Clinical application of neurovascular staghorn flap for repairing of defects in fingertips / 中国修复重建外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the effectiveness of neurovascular staghorn flap for repairing defects in fingertips.@*METHODS@#Between August 2019 and October 2021, a total of 15 fingertips defects were repaired with neurovascular staghorn flap. There were 8 males and 7 females with an average age of 44 years (range, 28-65 years). The causes of injury included 8 cases of machine crush injury, 4 cases of heavy object crush injury, and 3 cases of cutting injury. There were 1 case of thumb, 5 cases of index finger, 6 cases of middle finger, 2 cases of ring finger, and 1 case of little finger. There were 12 cases in emergency, and 3 cases with finger tip necrosis after trauma suture. Bone and tendon exposed in all cases. The range of fingertip defect was 1.2 cm×0.8 cm to 1.8 cm×1.5 cm, and the range of skin flap was 2.0 cm×1.5 cm to 2.5 cm×2.0 cm. The donor site was sutured directly.@*RESULTS@#All flaps survived without infection or necrosis, and the incisions healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 6-12 months, with an average of 10 months. At last follow-up, the appearance of the flap was satisfactory, the wear resistance was good, the color was similar to the skin of the finger pulp, and there was no swelling; the two-point discrimination of the flap was 3-5 mm. One patient had linear scar contracture on the palmar side with slight limitation of flexion and extension, which had little effect on the function; the other patients had no obvious scar contracture, good flexion and extension of the fingers, and no dysfunction. The finger function was evaluated according to the total range of motion (TAM) system of the Hand Surgery Society of Chinese Medical Association, and excellent results were obtained in 13 cases and good results in 2 cases.@*CONCLUSION@#The neurovascular staghorn flap is a simple and reliable method to repair fingertip defect. The flap has a good fit with the wound without wasting skin. The appearance and function of the finger are satisfactory after operation.

Anatomical observation and clinical significance of the prostatic part of neurovascular bundle in total mesorectal excision / 中华胃肠外科杂志

Objective: To observe the anatomical architecture of the prostatic part of the neurovascular bundle (NVB) in total mesorectal excision (TME). Methods: A descriptive cohort study and an anatomical observation study were carried out. A total of 38 male patients with rectal cancer who underwent TME in the Department of Colorectal Surgery at the affiliated Union hospital of Fujian Medical University between November 2013 and March 2015 were included. A total of 4 hemipelvis were examined at the Laboratory of Clinical Applied Anatomy, Fujian Medical University. The following outcomes were observed: 1) the clinical significance of bleeding of the prostatic part of NVB: surgical videos were reviewed and the incidence of bleeding was recorded. The urogenital function was assessed using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) score. The correlation between prostatic part bleeding and postoperative urogenital function was evaluated. 2) anatomical observation: the vessels, nerve fibers, as well as their surrounding fatty tissue from the prostatic part were treated as a whole, namely, the fat pad of the prostatic part. The anatomical architecture of the prostatic part in the surgical videos was reviewed and interpreted with the cadaveric findings. Categorical variables were compared between groups using a Fisher exact probability. while continuous variables with skewed distribution were compared between groups using the Mann-Whiteny U test. Results: The median age of the included 38 patients was 57 years (range, 31-75), and the median tumor distance to the anal verge was 6 cm (range, 1-8). Of them, a total number of 21 (55.3%) patients had bleeding of the prostatic part of NVB (bleeding group), while the rest had not (17 cases, 44.7%, non-bleeding group). 1) the clinical significance of bleeding of the prostatic part of NVB. The urinary function significantly decreased in patients in the bleeding group according to IPSS score after the 3rd month and the 6rd month of the surgery [7 (0-16) vs. 2 (0-3), Z=-1.787, P=0.088; 2 (0-15) vs. 0 (0-2), Z=-2.270, P=0.028]. There was no difference regarding the IPSS score between the two groups after 1 year of the surgery (P>0.05). With a total of 23 patients with normal preoperative sexual activity included, 87.5% (7/8) of patients in the non-bleeding group can expect to return to their preoperative baseline, this incidence was significantly higher than that of only 40% (6/15) in the bleeding group (P=0.029). 2) anatomical observation: for cadaveric observation, the prostatic part of NVB was located in the narrow triangular space composed of anterolateral walls of the rectum, the posterolateral surface of the prostate and the medial surface of the levator ani musculature. The tiny vascular branches and nerve fibers from the prostatic part were hard to identify. The cavernosal nerves cannot reliably be distinguished from the neural supply to the prostate, rectum and levator ani. In the cross-section of levels of prostatic base and mid-prostate in cadaveric hemipelvis specimens, the boundary of the prostatic part fat pad was partly overlapped and merged with the boundary of the mesorectum. Intraoperative observation showed that the areas of overlap referred to the rectal branches from the prostatic part piercing the proper fascia to supply the mesorectum, which carried the largest tension and high risk of bleeding during circumferential dissection toward the perirectal plane. The ultrasonic scalpel was required to pre-coagulate the rectal branches at the point close to the proper fascia of the rectum to prevent bleeding. In the cross-section of the prostatic apex level, the prostatic part approached ventrally and its boundary was away from the boundary of the mesorectum. Conclusions: NVB prostatic part injury is one of the causes of urogenital dysfunction after TME. The nerve fibers from the prostatic part were tiny, and its functional zones cannot be distinguished during operation. Therein, the fat pad of the prostatic part should be protected as a whole. Understanding the morphology of the fat pad of the prostatic part provides invaluable surgical guidance to dissect this critical area. When dissecting around the anterolateral rectal wall, appropriate anti-traction tension should be maintained and the rectal branches from the prostatic part should be coagulated with an ultrasonic scalpel to prevent bleeding.

Method of determining the location of the sexual neurovascular bundle (internal pudendal artery, internal pudendal vein and pudendal nerve) / Método para determinar la ubicación del haz neurovascular sexual (vena y arteria pudenda interna y nervio pudendo)

Disorders in the course of the neurovascular bed of the sexual neurovascular bundle (NVB) entail problems of gynecological, andrological and urological nature, for example, the state of impotence in men. The aim of the study was to establish a method to determine a projection. The Arteria pudenda interna, Vena pudenda interna and Nervus pudendus (sexual neurovascular bundle or NVB) from the infrapiriform foramen to the Alcock's canal (pudendal canal) in which the pudendal neurovascular bundle runs. Topographic and anatomical study was performed on 15 corpses without organ complex (remote shore): 9-from men and 6-women, aged 36 to 74 years. Each object of study (corpse) included 2 pairs of sexual NVB, a total of 30 investigated. The information obtained on the projection branches of the pudendal nerve, and pudendal internal artery and pudendal internal vein from infrapiriform foramen to the entrance of the pudendal canal. A method for determining the projection of sexual NVB in the gluteal region was developed. The projection of Arteria pudenda interna, Vena pudenda interna and Nervus pudendus from the infrapiriform foramen in the gluteal region and to the entrance of the pudendal canal is determined. The morphometric data necessary for the mathematical equation developed by us for the calculation of the boundaries of the projection of the desired plane in the course of the sexual NVB are obtained . Using these data in the method of mathematical calculation developed by us using the formula C'c' = 0,2679 x (A'G-AD+3), we determined the projection of the figure, in the form of a trapezoid, in the center of which the projection of the sexual NVB is determined.A method for determining the projection of the sexual neurovascular bundle in the gluteal region for diagnosis and therapeutic effects on sexual NPS was developed.

Los trastornos en el curso de las estructuras del haz neurovascular sexual conllevan problemas de naturaleza ginecológica, andrológica y urológica, por ejemplo, el estado de impotencia en los hombres. El objetivo de este estudio fue establecer un método para determinar una proyección de los vasos pudendos internos y el nervio pudendo (haz neurovascular sexual o HNV) desde el foramen infrapiriforme hasta el canal de Alcock (canal pudendo). Se realizó un estudio topográfico y anatómico en 15 cadáveres: 9 hombres y 6 mujeres, entre 36 y 74 años. Se analizaron 30 muestras, cada cadáver incluyó 2 pares de HNV sexuales. Se obtuvo información sobre las ramas de proyección de la arteria, y vena pudenda interna y del nervio pudendo, desde el foramen infrapiriforme hasta la entrada al canal pudendo. Se desarrolló un método para determinar la proyección de NVB sexual en la región glútea. La proyección de la vena pudenda interna y del nervio pudendo se determinó desde el foramen infrapiriformis en la región glútea, hasta la entrada del canal pudendo. Se obtuvieron datos morfométricos necesarios para la ecuación matemática y obtener el cálculo de los límites de la proyección del plano deseado en el curso de la HNV sexual. Usando estos datos se utilizó la fórmula C'c '= 0,2679 x (A'G-AD + 3), y se realizó la proyección de la figura, en forma de trapecio, en el centro del cual se determinó la proyección de la HNV sexual. Se desarrolló un método para la proyección del haz neurovascular sexual en la región glútea, en el diagnóstico y los efectos terapéuticos sobre el NPS sexual.

Morphological Study of Accessory Foramina in Dry Mandible and Its Clinical Significance

Background: To provide anatomical information on theposition and incidence of accessory foramina in mandible asthey are important for dental surgeons and anesthetists inachieving complete nerve blocks and for avoiding injury toneurovascular structures passing through them.Objective: To study the incidence of accessory foramina in drymandible in population of Bihar & compare it with incidenceamong various races of the world.Materials & Methods: Present study is a cross sectional studywhich has been carried out on 56 dried fully ossified adulthuman mandibles, which were examined in the Department ofAnatomy and Forensic Medicine of Indira Gandhi Institute ofMedical Sciences, Patna, Bihar. The age of the bones used inthe study was not predetermined. Only fully ossified dried,macerated and thoroughly cleaned mandibles which werecomplete in all respects, in order to give the correctobservations, were included in the study while the mandibleshaving any deformity or pathology were excluded. Theaccessory foramina and their positions were observed.Results: Accessory mandibular foramina were found in 55.36%, accessory mental in 23.22 %, and retromolar in 17.85% ofthe cases. The accessory foramen observed most commonly inright side (39.28%) followed by bilateral (37.5%) then left side(19.65%).Conclusion: The anatomical variability of incidence andposition of accessory foramina should be considered as theymay be used to give additional locoregional anesthesia in caseof failed mandibular blocks. Knowledge of the commonestpositions will be beneficial for oncologists and oromaxillofacialsurgeons in planning graft implants.

Mechanism and anatomy recognition of neurovascular bundle injury from different perspectives of transabdominal and transanal approach / 中华胃肠外科杂志

The neurovascular bundle (NVB) starts at the lateral angle of the seminal vesicle (the initial part), passes posterolateral of the prostate gland (the main part), and ends at the cavernous body of the penis (the cavernous part). In low rectal surgery, different transabdominal and transanal perspectives result in different NVB injury risks. In the perspective of transabdominal operation, the separation between the initial part of NVB and Denonvilliers fascia and the anatomical variation of the two lateral sides of Denonvilliers fascia increases the risk of NVB injury, and conformation separation may take into account the convenience of separationand the protection of NVB. In the perspective of transanal operation, when separating the main part with NVB and mesorectum, the perspective of the transanal, unidirection traction and excessive dissection increase the risk of NVB main exposure. Clear anatomical identification helps the protection of NVB in the transanal operation. At present, the medical evidence on the difference of NVB injury in different perspectives of transabdominal and transanal approach is still in need of relevant clinical researches.

The value of preoperative magnetic resonance imaging in detecting the distribution of neurovascular bundles before the nerve-sparing laproscopic radical prostatectomy / 中华泌尿外科杂志

Objective To investigate the preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)examination of the distribution of neurovascular bundles (NVB) around the prostatic capsule,and its clinical value in the nerve-sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (NS-LRP).Methods The clinical data of 42 patients with clinically localized prostate cancer who were admitted from January 2008 to January 2017 were retrospectively analyzed.Age ranged from 58 to 74 years,with an average of 68 years.Preoperative serum PSA range from 0.94 to 12.28 ng/dl,with an average of 7.01 ng/dl.Preoperative Gleason score range from 6 to 8,with an average of 6.Clinical stage:T1-T2 37 cases,T3 5 cases.The average preoperative International Erectile Function Index questionnaire-5 (IIEF-5) 21,of which 23 cases had normal erectile function (IIEF-5 ＞ 22).All the 42 patients underwent MRI examination before operation.According to the distribution of NVB around the prostatic capsule,they were divided into 3 groups:17 cases in group A,and no NVB was evident in all cases.In group B,8 cases were visible but not obvious.In group C,17 cases were evident NVB.There was no significant difference in age,preoperative serum PSA and Gleason score between the three groups (P ＞ 0.05).The preoperative IIEF-5 in group A,B,and C were 19.5,22.8,and 21.5,respectively,with no statistically significant difference (P ＞ 0.05).All 42 cases received NS-LRP under general anesthesia.The differences in IIEF-5 before and after surgery were compared between the three groups.Results In this study,42 cases were successfully completed.42 patients were followed up for 12 to 36 months,with an average of 14.1 months.In group A,B,and C,postoperative IIEF-5 was 8.0,14.1,and 15.5,respectively,which was statistically significant compared with preoperative values (P ＜ 0.05).The decrease of IIEF-5 afteroperation in group A was significantly different from that of group Band C (P ＜0.05).Conclusions Compared with patients with visible NVB on MRI examination,patients have no visible NVB observed on MRI with erectile function-related nerves around the prostatic capsule may be walking on both sides of the prostatic capsule and spreading over the entire anterior ventral surface of the prostate.To maxium-preserve NVB and postoperative erectile function to the utmost,NS-LRP surgery should be more accurately dissected on both sides and ventral side of the prostatic capsule.

Radiological management of the exiting points of supraorbital region neurovascular bundles / Manejo radiológico de los puntos de salida de los haces neurovasculares de la región supraorbitaria

SUMMARY: A preoperative computed tomography scan is useful to determine neurovascular exit points from orbit to supraorbital region. Determining the structure of exiting points (absence or presence, if present, being in form of foramen or notch) is important to plan the surgical approach. The aim of the study was to provide the radiological data by multi-detector computed tomography for estimating exiting points of the neurovascular bundles of the supraorbital region whether through foramen or notch in living subjects related to side (right/left), sex and age. Computed tomography examinations of 214 (102 male and 112 female) adult patients, aged average 44.2 ± 14 years, were evaluated, retrospectively. Presence or absence, number and nature (foramen/notch) of exiting points of neurovascular bundles were noted in each side regarding sex and age groups. The distance of foramen/notch to the midline of the face was recorded. Single notch was seen on the right in 123 and in 134 on the left, single foramen was seen in 62 on the right and in 56 on the left side and double foramen was seen in 13 on the right and in 6 on the left. The absence was seen in 16 on the right and 18 on the left side. No significant difference was seen on frequency compared between the sexes and age groups. Foramen was seen in 58 sides unilaterally and in 39 sides bilaterally. Notch was unilateral in 75 sides and bilateral in 95 sides. It was shown that males had a wider distance between right side foramen and left side notch to midline. Age groups did not show a significant difference in terms of side. Absence and foramen presence made up about 30-40 % of cases. Notch was the most common form. Foramen/notch presence was statistically unaffected by the sex and age factors. In terms of surgery, preoperative assessment of orbital exit points with computed tomography is essential.

RESUMEN: Una tomografía computarizada preoperatoria es útil para determinar los puntos de salida neurovascular en la región supraorbitaria. Para la planificación del abordaje quirúrgico es importante determinar la estructura de los puntos de salida (ausencia o presencia en forma de foramen). El objetivo de este estudio fue proporcionar los datos radiológicos mediante tomografía computarizada de detectores múltiples, para estimar los puntos de salida de los haces neurovasculares de la región supraorbitaria, ya sea a través del foramen o incisura en sujetos vivos relacionados con lado (derecho/izquierdo), sexo y edad. Se evaluaron retrospectivamente los exámenes de tomografía computarizada de 214 adultos (102 hombres y 112 mujeres), edad 44,2 ± 14 años. Se observó, en cada lado, presencia o ausencia, número y naturaleza (foramen / incisura) de los puntos de salida de los haces neurovasculares en cuanto a sexo y grupos de edad. Se registró la distancia del foramen / incisura al plano mediano de la cara. Se observó un foramen a la derecha en 123 de las tomografìas y en 134 a la izquierda, se observó un foramen simple en 62 a la derecha y en 56 en el lado izquierdo y se visualizó forámenes doble en 13 tomografías a la derecha y en 6 a la izquierda. Se observó ausencia en 16 casos a la derecha y 18 casos a la izquierda. No existió diferencia significativa en la frecuencia comparada entre los sexos y los grupos etarios. El foramen se detectó en 58 lados unilateralmente y en 39 lados bilateralmente. Se demostró que los hombres tenían una distancia mayor entre el foramen del lado derecho y el foramen del lado izquierdo hasta el pno mediano. No se observó una diferencia significativa en los diferentes grupos etarios en términos de lado. La ausencia y la presencia de los forámenes constituían alrededor del 30-40 % de los casos. Los factores de sexo y edad no afectaron estadísticamente la presencia del foramen / incisura. En términos de cirugía, la evaluación preoperatoria de los puntos de salida orbitales con tomografía computarizada es esencial.

Assessment of neurovascular bundles around the prostate：incremental value of hybrid three dimensional diffusion tensor imaging to standard T2 weighted imaging technique / 中华放射学杂志

Objective To determine whether hybrid three dimensional diffusion tensor imaging (3D DTI) contributes incremental value to standard T2WI technique for assessing neurovascular bundles (NVB) around the prostate. Methods This retrospective institutional review board-approved study included 69 consecutive patients with prostate tumor who underwent MRI including conventional T2WI and 3D DTI . DTI data were postprocessed and hybrid 3D DTI and axial T2W images were obtained. Three radiologists with one, five and thirteen years of experience in reading prostate MRI and one urologist with three years of surgical experience in urology who were blinded to patient data independently recorded their levels of preference on a five-point scale of the NVBs around the prostate on the basis of T2WI alone and hybrid 3D DTI and T2WI, respectively. The differences of scores of T2WI and hybrid 3D DTI and T2WI of the four doctors were compared by using nonparametric Wilcoxon rank. Results The average scores of hybrid 3D DTI to T2WI and alone T2WI to assess NVBs for 3 radiologists and one urologist were 4.4±0.6, 4.3±0.8, 4.2± 0.6, 4.9±0.3 and 2.9±0.8, 3.0±1.1, 1.6±0.7, 3.8±0.5, respectively. The hybird 3D DTI to T2WI improved the discrimination abilities of NVBs around the prostate for 3 radiologists and one urologist (Z values were-12.791,-9.737,-14.538,-14.901, P contributes significant incremental value to the standard T2WI technique for assessing NVB around the prostate.

Prevalence of Retromolar Foramen in Human Mandibles and Its Clinical Significance.

Retromolar foramen is found in the triangular area behind the lower last molar tooth and it allows the passage of neurovascular bundle that contribute to the nutrition and innervations of the pulp and periodontium of the lower teeth. In the present study one hundred and twenty mandibles were examined for the presence of retromolar foramen .Retromolar foramen was found in two mandibles bilaterally and in thirteen mandibles unilaterally (in 10 on the right side and in 3 on the left side). The distance between posterior third molar to the retromolar foramen was found to be an average of 9.8mm on the right side and 8.05mm on the left side. Distance between anterior border of ramus to retromolar foramen was found to be an average of 5.68mm on the right side and 5.77 on the left side. Retromolar foramen is surgically very significant. Knowledge of this anatomical variation can prevent complications in anaesthesia and surgical procedures in this area.

Morphometric Analysis of the Supraorbital and Infraorbital Foramina Based on the Medial Canthus in Koreans / 체질인류학회지

Knowledge of the location of the maxillo-facial foramina is essential for regional nerve blocks and endoscopic surgical procedures to avoid nerve injury passing through these foramina. The purposes of this study were to determine the locations of the supraorbital foramen (SOF) and the infraorbital foramen (IOF) related to medial canthus (MC), and to analyze the morphology of these foramina. Thirty-two embalmed cadavers (64 sides, mean age: 64.1 years) and 33 dry skulls (66 sides) were used. The distances from the SOF, IOF, and MC to facial midline were directly measured on the cadavers using digital Vernier caliper. The vertical and horizontal distances of the SOF and IOF relative to the medial canthus were indirectly measured on the digital photographs using image analyzer software. The vertical and horizontal diameters of the IOF, and its location in relation to maxillary tooth were evaluated on the dry skull. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA with declaration of significant difference when P<0.05. The mean distances of SOF, MC, and IOF to the facial midline were 24.13 mm, 15.00 mm, and 29.11 mm, respectively. The SOF was located 18.99 mm superior and 9.05 mm lateral to the medial canthus. The distance between the medial canthus and the SOF was 22.67 mm, and the vertical angle (Angle 1) between these structures was 24.36degrees superolaterally. The IOF was located 26.69 mm inferior and 13.53 mm lateral to the medial canthus. The distance between the medial canthus and IOF was 30.82 mm and the vertical angle (Angle 2) between these structures was 26.59degrees inferolaterally. In the this study, spraorbital notch (SON) was found more frequently than the SOF. The mean vertical and horizontal diameters of IOF were 3.36 mm, 3.45 mm, respectively. IOF was most commonly found in the same vertical plane with the second upper premolar. In conclusion, these results are important for performing local anesthetic, facial plastic surgery, and other invasive procedures in the forehead and periorbital region to prevent injury of neurovascular bundles passing through these foramina.

Neuroanatomical Study of Periprostatic Nerve Distributions Using Human Cadaver Prostate

We investigated the distribution and navigation of periprostatic nerve fibers and constructed a 3-dimensional model of nerve distribution. A total of 5 cadaver specimens were serially sectioned in a transverse direction with 0.5 cm intervals. Hematoxylineosin staining and immunohistochemical staining were then performed on whole-mount sections. Three representative slides from the base, mid-part, and apex of each prostate were subsequently divided into 4 sectors: two lateral, one ventral, and one dorsal (rectal) part. The number of nerve fibers, the distance from nerve fiber to prostate capsule, and the nerve fiber diameters were analyzed on each sector from the representative slides by microscopy. Periprostatic nerve fibers revealed a relatively even distribution in both lateral and dorsal parts of the prostate. There was no difference in the distances from the prostate capsule to nerve fibers. Nerve fibers in the ventral area were also thinner as compared to other areas. In conclusion, periprostatic nerve fibers were observed to be distributed evenly in the periprostatic area, with the exception of the ventral area. As the number of nerve fibers on the ventral part is fewer in comparison, an excessive high up incision is insignificant during the nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy.

Precise Anatomical Location of the Autonomous Nerve from the Pelvic Plexus to the Corpus Cavernosum / 대한비뇨기과학회지

PURPOSE: We wanted to study the precise anatomical location of the branches of the pelvic plexus from the sacral root to the cavernous nerve. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed microdissection on the pelvises from 4 male formalin fixed cadavers under a Zeiss surgical microscope and we traced the location of the branches of the pelvic plexus at a magnification of 6x. RESULTS: The configuration of the pelvic plexus was an irregular diamond shape rather than rectangular. It was located retroperitoneally on the lateral wall of the rectum 8.2 to 11.5cm from the anal verge. Its midpoint was located 2.0 to 2.5cm from the seminal vesicle posterosuperiorly. A prominent neurovascular bundle (NVB) was located on the posterolateral portion of the apex and the mid portion of the prostate. The pelvic splanchnic nerve (PSN) joined the NVB at a point distal and inferior to the bladder-prostate (BP) junction. The PSN components joined the NVB in a spray-like distribution at multiple levels distal to the BP junction. The distance from the membranous urethra to the NVB was 0.5 to 1.2cm. We also found multiple tiny branches on the anterolateral aspect of the prostate apex. CONCLUSIONS: In contrast to the usual concept, the NVB was much wider above the mid portion of the prostrate and it supplied multiple tiny branches on the anterolateral aspect of the prostate. The PSN branches arose from the more posteroinferior area of the pelvic plexus. Therefore, we recommend a more anterior dissection of the lateral pelvic fascia for nerve sparing radical prostatectomy. If surgeons plan a nerve graft after radical prostatectomy, they should consider this neuroanatomy for obtaining a successful outcome.

A neuroanatomical study of the neurovascular bundle at the lateral border of the prostate in adult male / 中华泌尿外科杂志

Objective To investigate the position and distribution of the neurovascular bundle at the lateral border of the prostate in adult male. Methods The neurovascular bundle at the lateral border of the prostate was observed on the remaining 25 sides of the medially dissected 18 male formalin-preserved cadavers with an operative microscope.The neurovascular bundle at the lateral border of the prostate of an adult male cadaver was explored with hematoxylin and eosin staining and nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) immunohistochemistry staining. Results The neurovascular bundle,which stemed from the pelvic plexus,together with the corresponding vessels were formed and divided into 2 branches to pass the lateral border of the prostate.One of them traveled between the posterolateral prostate and anterolateral rectum.The other traveled between the bladder neck and the prostate to reach the lateral border of the puboprostatic ligament.After 2 nerve branches of the neurovascular bundles pierced the urogenital diaphragm, they met together to form a nerve bundle again.Two bundles and the urogenital diaphragm formed a triangle area at the lateral border of the prostate.There was no nerve and vessel in this triangle area.The nerve branches at the lateral border of the prostate contained nerve cell bodies and fibers that stained positive for nitric oxide synthase. Conclusions There are 2 neurovascular bundles at the lateral border of the prostate.One of them travels between the posterolateral prostate and anterolateral rectum.The other travels between the bladder neck and the prostate to reach the lateral border of the puboprostatic ligament.They contain nerve ganglia that stain positive for nitric oxide synthase.

Vaginoplasty Using Penile and Scrotal Skin Flap in Male Transsexualism

Male transsexualism is characterized by a life-long preference for the feminine role and the conviction of belonging to the female sex. The final and most characteristic expression of transsexualism is the desire to achieve the anatomical appearance of the opposite sex by either surgical or hormonal means. Since the skin graft technique of McIndoe, a number of operative procedures were evolved. Nowadays in order to construct neovaginas in male transsexuals, the inversion of penile flap or that of penile and scrotal skin flap is performed as a primary trial. Penile and scrotal skin flap have better functional results, but the cosmetic results are not satisfactory because of the prolapse of scrotal skin. In our studies, the vaginoplasty using penile and scrotal skin flap has been successfully used for 26 male transsexuals in whom their penis and scrotum were well preserved. We used scrotal skin flap modified by 8 cm wide. Additionally we made partial prepuce with dorsal neurovascular bundle into neoclitoris. Follow-up period ranged from 4 months to 22 months. The depth and width of neovagina was desirable. The cosmesis and physiologic benefit to the patient's satisfaction with the operation were reliable.

First stage reconstruction of ambiguous external genitalia in children

The criteria for the identification of sex are as follows; sex chromosome and chromatin, gonadal structure, morphology of the external genitalia, morphology of the internal genitalia, hormonal status, sex of rearing and gender role. During these steps, any disturbance may be presented clinically as a disorder of intersexuality. Hermaphroditism is a state of having ambiguous genitalia due to abnormal sexual differentiation. We experienced three children with ambiguous external genitalia. Two patients were male pseudohemaphrodites, who had a normal male chromosomal constitution of 46XY with incomplete masculinization of the external genitalia and hypospadia. One patient was female pseudohemaphrodite, who had a normal female chromosomal constitution of 46XX with male phallus-like enlarged clitoris associated with posterior labial fusion and single perineal urogenital orifice. There was elevated urinary 17 ketosteriod and hypertrophied adrenal gland on CT scan. We planned staged reconstruction because they were children. First stage reconstruction were surgical restoration of the ambiguous external genitalia to normal appearance and removal of contradictory gonadal structure as early as possible. Second stage reconstruction includes reconstruction of secondary sex characteristics after puberty such as mammaplasty, vaginoplasty, and facial plasty. Hormonal therapy was necessary for normalization of hormonal status and promotion of expression of secondary sex characteristics. In first stage reconstruction, we performed clitoroplasty by use of glans penis island flap with dorsal neurovascular bundle, labioplasty and orchiectomy in two male hermaphroites. All neoclitoris survived well with good preservation of sensation.