Sacral Nerve Research Articles

A Five-Year Retrospective Study on the Clinical Outcomes of Sacral Nerve Stimulation for Neuromodulation of the Lower Urinary Tract in a Tertiary Hospital

A Five-Year Retrospective Study on the Clinical Outcomes of Sacral Nerve Stimulation for Neuromodulation of the Lower Urinary Tract in a Tertiary Hospital

NCMP-18. A CASE OF METASTATIC GLIOBLASTOMA MULTIFORME

Abstract Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common primary brain tumor and rarely causes metastasis. We present a case of a 43-year-old female who developed tingling and heaviness in her right lower extremity in March 2023. This sensation progressed to involve her entire right hemi-body over the next two months. She presented to the emergency department where an MRI show a large left frontal parietal mass measuring 5.2x3.7x3.7cm with significant mass effect. She underwent surgical resection and surgical pathology showed IDH1-mutant R132H, retained ATRX, MGMT promoter mutation, and ki-67 of 80%. She received 6 weeks chemoradiation and then started maintenance temozolomide at 150mg/m2. Temozolomide was increased to 200mg/m2 for cycle 3 maintenance. In March 2024, she presented to the hospital with pain radiating down her legs and saddle anesthesia. MRI lumbar spine showed infiltrating osseous mass at S1 and S2 and bilateral sacral ala with anterior and posterior extraosseous invasion, invading the spinal canal resulting in moderate to severe spinal canal narrowing and compression of the sacral nerve roots. She underwent biopsy of the lesion which showed IDH wildtype metastatic GBM. She also underwent lumbar puncture and cerebrospinal fluid cytology was negative. She experienced pancytopenia limiting chemotherapy options. In April 2024, she underwent PET scan which showed hypermetabolic epidural soft tissue in spinal canal at L5-S1 level, widespread hypermetabolic skeletal lesions, tiny left cervical level 4 lymph node, small hypermetabolic right hilar, aortocaval, left retroperitoneal nodes and a tiny left common iliac node. The incidence of extracranial metastasis is 0.4-2.0% with less than 25 reported cases of bone marrow spread. This is thought to be rare due to the absence of lymphatics within the brain and the limited survival associated with GBM. This metastasis may occur through vascular invasion, perineural spread, lymphatics, direct invasion, or iatrogenic spread into soft tissues.

Comparisons of different electrical stimulation modalities for treating visceral pain in a rodent model of irritable bowel syndrome

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of different electrical stimulation methods (bilateral electroacupuncture (BEA), unilateral EA (UEA), transcutaneous electrical acustimulation (TEA, stimulation via surface electrodes placed at acupoints), and sacral nerve stimulation (SNS)) on visceral pain in a rodent model of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Ten-day-old male and female pups were treated with 0.2 ml of 0.5% acetic acid (AA) solution. Visceral sensitivity was assessed using an electromyogram (EMG) in response to graded colorectal distension. In the first experiment, bilateral EA at ST36 acupoint was performed with different parameters in male rats to determine the best stimulation parameters. In the second experiment, male rats were randomly assigned into the Sham, BEA, UEA, TEA, and SNS groups to determine the best stimulation method. Lastly, the AA-treated female rats were randomly assigned into the BEA and sham groups to investigate a potential treatment difference between the sexes. Two distinct sets of stimulation parameters were used: Set 1 (100 Hz, 0.5 ms pulse width, 0.1 s ON, 0.4 s OFF, 0.4–3.0 mA current) and Set 2 (25 Hz, 0.5 ms pulse width, 2 s ON, 3 s OFF, 0.4–3.0 mA current).Results (1) The parameter set of 100Hz was found to be most effective in reducing visceral pain. (2) Both acute UEA and TEA effectively relieved visceral pain, whereas acute SNS did not exhibit such an effect. (3) Acute BEA improved visceral pain in both male and female rats.Conclusions These findings suggest that transcutaneous ST36 stimulation is as effective as direct ST36 stimulation and unilateral ST36 stimulation is comparable to bilateral stimulation. Development of a novel therapy using unilateral transcutaneous ST36 stimulation is warranted.

Midline sacral meningeal cysts: Neurophysiology abnormalities and their correlation with pelvic sensory and visceral symptoms.

Midline sacral meningeal cysts (MSMCs) are cerebrospinal fluid-filled dural diverticula. Although widely considered asymptomatic, cases involving voiding difficulties or pain have been reported. The aims of this study were, firstly, to describe the clinical presentation of patients with symptomatic MSMCs, secondly, to assess the impact of the cyst on nerve root function, and, thirdly, to assess whether nerve root injury is more frequent in patients with MSMCs than those with Tarlov cysts (TCs). Consecutive patients with MSMCs presenting with at least one pelvic symptom participated in a cross-sectional review of symptoms using validated questionnaires. Findings of pelvic neurophysiology (pudendal sensory evoked potentials, sacral dermatomal sensory evoked potentials, external anal sphincter electromyography) and urodynamic testing were collected retrospectively. The relationship between neurophysiology, magnetic resonance imaging findings and patients' symptoms were assessed using Fisher's and analysis of variance tests. Neurophysiology findings were compared with those of TC patients. Eleven female patients were included (mean age 42.3 ± 12.4 years). All reported urinary symptoms. Back pain (91%), radicular leg pain (91%), bowel symptoms (45%) and sexual dysfunction (75%) were also frequently reported. Nine patients (82%) had abnormal findings on neurophysiology; three patients (27%) had one abnormal test, and six (55%) had two abnormal tests. Patients with MSMCs were more likely to have at least two abnormal neurophysiology test results compared to TC patients (55% vs. 18%, respectively; p = 0.018). Our results indicate that MSMCs are indeed associated with injury to the sacral somatic innervation when symptomatic. MSMCs are more likely to cause sacral nerve root damage compared to TCs.

Combined Laparoscopic and Vaginal Radical Prolift Mesh Excision With Left Sacral Nerve Root Detrapment

Combined Laparoscopic and Vaginal Radical Prolift Mesh Excision With Left Sacral Nerve Root Detrapment

Ultra-High Frequency Spinal Nerve Neuromodulation for Improving Bladder Continence: Implications for Overactive Bladder Management

ObjectiveUltrahigh frequencies (UHF) have been shown to selectively suppress the sensory pathway with a rapid onset and prolonged effect compared with low frequencies. Few studies have explored the feasibility of UHF electrical stimulation in treating overactive bladder. This study aimed to investigate whether bladder overactivity could be inhibited by UHF stimulation at the L6 nerve root. Materials and MethodsFemale Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 12) were divided into two groups: sham and UHF groups. Bladder overactivity was induced by continuous intravesical infusion of 0.5% acetic acid (AA). UHF L6 nerve root stimulation (500 kHz, 20 mA for 5 minutes) was applied to the rats in the UHF group. To investigate the effects of the treatment, intravesical pressure was recorded by cystometrography during continuous transvesical infusion, with volume threshold (VT) and intercontraction interval (ICI) used to conduct the investigation. ResultsBladder overactivity was successfully developed in all rats with a significant decrease of median VT and ICI to 83.7% and 86.4%, respectively. UHF stimulation of the L6 nerve root was able to counteract the AA effect by significantly increasing median VT and ICI to 220% and 36.1%, respectively; these effects persisted for ≥two hours. There was a significant difference in the effects of UHF electrical stimulation between the sham and UHF groups (p < 0.05). ConclusionThis preliminary study provides evidence for UHF stimulation of the L6 spinal nerve root, analogous to the sacral nerve root in humans, as a potential alternative neuromodulation technique to suppress bladder overactivity.

Meta-analysis of the curative effect of sacral nerve magnetic stimulation on neurogenic bladder after spinal cord injury.

The curative effect of sacral nerve magnetic stimulation on the neurogenic bladder (NB) after spinal cord injury (SCI) is unclear. This study made a meta-analysis of the curative effect of sacral nerve magnetic stimulation on the NB after SCI and put forward a theoretical basis for the clinical treatment of this disease. The databases of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WanFang Data, VIP, and CBM were searched by computer, and the randomized controlled trials of sacral nerve magnetic stimulation in the treatment of NB after SCI were collected. The retrieval time was from the establishment of the database to September 25, 2023. Meta-analysis was performed with Stata 15.0 software. This study finally included 10 articles, including 537 patients. Meta-analysis shows that the sacral nerve magnetic stimulation treatment group can effectively improve urodynamics: the maximum bladder capacity increases (mean difference [MD], 40.76 [95% confidence interval (CI), 33.24-48.28]; P ˂ .05), the bladder capacity increases at the beginning of urination (MD, 12.82 [95% CI, 11.02-14.62]; P ˂ .05), and the residual urine volume decreases (MD, -38.08 [95% CI, -51.36 to -24.79]; P˂.05). In the aspect of urination diary, the sacral nerve magnetic stimulation treatment group also has advantages compared with the conventional treatment group: the increase in single urine volume (MD, 22.49 [95% CI, 18.68-26.30]; P˂.05), the maximum urine volume (MD, 32.84 [95% CI, 22.37-43.30]; P˂.05), and the decrease in urination times (MD, -2.23 [95% CI, -3.13 to -1.33]; P˂.05). After the treatment of sacral nerve magnetic stimulation, the quality of life of patients can be improved: quality-of-life score (MD, -0.62 [95% CI, -0.91 to -0.34]; P˂.05). Combined with functional magnetic stimulation of the sacral nerve, routine treatment is superior to routine treatment in improving the clinical symptoms of patients with NB after SCI.

Sacral neuromodulation for Organophosphate-induced delayed neuropathy neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction: a case report

BackgroundOrganophosphate-Induced Delayed Neuropathy (OPIDN) is a rare neurological disorder triggered by exposure to organophosphorus compounds. These compounds exert their neurotoxic effects by impacting the nervous system, leading to systemic manifestations. Urinary system symptoms are infrequently observed in clinical settings. Currently, effective therapeutic interventions for OPIDN-related urinary symptoms are lacking. Sacral nerve modulation therapy, an FDA-approved approach for managing lower urinary tract symptoms, presents as a promising option. Herein, we present a case of OPIDN-induced lower urinary tract obstruction successfully treated with sacral nerve modulation therapy, resulting in substantial symptom relief.Case reportA 27-year-old male patient presented with severe bilateral hydronephrosis, attributed to low bladder compliance and accompanied by a fever persisting for 6 days. The patient’s medical history revealed accidental ingestion of organophosphate pesticide (Dimethoate) with no concomitant underlying diseases. In consideration of the potential for OPIDN, surgical intervention in the form of sacral neuromodulation (phase I) was undertaken. Subsequent evaluation one month post-surgery revealed notable improvements in both bladder compliance and bilateral hydronephrosis, necessitating sacral neuromodulation (phase II). Presently, following a 5-month follow-up period, the patient remains asymptomatic and in favorable health.ConclusionThis patient achieved long-term relief using sacral neuromodulation.

Posterior Hip Pericapsular Block (PHPB) with pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block for hip fracture: a case series

BackgroundPain after total hip arthroplasty (THA) for femoral neck fracture (FNF) can be severe, potentially leading to serious complications. PENG block has become an optional local analgesic strategy in hip fracture surgery, but it cannot provide effective pain relief for the posterior capsule of the hip joint. Therefore, we modified the traditional sacral plexus nerve block and named it Posterior Hip Pericapsule Block (PHPB) to complement the blockade of the relevant nerves innervating the posterior hip capsule region. Thereby, we detail the analgesic effect of PHPB combined with PENG block on five hip fracture patients and the effect on their hip motor function.MethodsThis case series was conducted from December 2023 to February 2024. We performed ultrasound-guided PHPB combined with PENG block on five patients with hip fractures. Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) pain scores at rest and maximum NRS pain scores during limb movement of the five patients were recorded within 48 h after surgery. Their hip flexion, abduction, adduction, keen flexion and quadriceps muscle strength were also recorded. Serious postoperative complications, including wound infection, hematoma formation, or nerve injury, were recorded.ResultsThey experienced effective pain control within 48 h postoperatively, with NRS pain scores at rest decreasing from 3.0 (3.0, 4.5) to 0.0 (0.0, 1.0) and maximum NRS pain scores during limb movement from 8.0 (7.5, 8.5) to 1.0 (0.5, 2.0). They can autonomously perform hip flexion, abduction, adduction, and knee flexion within 48 h postoperatively without any signs of movement disorders or quadriceps muscle weakness. No severe postoperative complications, such as wound infections, hematoma formation or nerve damage, were observed in any of the patients.ConclusionsUltrasound-guided PENG block combined with PHPB provided effective analgesia for hip fracture patients in the perioperative period. It maintained hip joint motor function and quadriceps muscle strength within 24 h after THA.

Analgesic efficacy of sacral neuromodulation for chronic pelvic cancer pain

Background: Neuromodulation has provided promising results in chronic pain management. Sacral neurostimulation (SNS) is a neuromodulatory technique, where the sacral nerve roots are electrically stimulated. Objective: Evaluate the efficacy of the trial phase to control severe cancer pain in pelvic organs. Design: Pilot study. Methods: Chronic pelvic cancer pain patients were managed with morphine ≥ 60 mg daily, duloxetine 30 mg, and celecoxib 200 mg twice daily. Twenty-two adults were divided randomly into two equal groups: the SNS group (N = 11), received a sacral neurostimulator device and opioid analgesics, and the opioid group (N = 11), received increased opioid analgesics to control pain. Results: Visual analog scale scores were decreased in the SNS group at 24 h, 4 days, 1, and 2 weeks in SNS compared to the opioid group, medians (IQR) [4 (3–5) vs 6 (5–7), 3 (3–4) vs 5 (5–6), 3 (3–4) vs 5 (5–6), and 3 (3–3) vs 5 (4–6) P &lt; 0.001], daily morphine consumption was reduced in the SNS group compared to the opioid group, median (IQR) [90 (60–90) mg vs 120 (120–150) mg, P &lt; 0.001] and [30 (30–60) mg vs 150 (120–180) mg] during the first and second weeks. The SNS group had a better life quality compared to the opioid group after 2 weeks, median (IQR) was (123 (122.5–124) vs 117 (117–118.5) P &lt; 0.001), respectively. Conclusion: The SNS trial device showed effectiveness in managing severe chronic pelvic cancer pain.

“Urological Claudication”: Blind ending ureteric remnant in a bifid ureteric system causing neurological claudication—Case report with brief review of the literature

BackgroundA blind ending ureteric remnant in a duplicated urinary system is extremely rare, and most of these anomalies go unrecognized as they are asymptomatic. We describe a unique case of a blind ending ureteric remnant presenting with neurological claudication in the lower limb secondary to sacral nerve root radiculopathy which was managed by robotic excision.Case presentationA 61-year-old male presented with radiating pain in the left gluteal region for the past 2 years, which persisted despite multiple conservative treatments. Extensive evaluation for the pain revealed a blind ending ureteric remnant in a partially duplicated system, which contained multiple calculi and caused the compression of the adjacent sacral nerve roots. The patient was subsequently taken up for excision of the remnant, which was performed robotically, after which the symptoms resolved completely.ConclusionBlind ending ureteric duplications are rare anomalies that mostly go unrecognized as they are asymptomatic. Rarely, these anomalies may produce clinically relevant symptoms and result in diagnostic dilemmas, meriting intervention.

Bibliometric analysis of research on spinal cord and sacral neuromodulation in spinal cord injury.

Qualitative studies. Spinal cord injury (SCI) is one of the most devastating injuries to the central nervous system that places a major burden on society. Neuromodulation technology involving spinal cord stimulation (SCS) and sacral nerve modulation (SNM) is a promising technique for patients with SCI. However, there has been no bibliometric analysis of research in this field to date. Not applicable. Systematic analyses of countries, institutions, authors, journals, co-cited documents, keywords, genes and diseases were performed. Related gene and disease data from the citexs platform were also reviewed. A total of 7437 articles on SCS and SNM in SCI were retrieved from the Web of Science database. The search time was limited to 1985-01-01 to 2022-12-31. We identified a significant increase in research output on SCS and SNM in SCI in recent years, with a concentrated period of high publication activity. Multiple publications were identified on neuropathic pain, electronic stimulation, TNF, BDNF and STAT3 gene expression, indicating that complications and potential therapeutic strategies for SCI are a key focus in the field. Our study provides insights that may help to advance scientific research and potentially improve outcomes in patients with SCI.

The classification of sacral foramina in a South African sample using cadaveric and osteological remains

Sacroiliac (SI) joint fixation is a technique used for SI joint fractures, SI joint dislocations and sacral fractures. Sacral screws can be placed either into the S1 or the S2 vertebrae if S1 is insufficient. Malpositioning of the screws is a common surgical complication as sacral variations exists amongst populations. Complications associated with the misposition of screws can lead to injury of the sacral venous plexus, iliac vessels, or sacral nerve roots. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate sacral variations in a South African sample by determining distances between the first and second sacral foramina and classifying the common types of sacra found.A quantitative cross-sectional comparative study was conducted. One hundred and twenty (n = 120) dry human sacra and 11 formalin-fixed cadavers were measured to determine the linear distances between the first two anterior and posterior sacral foramina. Additionally, the dry human sacra were classified according to Mahato's classification system. A cadaver SI joint fixation simulation was performed by an orthopaedic surgeon.The mean sacral promontory height was found to be 31.81 mm and 37.52 mm in osteological and cadaver specimens, respectively. The mean anterior pedicle height was significantly different for the left (18.81 mm) and right (21.67 mm) side measurements. A statistically significant difference was found between cadavers and osteological samples for all measurements taken. In the osteological sample, ancestry and age mostly influenced the variations noted.Using Mahato's classification system, sacra with five sacral segments, auricular surfaces extending from the superior part of S1 to the middle of S3 and no accessory L5/S1 articulations had the highest prevalence of 59.17 %.The South African sample exhibited similarities but did not fully compare to other populations. The results in this study should be considered as a reference for surgeries involving the SI joint and sacral foramina. However, where possible, the exact anatomy with possible variations of the patient should be evaluated preoperatively using X-rays and angiograms.

Applied anatomy study and preliminary clinical application of hyper selective neurectomy of triceps branches combined with partial neurotomy of S 2 nerve root to relieve spastic equinus foot

To observe the possibility of hyper selective neurectomy (HSN) of triceps branches combined with partial neurotomy of S 2 nerve root for relieving spastic equinus foot. Anatomical studies were performed on 12 adult cadaveric specimens. The S 2 nerve root and its branches were exposed through the posterior approach. Located the site where S 2 joined the sciatic nerve and measured the distance to the median line and the vertical distance to the posterior superior iliac spine plane, and the S 2 nerve root here was confirmed to have given off branches of the pelvic splanchnic nerve, the pudendal nerve, and the posterior femoral cutaneous nerve. Between February 2023 and November 2023, 4 patients with spastic equinus foot were treated with HSN of muscle branches of soleus, gastrocnemius medial head and lateral head, and cut the branch where S 2 joined the sciatic nerve. There were 3 males and 1 female, the age ranged from 5 to 46 years, with a median of 26 years. The causes included traumatic brain injury in 2 cases, cerebral hemorrhage in 1 case, and cerebral palsy in 1 case. The disease duration ranged from 15 to 84 months, with a median of 40 months. The triceps muscle tone measured by modified Ashworth scale (MAC) before operation was grade 3 in 2 cases and grade 4 in 2 cases. The muscle strength measured by Daniels-Worthingham manual muscle test (MMT) was grade 2 in 1 case, grade 3 in 1 case, and 2 cases could not be accurately measured due to grade 4 muscle tone. The Holden walking function grading was used to evaluate lower limb function and all 4 patients were grade 2. After operation, triceps muscle tone, muscle strength, and lower limb function were evaluated by the above grading. The distance between the location where S 2 joined the sciatic nerve and median line was (5.71±0.53) cm and the vertical distance between the location and posterior superior iliac spine plane was (6.66±0.86) cm. Before joining the sciatic nerve, the S 2 nerve root had given off branches of the pelvic splanchnic nerve, the pudendal nerve, and the posterior femoral cutaneous nerve. All the 4 patients successfully completed the operation, and the follow-up time was 4-13 months, with a median of 7.5 months. At last follow-up, the muscle tone of the patients decreased by 2-3 grades when compared with that before operation, and the muscle strength did not decrease when compared with that before operation. Holden walking function grading improved by 1-2 grades, and there was no postoperative hypoesthesia in the lower limbs. HSN of triceps branches combined with partial neurotomy of S 2 nerve root can relieve spastic equinus foot without damaging other sacral plexus nerves.

Clinical Anatomy of the Sacral Nerve Roots and Its Relevance to Their Reconstruction After Sacrectomy.

En bloc sacrectomy is associated with sacral root transection causing loss of urinary bladder, rectum, and sexual function. The aim of the study was to determine the position of the pudendal branches (sensorimotor) and pelvic splanchnic nerves (parasympathetic) on the sacral roots relative to the sacrum, and the minimal and maximal defects in the sacral roots that can be reconstructed by grafting after various types of sacrectomy. Five cadaveric pelves were dissected bilaterally. The lengths and widths of the S1-S4 roots and their branches were measured. Then, the minimal and maximal defects between the proximal and distal stumps of the sacrificed roots were measured following 3 models of sacrectomy (below S2, below S1, and total sacrectomy). The mean distance of the splanchnic nerves from the S2 and S3 anterior sacral foramina was 17.7 ± 7.3 and 23.6 ± 11.1 mm, respectively, and the mean distance of the pudendal S2 and S3 branches was 36.8 ± 13.7 and 30.2 ± 10.8 mm, respectively. The mean widths of the S2 and S3 roots were 9.3 ± 1.9 and 5.4 ± 1.2 mm, respectively. The mean maximal defects in S2 and S3 roots after various types of sacrectomies were between 61.8 ± 16.3 and 100.7 ± 14.3 mm and between 62.7 ± 20.2 and 84.7 ± 25.1 mm, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences between sides or sexes for all obtained measurements. The reconstruction of the S2-S3 roots is anatomically feasible after partial or total sacrectomies in which the resection of the soft tissue does not extend further than approximately 1.5 to 2 cm ventrally from the sacrum.

The application value of H-reflex induced by electrical stimulation of the sacral nerve at the S3 foramen in stimulus parameter programming

The application value of H-reflex induced by electrical stimulation of the sacral nerve at the S3 foramen in stimulus parameter programming

Clinical Effects of Implantable Sacral Neuromodulation Combined with Floating Needle Reperfusion in the Treatment of Patients with Functional Defecation Disorders

Objective: To investigate the clinical effect of implantable sacral neuromodulation combined with floating needle reperfusion in treating patients with functional defecation disorder. Methods: 40 eligible constipated patients with defecation disorder were screened according to the criteria of Rome IV for chronic constipation, and were divided into 20 cases each in the control group and the study group according to the random number table method. The control group was given oral lactulose combined with mosapride treatment, and the study group was given implantation of sacral nerve stimulation electrodes and floating needle reperfusion treatment. The clinical symptoms, visual analog scale (VAS) score, Wexner score for constipation, quality of life score, anorectal manometry, adverse reactions, and complications were observed in both groups. Results: After treatment, the median number of voluntary feces per week and the median number of days of voluntary feces per week in the study group were higher than those in the control group, and the median duration of defecation was lower than that in the control group (P &lt; 0.05); the median VAS score of the study group was significantly higher than that of the control group (P &lt; 0.05); the constipation Wexner score of the study group was significantly lower than that of the control group (P &lt; 0.001); the quality of life scores of the study group were overall better than those of the control group (P &lt; 0.05); the anal resting pressure, anal residual pressure, and rectal propulsion of the study group were significantly better than those of the control group (P &lt; 0.05); liquefaction of the incision occurred in only one patient during treatment in the study group, which was healed after changing the medication and did not have any serious complications, and two patients in the control group had abdominal pain, and there was no significant difference between the two groups (P &gt; 0.05). Conclusion: In the treatment of patients with functional defecation disorder, implantable sacral neuromodulation combined with floating needle reperfusion therapy can effectively improve the clinical symptoms and quality of life of patients.

The history of neuromodulation for lower urinary tract dysfunction: An overview

Electricity has been used since antiquity for medical purposes, including lower urinary tract dysfunction. The advent of artificially produced electricity, the development of battery technology and better knowledge of lower urinary tract physiology, allowed for electrical stimulation as a therapeutic tool. Initially focused on neurogenic bladder dysfunction, functional electrical stimulation (neuromodulation) at low amplitude was developed to treat lower urinary tract dysfunction, with the sacral nerves as primary target. Together with better understanding of the mechanisms of action, technical and hardware developments sacral neuromodulation allowed for excellent results and low morbidity.

Sacral nerve stimulation leads to long-term improvement in fecal incontinence and quality of life for children with functional and organic defecation disorders.

Our objective was to evaluate long-term outcomes of sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) for children with functional and organic defecation disorders. We performed a prospective study of children <21 years of age who started SNS treatment between 2012 and 2018. We recorded demographics, medical history, and diagnostic testing. We obtained measures of symptom severity and quality of life at baseline and follow up at 1, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, and ≥60 months. Successful response was defined as bowel movements >2 times/week and fecal incontinence (FI) <1 time/week. Families were contacted to administer the Glasgow Children's Benefit Inventory and to evaluate patient satisfaction. We included 65 patients (59% female, median age at SNS 14 years, range 9-21) with median follow-up of 32 months. Thirty patients had functional constipation (FC), 15 had non-retentive FI (NRFI), and 16 had an anorectal malformation (ARM). The percentage with FI <1 time/week improved from 30% at baseline to 64% at 1 year (p < 0.001) and 77% at most recent follow-up (p < 0.001). Patients with FC, NRFI, and ARM had sustained improvement in FI (p = 0.02, p < 0.001, p = 0.02). Patients also reported fewer hard stools (p = 0.001). Bowel movement frequency did not improve after SNS. At most recent follow-up, 77% of patients with a functional disorder and 50% with an organic disorder had responded (p = 0.03). Nearly all families reported benefit. SNS led to sustained improvement in FI regardless of underlying etiology, but children with functional disorders were more likely to respond than those with organic disorders.

Efficacy of ultrasound-guided classical versus parasacral parallel shift technique of sacral plexus block for lower limb surgeries - A randomised controlled trial.

Ultrasound-guided sacral plexus block has been used for anaesthesia and analgesia in lower limb surgeries. This study aimed to compare the block performance characteristics after ultrasound-guided (USG) sacral plexus nerve block (SNB) using the parasacral parallel shift (PSPS) approach versus the classical approach in patients undergoing orthopaedic below-knee limb surgeries. In this randomised study, 144 adult patients were randomised to receive USG SNB either by the classical approach (Group C) or the PSPS approach (Group P). A fixed dose of 20 ml of 0.5% ropivacaine was administered. Patients also received USG femoral nerve block with 10 ml of 0.5% ropivacaine. The primary outcome was the scanning time between the two groups. Secondary outcomes were the needling time, sensory and motor block onset and postoperative analgesic characteristics between the two groups. A P value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. The needling time and the scanning time were significantly lesser in Group P than in Group C (P < 0.05). Complete sensory and motor nerve blockade of the sciatic nerve was significantly higher in Group P (P = 0.029). Block performance time, time for sensory block and time for motor block were significantly less in Group P compared to Group C (P < 0.001). The postoperative analgesic characteristics were comparable between the two groups. The sacral plexus block with ultrasound-guided parasacral parallel shift technique had a lower block performance time with lesser needling and scanning time than the classical approach.