Neurectomy

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. Neurectomies have also been used to permanently block autonomic function (e.g. excessive sweating in hands or involuntary muscle movement causing cramps), and special sensory function not related to pain (e.g. vestibular nerve dysfunction causing vertigo).

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