Autonomic Nerve Sparing Research Articles

Early-stage voiding function following uni- versus bilateral inferior vesical vessel resection during therapeutic lateral lymph node dissection with autonomic nerve sparing for advanced low rectal cancer (with video).

Lateral lymph node dissection (LLND) has now been widely accepted as the optimal procedure to minimize lateral local recurrence (LLR) for selected cases with advanced lower rectal cancer in Asian countries. However, there is still controversy over the preservation or resection of the inferior vesical vessels (IVVs) during LLND due to concerns of impaired post-operative urinary function. Moreover, the standardized procedure for autonomic nerve preservation has not yet been established. To evaluate the early-stage postoperative voiding function in patients who underwent LLND with uni- versus bilateral resection of the IVVs and to introduce an autonomic nerve sparing technique with a fascial space priority approach (FSPA). LLND was performed in 106 consecutive patients with advanced low rectal cancer at Tianjin Union Medical Center from May 2017 to October 2022. Prospectively collected clinical data were retrospectively compared between patients who received uni-lateral and bilateral LLND. A video with narration was provided to introduce the stepwise procedure of autonomic nerve preservation during IVV resection. The unilateral lymph node dissection (LND) group and the bilateral LND group included 75 and 31 cases, respectively. All LLNDs were performed with FSPA with IVV resection as a standard procedure. No significant differences were observed in overall catheterization days (p = 0.336) and re-catheterization rate (p = 0.575) between groups. No patients in either group suffered from long-term (≥ 30 days) voiding dysfunction. Autonomic nerve sparing is achievable with resection of IVVs during LLND. Satisfactory early-stage voiding function could be obtained with IVV resection on both sides.

Extracorporeal Stimulation of Sacral Nerve Roots for Observation of Pelvic Autonomic Nerve Integrity: Description of a Novel Methodological Setup.

Neurophysiologic monitoring can improve autonomic nerve sparing during critical phases of rectal cancer surgery. To develop a system for extracorporeal stimulation of sacral nerve roots. Dedicated software controlled a ten-electrode stimulation array by switching between different electrode configurations and current levels. A built-in impedance and current level measurement assessed the effectiveness of current injection. Intra-anal surface electromyography (sEMG) informed on targeting the sacral nerve roots. All tests were performed on five pig specimens. During switching between electrode configurations, the system delivered 100% of the set current (25mA, 30Hz, 200μs cathodic pulses) in 93% of 250 stimulation trains across all specimens. The impedance measured between single stimulation array contacts and corresponding anodes across all electrode configurations and specimens equaled 3.7±2.5kΩ. The intra-anal sEMG recorded a signal amplitude increase as previously observed in the literature. When the stimulation amplitude was tested in the range from 1 to 21mA using the interconnected contacts of the stimulation array and the intra-anal anode, the impedance remained below 250Ω and the system delivered 100% of the set current in all cases. Intra-anal sEMG showed an amplitude increase for current levels exceeding 6mA. The system delivered stable electric current, which was proved by built-in impedance and current level measurements. Intra-anal sEMG confirmed the ability to target the branches of the autonomous nervous system originating from the sacral nerve roots. Stimulation outside of the operative field during rectal cancer surgery is feasible and may improve the practicality of pelvic intraoperative neuromonitoring.

Early Outcome of Laparoscopic Abdomino-Perineal Resection (Apr) in Low Rectal and Anal Cancer

Background: Colorectal cancer is the second most common malignancy in the western countries and the rectum is the most frequent site involved. Carcinoma in the lower part of the rectum involving anal canal especially sphincter or purely in the anal canal is now successfully managed by laparoscopic APR and postoperative morbidities are less and recovery is uneventful. In the current age of minimally invasive surgery, laparoscopic surgery for colon cancer has been established as equivalent to conventional open surgery in oncologic clearance. The advantages of laparoscopic surgery are smaller incisions, shorter recovery time and less wound related complications. However the narrow confines and angulations of the bony pelvis and the standard practice of autonomic nerve sparing total mesorectum excision has made laparoscopic surgery in the setting of rectal cancer more challenging. Methods: This randomized controlled trial study was carried out in the Colorectal Surgery Unit, Department of Surgery, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka from May, 2012 to April, 2013. 25 patients were treated by conventional open APR and rest 25 patients were treated by laparoscopic APR. All Patients of two groups were selected by simple random method (lottery). Early outcome variables after surgery were evaluated. Results: During early post-operative follow up, abdominal surgical site infection was found more in conventional open APR patients than that of laparoscopic APR patients (p<0.05). Other morbidity and colostomy related complications were not significant in early post-operative period in both groups of population. Degree of pain was also less after laparoscopic APR. Only stoma function occurred earlier after Laparoscopic APR and ambulation, feeding liquid and feeding solid all had no difference for both group. Shorter mean length of postoperative total hospital stay and early hospital discharge was possible after Laparoscopic APR. Oncologic parameters were equivalent to those of open procedures. Conclusion: The patients undergoing laparoscopic APR surgery had overall superior outcomes in term of surgical site infection, postoperative pain, postoperative total hospital stay and had equivalent oncologic clearance than those of open procedures in low rectal and anal cancer.mesorectum excision

Intraoperative Cavernous Nerve Stimulation and Laser-Doppler Flowmetry During Radical Prostatectomy

Erectile dysfunction is a common side effect following radical prostatectomy mainly due to damage of the pelvic autonomic nerve fibers (cavernous nerves). Intraoperative electrical stimulation of the cavernous nerves while measuring changes in penile girth has previously been shown to provide the surgeon with feedback of nerve integrity. To test the feasibility of recording changes in glans penis blood flow by Laser Doppler flowmetry from cavernous nerve stimulation. Fifteen patients with localized prostate cancer undergoing radical prostatectomy had electrical stimulation of the proximal and distal parts of the neurovascular bundles after prostate removal. The stimulation consisted of 30-40 seconds biphasic constant current (10-30 mA) with 0.5 millisecond pulse duration. Stimulus induced changes in penile blood flow was recorded from a Laser Doppler probe attached to the glans penis. Changes in penile girth were simultaneously recorded from a mercury-in rubber strain gauge. Erectile function was evaluated three months after surgery. Ten patients had stimulus induced increase in Laser Doppler flow unilaterally (N=7) or bilaterally (N=3). Out of 10 patients, 6 reported some preserved erectile function postoperatively at 3 months follow-up (indicating 6 true and 4 false positives). Three patients had no Doppler response from stimulation and had no postoperative erectile function postoperatively (indicating three true negatives). Two patients were excluded from the study due to bad signal quality in the Laser Doppler signal. In the majority of patients, stimulation produced increase in penile girth sensed by the strain gauge. This preliminary report provides evidence that Laser Doppler Flowmetry is able to detect increased penile blood flow from intraoperative electrical stimulation of the neurovascular bundles. However, further improvement in the recording technique is required. Laser Doppler Flowmetry may also be feasible to confirm autonomic nerve sparing in women undergoing pelvic surgery.

Robot assisted autonomic nerve sparing extended lymphadenectomy including presacral, common iliac and lower paraaortic nodes in the part of radical hysterectomy

Robot assisted autonomic nerve sparing extended lymphadenectomy including presacral, common iliac and lower paraaortic nodes in the part of radical hysterectomy

Traitement chirurgical de la rectocèle et du prolapsus du rectum

BackgroundPostoperative constipation is a common problem with most mesh suspension techniques used to correct rectal prolapse. Autonomic denervation of the rectum subsequent to its complete mobilization has been suggested as a contributory factor. The aim of this study was to assess the long-term outcome of patients who underwent a novel, autonomic nerve-sparing, laparoscopic technique for rectal prolapse.MethodsBetween 1995 and 1999, 42 patients had laparoscopic ventral rectopexy for total rectal prolapse. The longterm results after a median follow-up of 61 (range 29–98) months were analysed.ResultsThere were no major postoperative complications. Late recurrence occurred in two patients. In 28 of 31 patients with incontinence there was a significant improvement in continence. Symptoms of obstructed defaecation resolved in 16 of 19 patients. During follow-up, new onset of mild obstructed defaecation was noted in only two patients. Symptoms suggestive of slow-transit colonic obstipation were not induced.ConclusionLaparoscopic ventral rectopexy is an effective technique for the correction of rectal prolapse and appears to avoid severe postoperative constipation. The ventral position of the prosthesis may explain the beneficial effect on symptoms of obstructed defaecation.

Prospective study of sexual dysfunction in men with rectal cancer: feasibility and results of nerve sparing surgery

Rectal cancer surgery is impaired by a high rate of postoperative sexual dysfunction cause of frequent nerve injuries. The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate sexual function in a group of male patients after total mesorectal excision (TME) for rectal cancer, using an autonomic nerve sparing technique. All patients underwent autonomic nerve preserving TME. Sexual function was assessed using the International Index of Erectile Function standardized questionnaire. All patients were studied preoperatively and at 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after surgery. Fifty-one patients with adenocarcinoma of the rectum were enrolled; after excluding 16 patients not sexually active, nine with T4 stage disease and six with metastatic disease, 20 patients were prospectively evaluated. The preoperative erectile function (EF) domain score of the International Index of Erectile Function was 24.3 (±4.1). The score of the EF domain was 17.6 (±7.5), 19.l9 (±7.2), 20.3 (±7.4), 20.5 (±7.4), and 20.6 (±7.4) at 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after surgery. In the group of patients in which there were no macroscopic damages to the nerves, only two out of 15 (13.3%) developed erectile dysfunction. All five patients in whom incomplete pelvic nerve preservation was necessary developed erectile dysfunction. Our data show that nerve sparing technique can reduce the incidence of sexual dysfunction. Unfortunately, the technique is not applicable in every patient. Indications and techniques of autonomic nerve preservation are not standardized. Controlled trials with long-term follow-up seem to be necessary.

Laparoscopic TME in rectal cancer – electronic supplementary: op-video

BackgroundLaparoscopic total mesorectal excision (TME) for rectal cancer has been proved in various studies. The minimal invasive procedure is feasible and safe which was demonstrated in many studies. However, the results of prospective, randomized studies providing valuable evidence are still not available. Compared to conventional surgery, the laparoscopic technique has short-term advantages including less pain, shorter duration of postoperative ileus, less fatigue, better pulmonary function, and less blood loss (Leung et al., Lancet 363:1187–1192, 2004; Braga et al., Dis Colon Rectum 48:217–223, 2005; Jayne et al., J Clin Oncol 25:3061–3068, 2007; Agha et al., Surg Endosc 22:2229–2237, 2008).MethodsThe autonomic nerve sparing TME technique is the gold standard in rectal cancer resection even in conventional or laparoscopic procedure. With regard of the oncological dimension, the laparoscopic TME technique is not different compared to the open procedure. However, a standardized laparoscopic step-by-step procedure may simplify the operation and can reduce operation time.ResultsThere are no studies available which compare different types of TME procedures. Most surgeons start the operation left laterally mobilizing the sigmoid colon first. In the laparoscopic technique, we recommend the medial to lateral approach starting the operation at the right side of the rectum and sigmoid colon. A nerve sparing TME technique can be performed easier, and the identification of the left ureter may be simplified. After multiple workshops and extensive discussion with national and international experts, we developed a standardized laparoscopic “10 step TME procedure.” Reviewing the results of laparoscopic TME the studies do not allow firm conclusions as to the questions of whether the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic TME is equal or superior to open TME (Breukink et al. 2006). Actually, we are waiting for large prospective randomized studies comparing laparoscopic TME with the traditional open procedure (Bonjer et al., Dan Med Bull 56:89–91, 2009).ConclusionLaparoscopic TME appears to have clinically measurable short-term advantages in patients with primary resectable rectal cancer based on evidence mainly from nonrandomized studies (Breukink et al. 5). In nearly all published studies, the efficacy and technical feasibility of laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer could be demonstrated regarding perioperative morbidity and oncological outcome. A standardized laparoscopic TME technique can be strongly recommended.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s00423-009-0556-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Intraoperative electrostimulation objectifies the assessment of functional nerve preservation after mesorectal excision

To improve nerve-sparing surgery, intraoperative electrical stimulation of pelvic autonomic nerves (INS) has been proposed in urology, gynecology, and visceral surgery. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of INS while monitoring intravesical pressure on the accurate evaluation of pelvic autonomic nerve preservation (PANP) after mesorectal excision. It was sought to determine whether this confirmation is useful in the prediction of postoperative urinary function. Sixty-two patients with mesorectal exzision for rectal cancer were examined prospectively. PANP was assessed visually by the surgeon and with INS. Bladder function was evaluated by post voiding residual volume measurement, rate of recatheterization, rate of long-term urinary catheterisation, and the international prostatic symptom score with quality of life index. INS confirmed bilateral preservation of parasympathetic nerves in 46 patients (74%), and in 10 patients (16%) in at least one side. In six patients (10%), INS failed to confirm PANP. Eleven patients (18%) developed urinary symptoms postoperatively. INS results had a higher sensitivity than visual assessment by the surgeon (82 vs 46%). Values for specificity ranged at 90 and 92%, respectively. Accuracy of INS in predicting PANP was higher (88 vs 83%). The correlation between urinary function and the findings on INS was good (kappa-value: 0.65), correlation between urinary function and visual assessment by the surgeon was fair (kappa-value: 0.40). INS, while monitoring intravesical pressure, accurately predicts bladder function after mesorectal excision. It may provide further insight into pelvic autonomic nerve sparing techniques.

Retroperitoneal Aortic Aneurysm Repair: Long-Term Follow-Up Regarding Wound Complications and Erectile Dysfunction

The long-term impact of retroperitoneal aortic exposure regarding wound complications in all patients and erectile dysfunction in men was studied in a consecutive group of 107 patients (81 males and 26 females). Postoperative wound complications were classified into the following groups: none, flank bulge, hernia, and chronic pain. Patient demographic features including body mass index (BMI) were statistically analyzed in relation to the incidence of long-term wound problems. Information regarding erectile dysfunction was obtained before surgery in all men and stratified into three groups after surgery: no change, inability to consistently obtain an erection, and retrograde ejaculation. Mean patient follow-up was 2.9 years (range 1-4.36, median 2.8). Flank bulge was the only long-term wound complication, and this was noted in nine patients (8%). The incidence of true hernia and chronic pain was 0%. BMI >28 was the only factor that positively impacted the incidence of wound complications (p < 0.0001). Erectile dysfunction prior to surgery was noted in 37 men (46%), while 44 (54%) reported normal erectile function. Erectile function improved after surgery in one patient but remained unchanged in the rest. Postoperative retrograde ejaculation occurred with a frequency of 9% (four of 45 patients). Retroperitoneal abdominal aortic aneurysm (rAAA) exposure with incision based on the twelfth rib tip and rectus abdominis muscle sparing results in an overall low incidence of long-term wound complications. Postoperative flank bulge is associated with patient BMI >28. In addition, erectile function is not worsened by infrarenal autonomic nerve sparing rAAA exposure. However, a small percentage of potent men will experience postoperative retrograde ejaculation.

Long-term outcome of laparoscopic ventral rectopexy for total rectal prolapse

Postoperative constipation is a common problem with most mesh suspension techniques used to correct rectal prolapse. Autonomic denervation of the rectum subsequent to its complete mobilization has been suggested as a contributory factor. The aim of this study was to assess the long-term outcome of patients who underwent a novel, autonomic nerve-sparing, laparoscopic technique for rectal prolapse. Between 1995 and 1999, 42 patients had laparoscopic ventral rectopexy for total rectal prolapse. The long-term results after a median follow-up of 61 (range 29-98) months were analysed. There were no major postoperative complications. Late recurrence occurred in two patients. In 28 of 31 patients with incontinence there was a significant improvement in continence. Symptoms of obstructed defaecation resolved in 16 of 19 patients. During follow-up, new onset of mild obstructed defaecation was noted in only two patients. Symptoms suggestive of slow-transit colonic obstipation were not induced. Laparoscopic ventral rectopexy is an effective technique for the correction of rectal prolapse and appears to avoid severe postoperative constipation. The ventral position of the prosthesis may explain the beneficial effect on symptoms of obstructed defaecation.

Observations on rectal cancer practice in Japan (report of the Ronald Raven Travelling Fellowship 2002)

In Japan, the surgical approach to colorectal cancer is more reliant on radical resection for the primary disease and for recurrent and metastatic disease. In Europe, trends in primary colorectal cancer therapy are away from radical lymph node surgery and towards total mesorectal excision combined with adjuvant treatment. The aim of radical lymph node dissection for primary disease is to achieve potential cure with surgery alone. Due to increased post-operative morbidity associated with radical pelvic lymph node dissection, such as urinary and sexual dysfunction, pelvic autonomic nerve sparing techniques are commonly used in combination with the radical surgery as this seems to reduce the occurrence of these complications.1,2 Moriya (1995) has shown that the rate of local recurrence in nerve sparing surgery is no higher than so called extended surgery. Such techniques result in a local recurrence of 5% and an overall disease free 5-year survival approaching 80%.3,4 The extent of lymph node dissection, both proximal and lateral for rectal cancer, and the type of nerve sparing technique is specific to each patient and is based on the preoperative staging, and intra-operative assessment of lymph node spread. Other factors such as the site and extent of tumour, histology, age, sex and co-morbidity are also taken into account. Recently published data from the National Cancer Center5 suggest that pre-operative assessment of pattern of lymphatic spread in rectal cancer based on tumour morphology is more reliable than intra-operative assessment of lymph node status by the operating surgeon. More distal rectal tumours have increased tendency to lymph node spread especially lateral lymph node metastases. Tumours>3 cm with increasing depth of bowel wall invasion are strongly related to the presence of lymph node metastases, while peritoneal reflection has no discriminating role in the mode of spread.5

Does perifascial rectal excision (i.e. TME) when combined with the autonomic nerve-sparing technique interfere with operative radicality?

OBJECTIVE: The lymphatic drainage from the rectum was studied to evaluate if the autonomic nerve sparing dissection may interfere with the operative radicality and might result in metastatic lymph nodes being overlooked and left in situ. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 50 consecutive patients had an extended extrafascial rectal excision resection for cancer. In 19 of the 50 patients activated carbon particles (CH40) were injected preoperatively into the rectum. The autonomic nerves with surrounding connective tissue were serially dissected from the resected specimen, carefully sliced at 5-mm intervals and collected for histological study. Lymph nodes along the axial and lateral drainage routes were examined, and the inclusion of CH40 in the nodes was microscopically studied according to the site of CH40 injection. RESULTS: Lymph nodes within the connective tissue along the dissected autonomic nerves were demonstrated in 47 of the 50 cases. Two of 50 cases had positive nodes along preaortic plexus or pelvic plexus, and a case with nodal involvement along the pelvic plexus had poor prognosis in spite of nerve excision. CH40 when injected into the rectum above the peritoneal reflection was demonstrated in the vast majority of the axial nodes, while in only one lymph node along the preaortic plexus when injected in the rectum above the peritoneal reflection. On the other hand when injected in the rectum below the peritoneal reflection, CH40 was demonstrated both in axial and lateral nodes as well as in lymph nodes along bilateral pelvic plexuses, right hypogastric nerve, superior hypogastric plexus, preaortic plexus and mesenteric plexus as well. CONCLUSIONS: When located above the peritoneal reflection a rectal carcinoma will spread preferentially along the upper axial route, while a carcinoma located below the peritoneal reflection will also spread laterally and along the autonomic nerves. It was inferred that lymphatic flow along the autonomic nerves came up from the rectum below the peritoneal reflection mainly through a so-called lateral ligament but its clinical significance was negligible. Therefore doing TME with autonomic nerve preservation does not imply a less radical surgery from the point of lymphatic spread.

A prospective study of genito-urinary dysfunction after surgery for colorectal cancer.

To establish the incidence of impotence and urinary dysfunction after different forms of pelvic and colorectal surgery. Over a period of one year, 78 consecutive patients, mean age 66.8 years (range 43-91 years), underwent surgery for colorectal cancer. Genito-urinary function was studied by clinical assessment and a postoperative questionnaire. Pre-operatively all males except one claimed to be potent. Of the 56 patients who had operations on the sigmoid colon and rectum, 12 (21.4%) developed urinary dysfunction; 6 (5 males, 1 female) had increased frequency while 6 (4 females, 2 males) had stress incontinence. Four (12.9%) of the 31 male patients became impotent. Of the control 22 patients who had had operations on the ascending colon, one female developed stress incontinence and none of the male patients developed impotence. Although the introduction of autonomic nerve sparing techniques and total mesorectal excision (TME) may have lowered the incidence of genito-urinary dysfunction after rectal surgery, there remains a degree of morbidity compared to procedures where the rectum is not mobilized.