Nerve coaptation on bladder function recovery in rats with end-to-side neurorrhaphy

Abstract

Objective To investigate the effect of end-to-side nerve coaptation on bladder function recovery in rats with neurogenic bladder. Methods Forty male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats [mean weight (240-280) g] were randomly divided into end-to-side nerve coaptation group (ETS group, n=15), no coaptation group (NC group, n=15) and blank control group (BC group, n=10). In the ETS group, the left ventral root (VR) and dorsal root (DR) of L6 and S1 were transected, and the distal stump of L6VR was sutured to the lateral face of L4VR. In the NC group, the left VR and DR of L6 and S1 were transected, but coaptation was not performed. In the BC group, no operation was performed. Four months later, bladder function was evaluated by cystometry and electrical stimulation. Results When the spinal nerves were stimulated, the increased maximum intravesical pressure was (34.9±3.1) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) in BC group and (18.3±2.1) mmHg in ETS group. The difference was statistically significant (t=15.317, P 0.05], and that in the ETS and BC groups was greater than in the NC group [(18.8±1.7) mmHg; t=9.446, P<0.01; t=11.504, P<0.01]. Conclusion The bladder can be reinnervated and the bladder function can be partially improved by end-to-side nerve coaptation in rats. Key words: Neurogenic bladder; End-to-side nerve coaptation; Urodynamic; Rats