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Anterior cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome (ACNES)

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Abstract

The abdominal wall is frequently overlooked as a potential source of chronic abdominal pain. In anterior cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome (ACNES), irritated intercostal nerves cause severe abdominal pain. Current textbooks fail to acknowledge ACNES. Aim of the present review is to provide detailed information on patient history, physical examination, and a three-step treatment protocol including abdominal wall injections and a localized removal of terminal branches of intercostal nerves.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Surgery, Máxima Medical Center, De Run 4600, P.O. Box 7777, 5500 MB, Eindhoven/Veldhoven, The Netherlands

    M. R. Scheltinga & R. M. Roumen

  2. SolviMáx Department, Center of Expertise for ACNES, Center of Excellence for Chronic Abdominal Wall and Groin Pain, Eindhoven/Veldhoven, The Netherlands

    M. R. Scheltinga & R. M. Roumen

Authors
  1. M. R. Scheltinga
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  2. R. M. Roumen
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Contributions

Both authors, MS and RR, declare that they substantially and equally contributed to the conception and design of the work, revised it both very critically, they both give the final approval of the version to be submitted and published, and they agree to be equally accountable for all aspects of the work.

Corresponding authors

Correspondence to M. R. Scheltinga or R. M. Roumen.

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Both authors, MS and RR, declare no conflicts of interest.

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This review was performed under compliance with all ethical standards.

Human and animal rights

This article does not contain any study with humans or animals performed by the authors.

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Considering the design of this review patient informed consent was not required.

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Scheltinga, M.R., Roumen, R.M. Anterior cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome (ACNES). Hernia 22, 507–516 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10029-017-1710-z

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