Neurectomy

See also: Denervation
Neurectomy
SpecialtyNeurology

A neurectomy, or nerve resection is a neurosurgical procedure in which a peripheral nerve is cut or removed to alleviate neuropathic pain or permanently disable some function of a nerve. The nerve is not intended to grow back. For chronic pain it may be an alternative to a failed nerve decompression when the target nerve has no motor function and numbness is acceptable.[1] Neurectomies have also been used to permanently block autonomic function (e.g. excessive sweating in hands[2] or involuntary muscle movement causing cramps[3]), and special sensory function not related to pain (e.g. vestibular nerve dysfunction causing vertigo[4]).

A temporary nerve block with an anesthetic is usually performed before surgery to confirm the diagnosis of neuropathic pain.[1] Risks include numbness, neuroma, and complications due to lack of innervation.

  1. ^ a b Lipinski LJ, Spinner RJ. Neurolysis, neurectomy, and nerve repair/reconstruction for chronic pain. Neurosurg Clin N Am. 2014 Oct;25(4):777-87. doi:10.1016/j.nec.2014.07.002 Epub 2014 Aug 14. PMID 25240664.
  2. ^ Vannucci F, Araújo JA. Thoracic sympathectomy for hyperhidrosis: from surgical indications to clinical results. J Thorac Dis. 2017 Apr;9(Suppl 3):S178-S192. doi:10.21037/jtd.2017.04.04 PMID 28446983; PMCID: PMC5392541.
  3. ^ Miller LE, Bhattacharyya R, Miller VM. Clinical Utility of Presacral Neurectomy as an Adjunct to Conservative Endometriosis Surgery: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Controlled Studies. Sci Rep. 2020 Apr 23;10(1):6901. doi:10.1038/s41598-020-63966-w PMID 32327689; PMCID: PMC7181806.
  4. ^ Alarcón AV, Hidalgo LO, Arévalo RJ, Diaz MP. Labyrinthectomy and Vestibular Neurectomy for Intractable Vertiginous Symptoms. Int Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2017 Apr;21(2):184-190. doi:10.1055/s-0037-1599242 PMID 28382129; PMCID: PMC5375706.