeon who is knowledgeable and trained in peripheral nerve surgery to help you figure out the cause of your symptoms and help you understand your options for management.  Peripheral neuropathy, whether it's post-traumatic (like yours) or otherwise, can be a difficult problem to sort out, but once it's elucidated, it can be very rewarding to fix.Best wishes.

Could I have a neuroma or a nerve entrapment? 10 months Tummy tuck post-op painful to touch belly

Answers (5)

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