Question:medium
Which of the following nerves is commonly damaged during a McBurney's incision?
Which of the following nerves is commonly damaged during a McBurney's incision?
Show Hint
Which nerve runs between internal oblique and transversus at the level of the right iliac fossa?
Updated On: Jun 24, 2026
- Subcostal nerve
- 10th thoracic nerve
- 11th thoracic nerve
- Iliohypogastric nerve
Show Solution
The Correct Option is D
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Open appendicectomy uses the grid-iron incision over McBurney's point in the right iliac fossa, splitting the three flat abdominal muscles along the direction of their fibres.
Step 2: The iliohypogastric nerve travels in the neurovascular plane between internal oblique and transversus abdominis at this level, so it lies squarely within the area being divided and is the structure most at risk.
Step 3: If this nerve is cut, the motor supply to the lower internal oblique and transversus is lost, the inguinal canal mechanism is weakened, and a right-sided inguinal hernia may follow.
Step 4: The subcostal nerve (T12) and the T10 and T11 nerves supply skin and muscle at higher abdominal levels and are out of the operative field, leaving the iliohypogastric nerve as the answer.
\[\boxed{\text{Iliohypogastric nerve}}\]
Step 2: The iliohypogastric nerve travels in the neurovascular plane between internal oblique and transversus abdominis at this level, so it lies squarely within the area being divided and is the structure most at risk.
Step 3: If this nerve is cut, the motor supply to the lower internal oblique and transversus is lost, the inguinal canal mechanism is weakened, and a right-sided inguinal hernia may follow.
Step 4: The subcostal nerve (T12) and the T10 and T11 nerves supply skin and muscle at higher abdominal levels and are out of the operative field, leaving the iliohypogastric nerve as the answer.
\[\boxed{\text{Iliohypogastric nerve}}\]
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