Urogenital Dysfunction Research Articles

Evaluation of Sexual and Urinary Function After Implementation of Robot-assisted Surgery for Rectal Cancer: A Single-Center Study.

Our objective was to report postoperative urogenital dysfunction after rectal cancer surgery, identifying possible predictors including conventional laparoscopic total mesorectal excision and robot-assisted total mesorectal excision laparoscopic surgery. Questionnaires were mailed to 184 patients who underwent laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery between January 2009 and May 2013. Single questions were used to retrospectively assess preoperative urogenital dysfunction. Surgical data were collected from hospital records. Postoperative urinary and sexual function was measured with validated questionnaires and the results were statistically analyzed. A total of 97 questionnaires were included in the study. Of those sexually active before the operation, 81% reported some degree of erectile dysfunction (ED). In total, 73% reported some degree of orgasmic dysfunction (OD). On multivariate analyses, older age was the only predictor for ED (P=0.0012). Older age (P=0.007) and having a rectal extirpation procedure (P=0.013) were predictors of OD. ED and OD are common after rectal cancer surgery. Robotic surgery was seemingly not associated with ED or OD.

A prospective study of sexual and urinary function before and after total mesorectal excision.

Although rectal cancer is a very common malignancy and has an improved cure rate in response to oncological treatment, research on rectal cancer survivors' urogenital function remains limited. In this study, urogenital dysfunction after surgical rectal cancer treatment was measured and possible predisposing factors that may have an impact on the development of this disorder were discussed. One hundred eight patients undergoing curative rectal cancer surgery from January 2008 to December 2014 were questioned using questionnaires: male urinary function was assessed using the International Prostatic Symptom Score (IPSS) questionnaire, for sexual function-International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). The Bristol Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (BFLUTS) questionnaire and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) were used for female urogenital function assessment prior to the operation and 6months postoperatively. A total of 67.0% of male (36) and 33.0% (18) of female patients who completed the questionnaire were included in the study. Preoperatively, male urinary dysfunction was 80.1% and postoperatively-88.9%. In female patients, preoperative urinary dysfunction was seen in 75.0% patients, postoperatively-78.0%. Erectile dysfunction was seen in 41.7% males preoperatively and in 63.9% postoperatively. A total of 83.3% of female patients had sexual dysfunction preoperatively and 94% postoperatively. Sexual and urinary problems after surgery for rectal cancer are common. Preoperative genitourinary dysfunction is not uncommon in patients older than 60years as well. Female patients reported higher rates of sexual dysfunction than males. These results point out the importance of sexual and urinary (dys)function in survivors of rectal cancer. More attention should be drawn to this topic for clinical and research purposes.

Risk factors associated with sexual dysfunction in Brazilian postmenopausal women.

Sexual function represents an important component of health and life quality. The objective of this study was to assess female sexual function in postmenopausal women and to identify factors associated with sexual dysfunction among this population. From August to December 2013 a cross-sectional study was carried out with 111 postmenopausal, sexually active women aged 45-65 years. A semi-structured questionnaire made up of itemized questions was applied to identify demographic variables, socio-economic and clinical issues. Participants were requested to fill out the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the Menopause Rating Scale. Among the studied group, 70.3% of the women presented sexual dysfunction (FSFI⩽26.6). The affected domains were desire and arousal (P<0.01). Multiple regression analysis revealed that the main risk factors associated with postmenopausal sexual dysfunction were: marital status (prevalence ratio (PR) 1.67; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.17-2.39; P<0.01), urogenital dysfunction (PR 1.08; 95% CI 1.03-1.12; P<0.00), bladder surgery (PR 1.35; 95% CI 1.09-1.66; P<0.01) and sexual abuse (PR 1.45; 95% CI 1.21-1.72; P<0.00). Our results show a high female sexual dysfunction among postmenopausal women. Sexual dysfunction was associated with multiple factors such as: socio-demographic factors, biological factors (urogenital dysfunctions, bladder surgery), psychological matters and sexual abuse.

Clinical evaluation and urodynamic study observation in post-menopausal female: a comparative study

Background: Menopause is an irreversible and age related phenomenon and serves as an objective sign of reproductive senescence. Atrophic changes within the urogenital tract may occur due to estrogen deficiency and is associated with genitourinary symptoms. Methods: A total of 66 women who attained natural and surgical menopause with more than twelve months with urogenital symptoms were selected for study. Results: Age of patients selected for study was between 35-70 years. Majority of the patients 52/66 (78.7%) were presented after minimum 5 yrs of menopause. Among genital symptoms vaginal discharge was significantly higher (p 0.05). Among urinary symptoms frequency was the most common symptom in both the groups, 15 (44.12%) in natural menopause and 22 (68.75%) in surgical menopause, more prevalent in surgical group. Urgency was seen in 38.23% in natural menopause and 56.25% in surgical menopause. Incontinence was present in 47.05% in natural menopause and 62.51% in surgical menopause. Among incontinence stress incontinence was most common in the groups, 20.59% in natural group and 37.5 % in surgical group, statistically significant in surgical group. Mixed incontinence was observed in 5.58% in natural menopause; statistically significant in surgical group. Prevalence of urge incontinence was observed more in natural menopause 20.59% and 3.12 % in surgical menopause. There was no statistically significant difference in uroflowmetry parameters between both the groups. In cystometry parameters, volume at first bladder sensation was significantly less in patients with urgency and urge incontinence in both groups. Maximum bladder capacity was less in detrusor overactivity in both the groups. Compliance was poor in patient with urge incontinence in both the groups. Conclusions: Hypoestrogenism could be an etiological factor in urogenital dysfunction in postmenopausal women with spontaneous menopause and surgical menopause.

Urogenital dysfunctions after treatment of rectal cancer

A significant part of rectal cancer survivors will experience urogenital dysfunction induced by the treatment. Significant progress has been made in order to improve the total mesorectal technique through different approaches (open, laparoscopic, robotic, transanal). Rectal cancer surgery is technically difficult notably deep in the pelvis, and therefore the most frequent cause of the postoperative dysfunction is the surgical nerve damage of the autonomic nerves at this level. The main objectives of these efforts were to obtain maximal oncological results and to achieve better functional outcomes including less postoperative urogenital dysfunctions. Our purpose was to build a comprehensive review of the existing literature data regarding this issue from past to present.

Multiple System Atrophy Manifested by Bilateral Vocal Cord Palsy as an Initial Sign

A 71-year-old male initially presented with vocal cord palsy and underwent tracheostomy. After thorough examination, urogenital dysfunction, orthostatic hypotension, and Parkinsonism were found, which led to the diagnosis of multiple system atrophy (MSA). After the tracheostomy, bi-level positive airway pressure ventilation was required during the night due to nocturnal hypoxemia. Nighttime hypoxemia is related to central sleep apnea, which is one of the manifestations of MSA. This is the first case of MSA manifested by bilateral vocal cord palsy as an initial sign in Korea. This case supports the notion that MSA should be taken into consideration when vocal cord paralysis is observed.

Comparison of clinical features in pathologically confirmed PSP and MSA patients followed at a tertiary center.

Background/Objectives:The clinical diagnosis of progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and multiple system atrophy (MSA) remains challenging due to heterogeneity of the diseases.AIMS:Here we compared the clinical features of PSP and MSA to gain insight into their diagnosis and prognosis, particularly the prognostic value of down-gaze palsy latency in PSP progression.Methods:We reviewed clinical features of pathologically confirmed 10 PSP and 13 MSA patients, incidentally matched in age-at-onset, gender, and disease duration, followed at Columbia University Medical Center during 1994–2009.Results:The final antemortem diagnosis was incorrect in 30% of PSP (all lacking down-gaze palsy) and 23% of MSA patients. Falls in the first year of the disease, pyramidal involvement and freezing of gait during the course were similar between PSP and MSA. Ataxia and apraxia were in 50% of the PSP patients. Parkinsonism responsive to levodopa treatment was in 30% of the PSP (all with resting tremor) and 50% of the MSA patients. Dysautonomia in MSA could occur as early as 3 years preceding the motor symptoms, with 46% within the first year of the motor onset, but 15% did not have dysautonomia in life. The latency of down-gaze palsy and urogenital dysfunction and MMSE scores at first visit in PSP, and the latency of falls and wheelchair confinement in MSA were all associated with the disease progression.Conclusions:We confirmed most of the previously published characterizations, and identified for the first time the prognostic value of down-gaze palsy latency in PSP progression.

Possible benefits of robot-assisted rectal cancer surgery regarding urological and sexual dysfunction: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Robot-assisted surgery for rectal cancer may result in lower rates of urogenital dysfunction compared with laparoscopic surgery. A systematic review was conducted of studies reporting urogenital dysfunction after robot-assisted rectal cancer surgery. PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched in February 2014. All studies investigating urogenital function after robot-assisted rectal cancer surgery were identified. The inclusion criteria for meta-analysis studies required comparison of robot-assisted with laparoscopic surgery and the evaluation of urological and sexual function by validated questionnaire. The outcome was evaluated using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and the Female Sexual Function Index. Ten studies including 689 patients were included. For the meta-analysis this fell to four including 152 patients in the robotic group and 161 in the laparoscopic group, without heterogeneity. The IPSS score at 3 and 12months favoured robot-assisted surgery [mean difference (MD) -1.58; 95% CI (-3.1, -0.0), [P=0.04; and MD -0.90 (-1.81, -0.02), P=0.05]. IIEF scores at 3months' follow-up [MD -2.59 (-4.25, -0.94),] P=0.002] and 6months' follow-up [MD -3.06 (-4.53, -1.59), P=0.0001] were better after robot-assisted than laparoscopic surgery. Although there were few data and no randomized controlled trials the results of the review suggested that robot-assisted surgery resulted in improved urogenital function than after laparoscopy.

Nerve-guided laparoscopic total mesorectal excision for distal rectal cancer.

Urogenital dysfunctions are well-recognized problems after rectal cancer surgery and are often due to autonomic nerve damage. Although following holy planes during total mesorectal excision (TME) reduces the possibility of damage to the autonomic nerve fibers, these could still be affected in some critical areas.1 (,) 2 To improve the quality of surgery and prevent nerve damage, accurate intraoperative anatomical orientation of autonomic nerve is essential.3 Thanks to advancement of the high-definition laparoscopic technology, even the finest nerve fibers deep in the pelvic cavity can be identified through illumination and magnification.4 We aim to present a surgical technique of using the autonomic nerves as landmarks to guide laparoscopic TME for distal rectal cancer, with the purpose of preventing autonomic nerve damage to the largest extent. The video describes the technique of performing nerve-guided laparoscopic TME in a 50-year-old man with a rectal cancer (7cm from anal verge). Preoperative staging by endorectal ultrasound and pelvic magnetic resonance imaging is stage I rectal cancer (cT2N0M0). Five trocars (two 12mm and three 5mm) are used. All procedures are performed with conventional laparoscopic instruments. The sigmoid colon is mobilized using a medial approach. The superior hypogastric plexus lies just posterior to the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) are clearly identified and protected. Then the root of the IMA is ligated and cut. The left Toldt space is dissected, followed by complete mobilization of the sigmoid colon. The superior hypogastric plexus nerve fibers combine to a strong pair of hypogastric nerves as they enter the pelvic cavity, and can be clearly identified when the mesorectum is lifted. Then the mesorectum is separated from the hypogastric nerves by sliding down along the nerves. Dissection of the mesorectum is continued in the loose areolar plane along the midline down to the sacrococcygeal junction. Then the mesorectum is dissected laterally from posterior midline up to 9 o'clock on the left and to 3 o'clock on the right side. The splanchnic nerves can be identified as they swing from the sacrum and straight into the pelvic plexus. The peritoneum is dissected in an arc line about 0.5cm above the line of rectovesical pouch. After the anterior side of the rectum is mobilized, the mesorectum is dissected along the seminal vesicles downward and sideward to the lateral margin. The neurovascular bundle of Walsh at the anterolateral side of the rectum is clearly identified and protected. The mobilization of the mesorectum ceases at the tendinous arch of levator ani. Then the rectum is only fixed to the pelvic side wall by its lateral ligaments, which are consisted by rectal branch of the inferior pelvic plexus and vessels. Thus care should be taken to cut only those rectal nerve fibers, leaving the inferior pelvic plexus intact. The mesorectum is divided 5cm distal to the lesion with one firing of an endoscopic stapler. The specimen is extracted through a 3cm transumbilical laparotomy. End-to-end anastomosis using a circular stapler is performed intra-abdominally. There were no intraoperative complications. The operating time was 160min. Blood loss was 20mL. The patient underwent an uneventful recovery and was discharged home on postoperative day 6. Final pathology was pT2N0M0. At 6-month follow-up, the patient had no urogenital dysfunctions. Nerve-guided laparoscopic total mesorectal excision for distal rectal cancer is safe and feasible. This technique should be considered whenever possible as a means to prevent autonomic nerve damage and subsequent loss of urogenital function.

25. New insights in the neuroanatomy of the superior hypogastric plexus: Implications for total mesorectal excision

Background: Preservation of the pelvic autonomic nerves in total mesorectal excision (TME) is of crucial importance as post-operative anorectal and urogenital dysfunction are mainly caused by surgical nerve damage. Maintenance of pelvic function requires combined action of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system. The importance of preserving the inferior hypogastric plexus, a mixed sympathetic and parasympathetic plexus, has been frequently emphasized. The superior hypogastric plexus (SHP), located ventrally to the abdominal aorta and its bifurcation, is also likely to be surgically damaged during TME.

The value of intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring for microsurgical removal of conus medullaris lipomas: a 12-year retrospective cohort study.

BackgroundLipomas in the lower spinal canal can lead to progressive neurological deficits, so they may have to be surgically removed. Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring serves to minimize the morbidity of the surgical procedure. However, so far there are no evidence-based recommendations which type of monitoring procedure or combination of procedures to choose.MethodsThe aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and value of various intraoperative monitoring techniques: motor and sensory evoked potentials (MEP, SEP), free-running and triggered electromyography (EMG). Thirty cases of spinal lipomas of the Conus medullaris (dorsal Type A: 20.0%; caudal Type B: 33.3%; transitional Type C: 46.7%) were retrospectively evaluated over a 12-year period.ResultsThe patients were mostly pediatric and suffered from persistent pain (73.3%), pareses (56.7%), sensory deficits (43.4%), and/or urogenital dysfunctions (60.0%). SEPs were successfully evoked in 66.7% of cases, MEPs in 86.7% of cases, and EMGs in 100%. MEP alterations correlated with direct mechanical maneuvers in the operating site. SEP changes correlated mostly with physiological events, such as rinsing/cooling of the operating site. Spike-, burst- or tonic train-activity was found in the free-running EMG that occurred only with certain manipulation patterns. Irreversible MEP changes and signal loss in the triggered EMG correlated with post-operative deficits.ConclusionsThe results of this study showed, that intraoperative monitoring could be considered a helpful tool during lipoma tumor surgery near the Conus medullaris. Most reliable results were obtained from transcranial MEPs, free-running EMGs, and triggered EMGs. That’s why the authors favor a routine set-up consisting of at least these three techniques, as this enables mapping at the beginning of the operation, continuous functional testing during surgery, and prognosis of the post-operative symptomology.

The value of intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring for microsurgical removal of conus medullaris lipomas: a 12-year retrospective cohort study

BackgroundLipomas in the lower spinal canal can lead to progressive neurological deficits, so they may have to be surgically removed. Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring serves to minimize the morbidity of the surgical procedure. However, so far there are no evidence-based recommendations which type of monitoring procedure or combination of procedures to choose.MethodsThe aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and value of various intraoperative monitoring techniques: motor and sensory evoked potentials (MEP, SEP), free-running and triggered electromyography (EMG). Thirty cases of spinal lipomas of the Conus medullaris (dorsal Type A: 20.0%; caudal Type B: 33.3%; transitional Type C: 46.7%) were retrospectively evaluated over a 12-year period.ResultsThe patients were mostly pediatric and suffered from persistent pain (73.3%), pareses (56.7%), sensory deficits (43.4%), and/or urogenital dysfunctions (60.0%). SEPs were successfully evoked in 66.7% of cases, MEPs in 86.7% of cases, and EMGs in 100%. MEP alterations correlated with direct mechanical maneuvers in the operating site. SEP changes correlated mostly with physiological events, such as rinsing/cooling of the operating site. Spike-, burst- or tonic train-activity was found in the free-running EMG that occurred only with certain manipulation patterns. Irreversible MEP changes and signal loss in the triggered EMG correlated with post-operative deficits.ConclusionsThe results of this study showed, that intraoperative monitoring could be considered a helpful tool during lipoma tumor surgery near the Conus medullaris. Most reliable results were obtained from transcranial MEPs, free-running EMGs, and triggered EMGs. That's why the authors favor a routine set-up consisting of at least these three techniques, as this enables mapping at the beginning of the operation, continuous functional testing during surgery, and prognosis of the post-operative symptomology.

Formen autonomer Nervenkrankheiten

Autonomic neuropathies are a heterogeneous group of diseases that involve damage of small peripheral autonomic Aδ- and C-fibers. Causes of autonomic nerve fiber damage are disorders such as diabetes mellitus and HIV-infection. Predominant symptoms of autonomic neuropathy are orthostatic hypotension, gastro-intestinal problems, urogenital dysfunction, and cardiac arrhythmia, which can severely impair the quality of life in affected patients. Furthermore, autonomic neuropathies can be induced by autoimmune diseases such as acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, hereditary disorders such as the lysosomal storage disorder Fabry disease and hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathies, as well as certain toxins and drugs.

Toward a highly‐detailed 3D pelvic model: Approaching an ultra‐specific level for surgical simulation and anatomical education

The surgical anatomy of the pelvis is highly complex. Anorectal and urogenital dysfunctions occur frequently after pelvic oncological surgery and are mainly caused by surgical damage of the autonomic nerves. A highly-detailed 3D pelvic model could increase the anatomical knowledge and form a solid basis for a surgical simulation system. Currently, pelvic surgeons still rely on the preoperative interpretation of 2D diagnostic images. With a 3D simulation system, pelvic surgeons could simulate and train different scenes to enhance their preoperative knowledge and improve surgical outcome. To substantially enrich pelvic surgery and anatomical education, such a system must provide insight into the relation between the autonomic network, the lymphatic system, and endopelvic fasciae. Besides CT and MR images, Visible Human Datasets (VHDs) are widely used for 3D modeling, due to the high degree of anatomical detail represented in the cryosectional images. However, key surgical structures cannot be fully identified using VHDs and radiologic imaging techniques alone. Several unsolved anatomical problems must be elucidated as well. Therefore, adequate analysis on a microscopic level is inevitable. The development of a comprehensive anatomical atlas of the pelvis is no straightforward task. Such an endeavor involves several anatomical and technical challenges. This article surveys all existing 3D pelvic models, focusing on the level of anatomical detail. The use of VHDs in the 3D reconstruction of a highly-detailed pelvic model and the accompanying anatomical challenges will be discussed.

Autopsy confirmed multiple system atrophy cases: Mayo experience and role of autonomic function tests

BackgroundMultiple system atrophy (MSA) is a sporadic progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterised by autonomic failure, manifested as orthostatic hypotension or urogenital dysfunction, with combinations of parkinsonism that is poorly responsive to...

The neurophysiological balance in Chiari type 1 malformation (CM1), tethered cord and related syndromes

The Chiari malformation (CM) is a syndrome embodied in heterogeneous groups of malformations, spanning from the more benign and known, the CM1, to more complex syndromes such as the rare association with the tethered cord, as spinal lipomas, and the CM2, associated to open spina bifida. The clinical picture may be well expressed and detected at birth or even during intrauterine life, as for CM2, but in the other cases they may run a rather subtle clinical course. The diagnosis of these syndromes is driven by clinical examination and MRI, and it usually requires a multidisciplinary approach in order to plan the therapeutic strategies, such as surgery. Among the diagnostic investigations, the imaging techniques represent the most useful, for their capabilities to detect subclinical lesions, such as syringomyielia and lipoma; the urological investigation is useful to evaluate the urogenital dysfunctions. The neurophysiological investigations represent a non invasive diagnostic procedure to investigate the peripheral nerve, the spinal cord, the brainstem functionalities and more higher brain functions; the nerve conduction studies and the cranial reflexes, the brainstem (BAEP) and the somatosensory (SEPs) evoked potentials (EPs), alone or in combination, can be used for the diagnosis, follow-up and intraoperative monitoring. The most useful diagnostic tools in CM1 are likely represented by the brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEPs) and the blink-reflex (BR), while the usefulness of SEPs is still doubtful and debated; in CM2 and tethered cord the neurophysiological techniques can be combined in different ways in order to make a functional balance and to answer specific questions. BAEPs and BR can be useful to investigate the brain stem functionality and SEP to evaluate whether the ascending sensory pathway to the cortex can be hampered at some level; the visual EPs are particularly useful to evaluate the integrity of posterior visual pathway and visual cortex in the case of associated hydrocephalus. In the tethered cord, both nerve conduction study and somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) are useful to evaluate motor and sensory dysfunction of the lombosacral roots and nerves and spinal cord for their capability to detect subclinical impairment of conduction along the sensory and motor pathway. Finally, last but not the least, the neurophysiological techniques are remarkably useful during surgery; the intraoperative monitoring (IOM) by means of electromyography and direct nerve stimulation and recordings are able to detect early nerve damage, minimize nerve lesions and optimise the surgical techniques. In the operated children with incomplete removal of lipoma and/or persistent tethering, the recordings of SEP and BAEP are useful to demonstrate a conduction deterioration along the ascending sensory pathway due to increasing tethering of the spinal cord due to somatic growth.

Accuracy of concepts in female pelvic floor anatomy: facts and myths!

The pelvic floor is characterized by a complex morphology because different functional systems join here. Since a clear understanding of the pelvic floor region is crucial for female pelvic surgery and fundamental mechanisms of urogenital dysfunction and treatment, we here describe the accurate and functional anatomy of important pelvic structures and landmarks, clarify their terminology and point out possible errors or misunderstandings as to their existence.

Combination Surgery for Erectile Dysfunction and Male Incontinence

With favorable prognosis, radical therapy for pelvic malignancy no longer is just about oncological control, but is important in achieving the trifecta of oncological clearance with acceptable sexual function and urinary outcomes. As we face the prospect of escalating urogenital dysfunction following our radical interventions, we need to carefully assess these functional outcomes and their impact on the quality of life of our patients. In men, this includes urinary impairments with stress urinary incontinence, various types of voiding dysfunction, and sexual impairments (primarily erectile dysfunction and orgasmic dysfunction). Based on appropriate clinical and diagnostic assessments of severity of adverse outcomes depending on patient preference, combination surgery for treatment of erectile dysfunction and stress urinary incontinence is effective and durable and has an established, definitive role to address this not uncommon problem. This article reviews the prevalence of the problem, the available therapeutic options, and evidence of efficacy of these therapies in combination.

Urinary and sexual dysfunction after rectal cancer treatment

In light of the improving prognosis for patients with rectal cancer, the quality of functional outcome has become increasingly important. Despite the good functional results achieved by expert surgeons, large multicenter studies show that urogenital dysfunction remains a common problem after rectal cancer treatment. More than half of patients experience a deterioration in sexual function, consisting of ejaculatory problems and impotence in men and vaginal dryness and dyspareunia in women. Urinary dysfunction occurs in one-third of patients treated for rectal cancer. Surgical nerve damage is the main cause of urinary dysfunction. Radiotherapy seems to have a role in the development of sexual dysfunction, without affecting urinary function. Pelvic autonomic nerves are especially at risk in cases of low rectal cancer and during abdominoperineal resection. Data concerning nerve damage during laparoscopic surgery for resection of rectal cancer are awaited. Structured education of surgeons with regard to pelvic neuroanatomy, and systematic registration of identified nerves, could well be the key to improving functional outcome for these patients. Meanwhile, patients should be informed of all associated risks before their operation, and their functional status should be evaluated before and after surgery.

Transarterial Onyx embolization of sacral chordoma: case report and review of the literature

AimTo report a successful transarterial Onyx embolization of a highly vascularized sacral chordoma.Case presentationA 74-year-old patient presented with progressive lower back pain and anorectal and urogenital dysfunction complicated by excessive...