Cryoneurolysis for Chronic Post-Surgical Pain Due to Anterior Cutaneous Nerve Entrapment Syndrome: A Case Report

Chronic post-surgical pain (CPSP) can be difficult to treat, especially when it results from nerve entrapment conditions. In this case report, we present a 46-year-old male with CPSP due to anterior cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome (ACNES) following laparoscopic appendectomy and hernia repair. Cryoneurolysis was employed as a successful and minimally invasive treatment. A 46-year-old male who had undergone laparoscopic appendectomy and hernia repair presented with persistent abdominal pain localized to the surgical site. The pain, unresponsive to oral analgesics, was diagnosed as ACNES using clinical evaluation, ultrasound, and MRI. Cryoneurolysis was performed, targeting the involved intercostal nerves. Three months after the cryoneurolysis procedure, the patient reported sustained pain relief and improved quality of life, with minimal residual pain and the ability to resume normal daily activities. Conclusion: This case highlights cryoneurolysis as a promising treatment for CPSP associated with nerve entrapment. It demonstrates the efficacy of a targeted, minimally invasive procedure that improves outcomes in chronic pain management and provides an alternative to opioid therapy.