Significance of the intact of the fascia propria in protection of pelvic plexus during total mesorectal excision / 中华胃肠外科杂志

Total mesorectal excision (TME) is the gold standard of surgical treatment for mid and low rectal cancer. It aims to improve the oncological outcomes as well as preserve anal sphincter, sexual and urinary function. Compared with sympathetic nerve injury alone, pelvic plexus and neurovascular bundle (NVB) injury has significant effect on postoperative sexual dysfunction, especially erectile function. Since the lateral surgical plane of TME is narrow and densely packed, dissecting outside the plane causes pelvic plexus injury, while dissecting inside it results in residual mesorectum. In this commentary, we review the research progress of lateral fascial anatomy of TME, and describe the anatomical characteristics of rectosacral fascia based on our previous research results. The prehypogastric fascia acts as a "fascia barrier" when dissecting the lateral space constantly from posterior to anterior. In addition, the pelvic plexus fuses with the prehypogastric fascia which is considered as the outer side layer of rectosacral fascia laterally. Thus, the rectosacral fascia should be dissected at the level of S4 vertebral body posterior to the rectum in an arc shape and then enter the superior-levator space. Before dissecting the lateral spaces, the anterior space of the rectum should be dissected first. After an "U" shape cutting of the Denonvilliers' fascia, the lateral space should be dissected from anterior to posterior. Finally, the lateral attachment of rectosacral fascia is transected to ensure the integrity of the mesorectum without damaging the pelvic plexus.

Relaciones entre las fascias endopelvianas y el plexo hipogástrico inferior / Relationship between the endopelvic fascia and the inferior hypogastric plexus

El Plexo Hipogástrico Inferior (PHI) es un plexo difícil de definir y disecar, de allí la facilidad con que puede lesionarse tanto en la investigación anatómica como quirúrgica. Definir sus relaciones, con respecto a las fascias endopelvianas (FEP), incluyendo su formación y sus ramos, (Baader et al., 2003, p. 129)facilitaría su disección. Esta investigación anatómica pretende estandarizar Se utilizó material cadavérico perteneciente a la Tercera Cátedra de Anatomía de la Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad de Buenos Aires. Se disecaron un bloque de órganos de cadáver adulto formolizado (n=1) y diecisiete (n = 17) hemipelvis: cinco (n = 5) hemipelvis masculinas adultas formolizadas, nueve (n = 9) hemipelvis fetales formalizadas (7 masculinos y 2 femeninas), entre 18 y 36 semanas de edad gestacional calculada por la longitud femoral y tres (n = 3) hemipelvis adultas de cadáveres frescos, dos (n = 2) femeninas y un (n = 1) masculino. Se utilizaron elementos de microdisección y lupas.Pudimos distinguir tres sectores diferentes: el primero, preplexual, ubicado posterior y lateralmente a la FEP, donde los componentes simpáticos (nervios hipogástricos) y los parasimpáticos (nervios esplácnicos pélvicos) aún no han confluido para su formación. Un segundo sector, plexual, con el plexo ya completamente formado, ubicado en el espesor de la FEP. Por último, su porción terminal, ya desprovisto de la FEP, formado por nervios que se dirigen a la membrana perineal acompañados por vasos arteriales y venosos. Cada uno de estos sectores requiere distinto abordaje tanto en la disección anatómica como quirúrgica.

The Inferior Hypogastric Plexus (PHI) is a difficult plexus to define and dissect, hence the ease with which it can be injured both in anatomical and surgical research. Defining its relationships, with respect to the endopelvic fascia (FEP), including its formation and branches, (Baader et al., 2003, p. 129) would facilitate their dissection. This anatomical investigation aims to standardize different portions that require a different approach to preserve their integrity.Cadaveric material belonging to the Third Chair of Anatomy of the School of Medicine, Buenos Aires University was used. One (n=1) formolized male adult organ block and seventeen (n=17) hemipelvis were dissected: five (n=5) adult male hemipelvis formolized, nine (n=9) fetal hemipelvis formolized (7 male and 2 female), between 18 and 36 weeks of gestational age calculated by femoral length, and three (n=3) adult hemipelvis from fresh cadavers, two (n=2) female and one (n=1) male. Microdissection elements and magnifying glasses were used. We were able to distinguish three different sectors: the first, preplexual, located posterior and lateral to the FEP, where the sympathetic components (hypogastric nerves) and the parasympathetic (pelvic splanchnic nerves) have not yet converged to form the plexus. A second sector, plexual, with the plexus already fully formed, located in the thickness of the FEP. Finally, its terminal portion, already devoid of the FEP, formed by nerves that go to the perineal membrane accompanied by arterial and venous vessels. Each of these sectors requires a different approach in both anatomical and surgical dissection.

Effectiveness of the superior hypogastric plexus neurolytic block in the management of pelvic abdominal pain in adult patients diagnosed with cancer: A systematic literature review / Efectividad del bloqueo neurolítico del plexo hipogástrico superior en el manejo del dolor abdominopélvico en pacientes adultos con diagnóstico de cáncer. Revisión sistemática de la literatura

INTRODUCTION: Severe oncological pain occurs in up to 60% of pelvic abdominal cáncer patients, being refractory to medical management in up to 30% of cases. In 1990, the superior hypogastric plexus neurolytic block (SHPB) was described for the control of pain in these patients. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of this technique for the control of oncological pain. METHODOLY: Studies that evaluated the effectiveness of the SHPB using the classic or transdiscal approach in adult patients with oncological abdominal-pelvic pain were systematically reviewed. A search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE and Scopus from January 1, 1990, to August 31, 2019, without a language restriction. The visual analog scale (VAS), morphine milligram equivalents (MME) per day, quality of life and presence of complications were recorded. The quality of the studies was evaluated using the Jadad and Ottawa-Newcastle scales. RESULTS: Eight studies met the inclusión criteria: 6 were descriptivo longitudinal studies, and 2 were controlled clinical trials, comprising 316 patients (75% female and 25% male; average age 53.2 years); the most frequent diagnoses were gynecological (65%) cancer. An average VAS reduction of 55%-60.8% was obtained as well as a MME reduction of 40%-60%. Three studies evaluated the quality of life using the (QLQ-C30), (PSS) and Zubrod scale all with positive results. Complications were reported in 18% of cases, pain related to the puncture was the most frequent. CONCLUSIONS: The SHPB may be an effective for the control of severe oncological abdominal-pelvic pain, decreasing the VAS and MME and improving the quality of life of patients.

INTRODUCCIÓN: El dolor oncológico severo se presenta hasta en el 60% de los pacientes con cáncer abdominopélvico, siendo refractario al manejo médico hasta en el 30% de los casos. En 1990, se describió el bloqueo del plexo hipogástrico superior (BPHS) para el control de dolor en estos pacientes. Nuestro objetivo en este estudio fue evaluar la efectividad de esta técnica. METODOLOGÍA: Se realizó una revisión sistemática de estudios que evaluaron la efectividad del BPHS técnicas guiadas por fluoroscopio en pacientes adultos con dolor oncológico abdominopélvico. Se realizó una búsqueda en Pubmed, EMBASE y Scopus desde el 1de enero de 1990 hasta el 31 de agosto de 2019, sin restricción de idioma. Se evaluó la escala visual análoga, el consumo de opioides: dosis equivalente de morfina día, calidad de vida, presencia de complicaciones y se evaluó la calidad de los estudios mediante escalas Jadad y Ottawa- Newcastle. RESULTADOS: Ocho estudios cumplieron los criterios de inclusión, 6 fueron longitudinales descriptivos y 2 ensayos clínicos controlados, con un total de 316 pacientes, 75% femenino y 25% masculino; edad promedio 53,2 años; diagnóstico más frecuente: Cáncer ginecológico (65%). Se logró una reducción de la escala visual análoga (EVA) de 55%-60,8% y reducción de la dosis equivalente de miligramos de morfina oral día (DEMO) del 40%-60%. Tres estudios evaluaron la calidad de vida con las escalas QLQ-C30, PSS y Zubrod, mostrando mejoría en todas. Se reportaron complicaciones en 18% de los casos, siendo el dolor en el sitio de punción la más frecuente.CONCLUSIONES: El BPHS puede ser efectivo en el control de dolor oncológico de origen abdominopélvico, disminuyendo escala visual análoga (EVA), dosis equivalente de miligramos de morfina oral día (DEMO) y mejorando la calidad de vida. Sin embargo, se requieren de estudios adicionales para dar una recomendación con alta calidad de evidencia.

Essential Anatomy of the Anorectum for Colorectal Surgeons Focused on the Gross Anatomy and Histologic Findings

The anorectum is a region with a very complex structure, and surgery for benign or malignant disease of the anorectum is impossible without accurate anatomical knowledge. The conjoined longitudinal muscle consists of smooth muscle from the longitudinal muscle of the rectum and the striate muscle from the levator ani and helps maintain continence; the rectourethralis muscle is connected directly to the conjoined longitudinal muscle at the top of the external anal sphincter. Preserving the rectourethralis muscle without damage to the carvernous nerve or veins passing through it when the abdominoperineal resection is implemented is important. The mesorectal fascia is a multi-layered membrane that surrounds the mesorectum. Because the autonomic nerves also pass between the mesorectal fascia and the parietal fascia, a sharp pelvic dissection must be made along the anatomic fascial plane. With the development of pelvic structure anatomy, we can understand better how we can remove the tumor and the surrounding metastatic lymph nodes without damaging the neural structure. However, because the anorectal anatomy is not yet fully understood, we hope that additional studies of anatomy will enable anorectal surgery to be performed based on complete anatomical knowledge.

Bloqueio ilioinguinal e ílio-hipogástrico em anestesia pediátrica: comparação da analgesia entre as técnicas de visualização direta e a guiada por ultrassom / Ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric nerve block in pediatric anesthesia: a comparison of analgesia between direct and ultrasound-guided visualization techniques

Introdução: Comparar o grau de dor em pacientes pediátricos que foram submetidos a bloqueio dos nervos ilioinguinal e ílio-hipogástrico, através das técnicas de visualização direta e guiada por ultrassom em cirurgias de herniorrafia e orquidopexia em intervalos de 30 minutos, 3 e 6 horas após a saída da sala cirúrgica. Métodos: Foi realizado um ensaio clínico, randomizado, com 38 pacientes submetidos às cirurgias propostas, divididos em 2 grupos através de sorteio aleatório: grupo 1 bloqueio por visualização direta e grupo 2 por ultrassom. Os pacientes foram avaliados em 3 fases, nos intervalos aventados pelo estudo com a utilização das escalas FLACC e Comfort-Behavior, aplicadas de maneira observacional. Para a associação entre as variáveis de interesse, foram utilizados o teste de qui-quadrado de Pearson e o teste t de Student para a comparação entre médias. Os dados foram inseridos no Epi InfoT 3.5.4 e SPSS 18.0. Para verificar as variáveis de interesse, foram utilizados os testes de qui-quadrado e teste t de Student, sendo considerado nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: Participaram do estudo 38 pacientes, com média de 3,44 anos de idade. A cirurgia mais realizada foi a de hérnia inguinal bilateral em 17 (44,7%) dos pacientes. 52,5% dos pacientes utilizaram analgésico, sendo que desses, 19 fizeram uso somente uma vez, desses, 8 necessitaram de analgesia 30 minutos após a saída da sala cirúrgica. Conclusão: O trabalho evidenciou superioridade na técnica de visualização direta na redução da dor no pós-operatório em relação à técnica por ultrassom (AU)

Introduction: To compare the degree of pain in pediatric patients who underwent ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric nerve block through direct and ultrasound-guided visualization techniques in herniorrhaphy and orchidopexy surgeries at 30-minute intervals, 3 and 6 hours after leaving the operating room. Methods: A randomized clinical trial was conducted with 38 patients submitted to the proposed surgeries, divided randomly into 2 groups, group 1 block by direct visualization and group 2 by ultrasound. The patients were evaluated in 3 phases, at the intervals proposed by the study, using the FLACC and Comfort-Behavior scales applied observationally. For the association between the variables of interest, the Pearson chi-square test and Student's t-test were used to compare the means. The data was entered into Epi InfoT 3.5.4 and SPSS 18.0. Chi-square and Student's t-tests were used to verify the variables of interest. A level of significance of 5% was considered. Results: Thirty-eight patients with a mean of 3.44 years of age participated in the study. The most commonly performed surgery was for bilateral inguinal hernia in 17 (44.7%) of the patients. Analgesics were used by 52.5% of the patients, of whom 19 used them only once, and of these, 8 required analgesia 30 minutes after leaving the operating room. Conclusion: The work showed superiority of the technique of direct visualization in reducing postoperative pain as compared to the ultrasound technique (AU)

Composite nerve fibers in the hypogastric and pelvic splanchnic nerves: an immunohistochemical study using elderly cadavers / 대한해부학회지

To determine the proportion of nerve fibers in the hypogastric nerve (HGN) and pelvic splanchnic nerve (PSN), small tissue strips of the HGN and PSN from 12 donated elderly cadavers were examined histologically. Immunohistochemistry for neuronal nitric oxide synthase (NOS), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) was performed. More than 70% of fibers per bundle in the HGN were positive for TH at the level of the sacral promontory. In addition, NOS- (negative) and/or VIP+ (positive) fibers were observed in small areas of each nerve bundle, although the proportion of each was usually less than 10%. In the PSN near the third sacral nerve root, the proportion of nerve fibers positive for NOS and/or VIP (or TH) was below 30%. In both the HGN and PSN, the number of VIP+ fibers was usually greater than that of NOS+ fibers, with frequent co-localization of NOS and VIP. More fibers in both nerves were positive for TH than for these other markers. In contrast to pelvic plexus branches, there were no differences in the proportions of NOS+ and VIP+ fibers between nerve bundles in each of the tissue strips. Thus, target-dependent sorting of nerve fibers was not apparent in the HGN at the level of the sacral promontory or in the PSN near the third sacral nerve root. The NOS+ and/or VIP+ fibers in the HGN were most likely ascending postganglionic fibers to the colon, while those in the PSN root may be preganglionic fibers from Onuf's nucleus.

Acute ureteral obstruction following superior hypogastric plexus block: A case report

Pelvic visceral pain associated with both cancer and chronic benign conditions may be alleviated by superior hypogastric plexus block (SHPB). The complications of SHPB include infection, bleeding, or intravascular injection because of the adjacent location of the iliac vessel to the route of needle insertion, and pelvic visceral damage. However, acute ureteral obstruction leading to acute renal failure (ARF) as a complication of SHPB has not been reported to date in the literature. We report a patient with ARF that resulted from acute ureteral obstruction following SHPB performed for the relief of lower abdominal pain and tenesmus in metastatic ureter cancer.

Nerves and fasciae in and around the paracolpium or paravaginal tissue: an immunohistochemical study using elderly donated cadavers / 대한해부학회지

The paracolpium or paravaginal tissue is surrounded by the vaginal wall, the pubocervical fascia and the rectovaginal septum (Denonvilliers' fascia). To clarify the configuration of nerves and fasciae in and around the paracolpium, we examined histological sections of 10 elderly cadavers. The paracolpium contained the distal part of the pelvic autonomic nerve plexus and its branches: the cavernous nerve, the nerves to the urethra and the nerves to the internal anal sphincter (NIAS). The NIAS ran postero-inferiorly along the superior fascia of the levator ani muscle to reach the longitudinal muscle layer of the rectum. In two nulliparous and one multiparous women, the pubocervical fascia and the rectovaginal septum were distinct and connected with the superior fascia of the levator at the tendinous arch of the pelvic fasciae. In these three cadavers, the pelvic plexus and its distal branches were distributed almost evenly in the paracolpium and sandwiched by the pubocervical and Denonvilliers' fasciae. By contrast, in five multiparous women, these nerves were divided into the anterosuperior group (bladder detrusor nerves) and the postero-inferior group (NIAS, cavernous and urethral nerves) by the well-developed venous plexus in combination with the fragmented or unclear fasciae. Although the small number of specimens was a major limitation of this study, we hypothesized that, in combination with destruction of the basic fascial architecture due to vaginal delivery and aging, the pelvic plexus is likely to change from a sheet-like configuration to several bundles.

Topohistology of sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve fibers in branches of the pelvic plexus: an immunohistochemical study using donated elderly cadavers / 대한해부학회지

Although the pelvic autonomic plexus may be considered a mixture of sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves, little information on its composite fibers is available. Using 10 donated elderly cadavers, we investigated in detail the topohistology of nerve fibers in the posterior part of the periprostatic region in males and the infero-anterior part of the paracolpium in females. Neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) were used as parasympathetic nerve markers, and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) was used as a marker of sympathetic nerves. In the region examined, nNOS-positive nerves (containing nNOS-positive fibers) were consistently predominant numerically. All fibers positive for these markers appeared to be thin, unmyelinated fibers. Accordingly, the pelvic plexus branches were classified into 5 types: triple-positive mixed nerves (nNOS+, VIP+, TH+, thick myelinated fibers + or -); double-positive mixed nerves (nNOS+, VIP-, TH+, thick myelinated fibers + or -); nerves in arterial walls (nNOS-, VIP+, TH+, thick myelinated fibers-); non-parasympathetic nerves (nNOS-, VIP-, TH+, thick myelinated fibers + or -); (although rare) pure sensory nerve candidates (nNOS-, VIP-, TH-, thick myelinated fibers+). Triple-positive nerves were 5-6 times more numerous in the paracolpium than in the periprostatic region. Usually, the parasympathetic nerve fibers did not occupy a specific site in a nerve, and were intermingled with sympathetic fibers. This morphology might be the result of an "incidentally" adopted nerve fiber route, rather than a target-specific pathway.

Various types of total laparoscopic nerve-sparing radical hysterectomies and their effects on bladder function / 부인종양

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to ascertain the correlation between preserved pelvic nerve networks and bladder function after laparoscopic nerve-sparing radical hysterectomy. METHODS: Between 2009 and 2011, 53 patients underwent total laparoscopic radical hysterectomies. They were categorized into groups A, B, and C based on the status of preserved pelvic nerve networks: complete preservation of the pelvic nerve plexus (group A, 27 cases); partial preservation (group B, 13 cases); and complete sacrifice (group C, 13 cases). To evaluate bladder function, urodynamic studies were conducted preoperatively and postoperatively at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. RESULTS: No significant difference in sensory function was found between groups A and B. However, the sensory function of group C was significantly lower than that of the other groups. Group A had significantly better motor function than groups B and C. No significant difference in motor function was found between groups B and C. Results showed that the sensory nerve is distributed predominantly at the dorsal half of the pelvic nerve networks, but the motor nerve is predominantly distributed at the ventral half. CONCLUSION: Various types of total laparoscopic nerve-sparing radical hysterectomies can be tailored to patients with cervical carcinomas.

Anatomic basis of function-preserving operation for low rectal cancer / 中华胃肠外科杂志

Total mesorectal excision (TME) is being established as the gold standard for rectal cancer surgery, however sexual and urinary dysfunction is an established risk after TME. By cadaver dissections, we clarify the correct surgical plane for TME and further determine the relation between the surgical plane and pelvic autonomic nerves. It must be noted that the pelvic plexus can be divided into 2 categories: aggregated shape and diffused shape. The latter is in tight contact with visceral fascia, which seems to be inseparable from each other by sharp dissection. Therefore, it is necessary to study the function of different units in pelvic plexus.

Ultrasonography-guided ilioinguinal-iliohypogastric nerve block for inguinal herniotomies in ex-premature neonates

The ilioinguinal-iliohypogastric (IG-IH) nerve block provides effective opioid-sparing analgesia for inguinal surgeries. The technique is especially useful in apnoea-prone premature neonates with sacral anomalies and coagulopathy. A recent retrospective review of 82 ex-premature neonates who underwent inguinal herniotomy at KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore, reported a success rate of 89% for landmark-guided IG-IH blocks. All blocks in that study were performed by senior paediatric anaesthetists using the landmark-based technique, which relies on fascial clicks. The IG-IH block is expected to be technically more difficult in neonates. There is also a stronger need to ensure success in these patients in order to avoid the use of opioids and reduce the risk of postoperative apnoea. Ultrasonographic guidance has been reported to improve the success of IG-IH blocks in older children to up to 94%. Herein, we report a series of six ex-premature neonates in whom ultrasonography-guided IG-IH blocks were successfully performed using reduced volumes of local anaesthetics (mean volume 0.17 mL/kg) for inguinal herniotomy.

A New Technique for Inferior Hypogastric Plexus Block: A Coccygeal Transverse Approach: A Case Report

Chronic pelvic pain is a common problem with variable etiology. The sympathetic nervous system plays an important role in the transmission of visceral pain regardless of its etiology. Sympathetic nerve block is effective and safe for treatment of pelvic visceral pain. One of them, the inferior hypogastric plexus, is not easily assessable to blockade by local anesthetics and neurolytic agents. Inferior hypogastric plexus block is not commonly used in chronic pelvic pain patients due to pre-sacral location. Therefore, inferior hypogastric plexus is not readily blocked using paravertebral or transdiscal approaches. There is only one report of inferior hypogastric plexus block via transsacral approach. This approach has several disadvantages. In this case a favorable outcome was obtained by using coccygeal transverse approach of inferior hypogastric plexus. Thus, we report a patient who was successfully given inferior hypogastric plexus block via coccygeal transverse approach to treat chronic pelvic pain conditions involving the lower pelvic viscera.

Unilateral, Single Needle Approach Using an Epidural Catheter for Bilateral Superior Hypogastric Plexus Block

The superior hypogastric plexus block (SHPB) is used for treating pelvic pain, especially in patients with gynecological malignancies. Various approaches to this procedure have been reported due to the anatomic obstacles of a high iliac crest or large transverse process of the 5th lumbar vertebra. Here, we report a new technique of superior hypogastric plexus block using a unilateral single-needle approach to block the bilateral superior hypogastric plexus with a Tuohy needle and epidural catheter. We have confidence that this new technique can be another option in performing the SHPB when the conventional bilateral approach is difficult to perform.

Preliminary study of nerve sparing radical hysterectomy in patients with cervical cancer / 中华肿瘤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To assess the feasibility of nerve sparing radical hysterectomy (NSRH) technique and the impact on the improvement of postoperative bladder function in patients with cervical cancer.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Forty-two patients with FIGO stage Ib1 approximately Ib2 cervical cancer were selected to receive NSRH (study group, 21 cases) or routine hysterectomy (RH) (control group, 21 cases). Duration of surgery, blood loss and mean length of postoperative stay were compared between the two groups. Immunohistochemical analysis of surgical margins using a general nerve marker (S-100) was performed to compare the nerve damages.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The operation time of NSRH group and RH group was (248 +/- 24) min and (227 +/- 27) min, respectively, with a significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.01). No significant difference in blood loss was found between the NSRH and RH group [(459 +/- 143) ml vs. (454 +/- 121) ml, P > 0.05]. However, the median urinary catheterization time was 7 days in NSRH group versus 16 days in the RH group, with a statistically significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.01). The rate of patients who had postoperative residual urine volume in bladder (PVR) < or =100 ml was 66.7% in the NSRH group versus 19.0% in the RH group, with a significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.01). No severe perioperative complications occurred in both groups. After a follow-up of 11 to 16 months (median: 14 months), no recurrence was detected in the two groups. Immunohistochemistry with S-100 staining revealed only small nerve fibers in the surgical margins of the NSRH group, but full with large nerve bundles in that of the RH group. There was a significant difference between two group (P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The results of our preliminary study indicate that nerve sparing radical hysterectomy (NSRH) for the patients with FIGO stage Ib1 approximately Ib2 cervical cancer is safe and feasible, and can well preserve the pelvic autonomic nerves and improve the recovery of bladder voiding function.</p>

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.

Extended radical resection with nerve-preservation for rectal cancer / 中华胃肠外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the clinical value of extended radical resection with nerve- preservation for rectal cancer.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Ninety-eight patients with rectal cancer received extended radical resection with nerve- preservation in our hospital. The questionnaire were used to collect the data of the patients urination and sexual function. The survival was analyzed retrospectively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>62.3% (61/98) of the patients could erect normally and 57.1% (56/98) of the patients had normal sexual function. The average time of catheterization in 57 patients was 60 hours, the residual urine volume (RUV) was 28 ml and the max-micturition-desire urine volume was 400 ml. The 5-year survival rate of those who underwent extended radical resection with nerve-preservation was 61.2%.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Extended radical resection with nerve-preservation,which could decrease the incidences of post-operative urination and sexual dysfunction, and have not affect the survival, was the most optimal operation for rectal cancer.</p>

Recent neuroanatomical studies on the neurovascular bundle of the prostate and cavernosal nerves: clinical reflections on radical prostatectomy / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

The neurovascular bundle of the prostate and cavernosal nerves have been used to describe the same structure ever since the publication of the first studies on the neuroanatomy of the lower urogenital tract of men, studies that were prompted by postoperative complications arising from radical prostatectomy. In urological surgery every effort is made to preserve or restore the neurovascular bundle of the prostate to avoid erectile dysfunction (ED). However, the postoperative potency rates are yet to be satisfactory despite all advancements in radical prostatectomy technique. As the technology associated with urological surgery develops and topographical studies on neuroanatomy are cultivated, new observations seriously challenge the classical teachings on the topography of the neurovascular bundle of the prostate and the cavernosal nerves. The present review revisits the classical and most recent data on the topographical anatomy of the neurovascular bundle of the prostate and cavernosal nerves and their implications on radical prostatectomy techniques.

Sep diagnosing neurophaty of the lateral cutaneous branch of the iliohypogastric nerve: case report

O presente artigo relata caso clínico incomum de neuropatia proximal de membro inferior, demonstra eletrofisiologicamente o comprometimento neural e revisa a literatura médica sobre o assunto. O teste neurofisiológico que demonstrou a patologia foi o potencial evocado somato-sensitivo (PES) segmentar do ramo cutâneo lateral do nervo ílio-hipogástrico. Ele revelou potenciais corticais bem definidos e replicáveis à estimulação do membro inferior assintomático, mas falhou em produzir respostas corticais do membro inferior sintomático. Na revisão da literatura não foi encontrado nenhum relato anterior de diagnóstico dessa patologia por PES segmentar. Conclui-se que é importante ter em mente ao avaliar pacientes com queixas de dor e disestesia na base dos membros inferiores que o acometimento de pequenos ramos cutâneos, como o cutâneo lateral do ílio-hipogástrico, pode ter confirmação eletrofisiológica da patologia por testes neurofisiológicos como o potencial evocado somato-sensitivo segmentar.