Anatomical basis for nerve-sparing radical hysterectomy: immunohistochemical study of the pelvic autonomic nerves

BACKGROUND: Autonomic nerve damage plays a crucial role in the etiology of bladder dysfunction, sexual dysfunction, and colorectal motility disorders that occur after radical hysterectomy. We investigated the extent and nature of nerve damage in conventional and nerve-sparing radical hysterectomy. METHODS: Macroscopical disruption of nerves was assessed through anatomical dissection after conventional and nerve-sparing surgery on five fixed and one fresh cadaver. Immunohistochemical analysis of surgical margins was performed to confirm nerve damage using a general nerve marker (S100) and a sympathetic nerve marker (anti-tyrosine hydroxylase) within sections of biopsies. RESULTS: Macroscopical dissection showed that in the conventional procedure, transsection of the uterosacral ligaments resulted in disruption of the major part of the hypogastric nerve. After nerve-sparing surgery, only the medial branches of the hypogastric nerve appeared disrupted. Division of the cardinal ligaments in the conventional procedure identified the inferior hypogastric plexus running into the most posterior border of the surgical margin. The anterior part of the plexus was disrupted. Dissection of the nerves after the nerve-sparing procedure showed that this anterior part of the plexus was not involved in the surgical dissection line. Dissection of the vesicouterine ligament disrupted only small nerves on the medial border of the inferior hypogastric plexus in both techniques. Microscopical evaluation of the surgical margins confirmed the macroscopical findings. CONCLUSION: Conventional radical hysterectomy results in disruption of a substantial part of the pelvic autonomic nerves. The nerve-sparing modification leads to macroscopic reduction in nerve disruption which is substantiated by microscopical evaluation of surgical margins.     

Nerve-sparing in Gynecology

ObjectiveTo demonstrate identification and dissection of the pelvic autonomic nerves in gynecologic surgery.DesignIdentification on the right and left pelvic pelvises, dissection and preservation of the inferior hypogastric plexus in deep endometriosis, and dissection and preservation of the pelvic autonomic nerves in radical hysterectomy.SettingAcademic center.InterventionsRobotic excision of the pelvic peritoneum, excision of deep endometriosis in the uterosacral ligaments, and radical hysterectomy.ConclusionPelvic autonomic nerves are easy to identify with the magnification provided with an endoscopic camera. They should be dissected and preserved whenever possible because of their important function.     

Keep Your Landmarks Close and the Hypogastric Nerve Closer: An Approach to Nerve-sparing Endometriosis Surgery

ObjectiveExcisional techniques used to surgically treat deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) can result in inadvertent damage to the autonomic nervous system of the pelvis, leading to urinary, anorectal, and sexual dysfunction 1, 2, 3, 4. This educational video illustrates the autonomic neuroanatomy of the pelvis, identifying the predictable location of the hypogastric nerve in relation to other pelvic landmarks, and demonstrates a surgical technique for sparing the hypogastric nerve and inferior hypogastric plexus.DesignUsing didactic schematics and medical drawings, we discuss and illustrate the autonomic neuroanatomy of the pelvis. With annotated laparoscopic footage, we demonstrate a stepwise approach for identifying, dissecting, and preserving the hypogastric nerve during pelvic surgery.SettingTertiary care academic hospitals: Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and S. Orsola Hospital in Bologna, Italy.InterventionsRadical excision of DIE with adequate identification and sparing of the hypogastric nerve and inferior hypogastric plexus bilaterally was performed, following an overview of pelvic neuroanatomy. The superior hypogastric plexus was described and the hypogastric nerve, the most superficial and readily identifiable component of the inferior hypogastric plexus, was identified and used as a landmark to preserve autonomic bundles in the pelvis. The following steps, illustrated with laparoscopic footage, describe a surgical technique developed to identify and preserve the hypogastric nerve and the deeper inferior hypogastric plexus without the need for more extensive pelvic dissection to the level of the sacral nerve roots: (1) transperitoneal identification of the hypogastric nerve, with a pulling maneuver for confirmation; (2) opening of the retroperitoneum at the level of the pelvic brim and retroperitoneal identification of the ureter; (3) medial dissection and identification of the hypogastric nerve; and (4) lateralization of the hypogastric nerve, allowing for safe resection of DIE.ConclusionThe hypogastric nerve follows a predictable course and can be identified, dissected, and spared during pelvic surgery, making it an important landmark for the preservation of pelvic autonomic innervation.     

Anatomic identification and functional outcomes of the nerve sparing Okabayashi radical hysterectomy

OBJECTIVES: To clarify the anatomy necessary for the nerve sparing Okabayashi's radical hysterectomy, we meticulously separated the blood vessels and connective tissues to preserve the pelvic splanchnic nerve, the hypogastric nerve, and the bladder branch of the inferior hypogastric plexus under magnification (x2.5) during the Okabayashi radical hysterectomy. METHODS: Twenty-four patients (FIGO stage IB, n=22, and stage IIA, n=2) underwent meticulous nerve sparing radical hysterectomy during 2004 to 2006. Postoperative assessment of bladder function consisted of the time to (a) achieve a postvoid residual urine volume (PVR) less than 50 ml, (b) obtain a sensation of bladder fullness, and (c) obtain satisfaction of micturition. RESULTS: Isolation of the deep uterine vein could preserve one of the branches of the pelvic splanchnic nerve. The hypogastric nerve in the lateral rectal wall was isolated to the inferior hypogastric plexus. During the division of the posterior leaf of the vesicouterine ligament (VUL), isolation of the inferior vesical vein could reveal the bladder branch from the inferior hypogastric plexus. Only the uterine branch from the inferior hypogastric plexus was isolated and divided. Then, the T-shaped nerve plane consisting of the hypogastric nerve, the pelvic splanchnic nerve and the bladder branch from the inferior hypogastric plexus is preserved. Urinary functions: (a) 11 out of 24 patients had measured PVR of less than 50 ml by postoperative day (POD) 14 and all patients had achieved this by day 21 (mean POD: 14.64+/-2.04). (b) Twenty-two out of 24 patients reported a sensation of bladder fullness by POD 14 and all by POD 21 (mean POD: 11.25+/-1.78). (c) Seventeen out of 24 patients reported satisfaction of micturition by POD 14 and all by POD 21 (mean POD: 12.34+/-2.32). CONCLUSION: In order to accomplish the nerve sparing Okabayashi's radical hysterectomy, it is necessary to meticulously divide the posterior leaf of the vesicouterine ligament. By the separation of the inferior vesical vein in the posterior leaf of the vesicouterine ligament, the bladder branch from the inferior hypogastric plexus can be identified and preserved. All patients recovered their urinary function completely by POD 21.     

腹腔镜下保留盆腔自主神经广泛性子宫切除术

由于通过腹腔镜可以十分清晰地观察盆腔内的解剖结构,所以更加有利于进行保留盆腔自主神经广泛性子宫切除术,归纳起来腹腔镜下保留盆腔自主神经广泛性子宫切除术的技术要点主要包括5个主要环节：（1）腹主动脉旁淋巴结切除时避免损伤腰内脏神经。（2）骶前淋巴结切除时避免损伤上腹下丛。（3）处理主韧带时避免损伤盆腔内脏神经。（4）切断宫骶韧带时避免损伤腹下神经。（5）处理膀胱宫颈韧带和膀胱阴道韧带时避免损伤下腹下神经。     

Nerve-Sparing Technique during Laparoscopic Radical Hysterectomy: Critical Steps

Study Objective

To show the feasibility and safety of nerve-preserving laparoscopic radical hysterectomy (type C1 Querleu-Morrow Classification [1]) for the treatment of early cervical cancer.

Nerve-preserving sacrocolpopexy: anatomical study and surgical approach

Objective

The aim of our study is to describe the course of the autonomic nerves in the presacral space and to find the best nerve-preserving approach for sacrocolpopexy.

Study design

The autonomic nerves of the presacral space were dissected on six specially preserved female cadavers.

Results

The superior hypogastric plexus is located in front of the abdominal aorta and its bifurcation and deviates to the left of the midsagittal plane. At the level of the promontory, or just below, the superior hypogastric plexus branches into two hypogastric nerves that run in front of the sacrum. In the presacral space the parasympathetic pelvic splanchnic nerves from the ventral rami of the sacral spinal nerves (S2-S3) join the hypogastric nerves, forming the inferior hypogastric plexus on both sides. From the inferior hypogastric plexus, nerve fibres spread out bilaterally to the pelvic organs. In two of the six cadavers sacral splanchnic nerves could be identified leading from the sacral sympathetic ganglion S1 of the sympathetic trunk to the inferior hypogastric plexus.

Conclusion

Longitudinal incision of the peritoneum along the right common iliac artery and above the promontory allows for a safe approach for sacrocolpopexy. After exposing the vascular structure (e.g. medial sacral vessels) above the promontory, the anterior longitudinal ligament becomes visible and can be prepared for the fixation of the mesh for vaginal suspension. By protecting the superior hypogastric plexus and the part of the presacral area below the promontory we can preserve the hypogastric nerves, the sacral and pelvic splanchnic nerves and thus the autonomic innervation of the pelvic organs. Awareness of the course of the autonomic nerves in the presacral space will significantly improve the functional outcome of sacrocolpopexy and reduce bowel, urinary and sexual dysfunctions.     

子宫次广泛/广泛切除手术保留盆腔植物神经对膀胱功能恢复保护作用的初步观察

目的:初步探讨子宫次广泛/广泛切除手术主韧带切除时保留腹下神经和盆腔内脏神经对术后膀胱功能保护作用技术上的可行性。方法:2006年7月3日至2006年8月11日,复旦大学附属肿瘤医院收治子宫颈癌和子宫内膜癌,切除主韧带保留腹下和盆腔内脏神经的病例12例。结果:子宫内膜癌子宫次广泛手术4例,术后3~4天拔除尿管,拔除后即刻自行排尿,无残余尿。6例Ⅰb1~Ⅱa期子宫颈癌患者中5例术后7天拔除尿管;1例患者1周拔除尿管失败,情绪紧张,复置尿管时出尿400ml,1周后成功拔除。2例Ⅱb期子宫颈癌患侧贴盆壁切除主韧带,健康侧保留神经者,分别于术后10天和14天成功拔除尿管。结论:保留盆腔植物神经的子宫主韧带切除手术在子宫次广泛切除手术中易于推广;在广泛性子宫切除术中需要进一步探索;对于Ⅱb期子宫颈癌不主张保留神经。     

Nerve-sparing Surgery for Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis: Laparoscopic Eradication of Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis with Rectal and Parametrial Resection According to the Negrar Method

ObjectiveTo show technical highlights of a nerve-sparing laparoscopic eradication of deep infiltrating endometriosis with rectal and parametrial resection according to the Negrar method.DesignStepwise demonstration of the technique with narrated video footage.SettingTertiary care endometriosis unit. Bowel endometriosis accounts for about 12% of the total cases of endometriosis. Most frequently, rectal infiltration also means parametrial infiltration from the widespread infiltrating disease. Its removal with inadequate anatomical surgical knowledge may lead to severe damage to visceral pelvic innervation, causing bladder, rectal, and sexual function impairments and lasting lifelong. Nerve-sparing techniques, which are the heritage of onco-gynecologic surgery, have been described to have lower post-operative bladder, rectal, and sexual dysfunctions than classical approaches.InterventionsLaparoscopic excision of deep infiltrating endometriosis was performed by following the nerve-sparing Negrar technique in 6 steps: step 0—adhesiolysis, ovarian surgery, and removal of the involved peritoneal tissues; step 1—opening of pre-sacral space, development of avascular spaces, and identification and preservation of pelvic sympathetic fibers of the inferior mesenteric plexus, superior hypogastric plexus, upper hypogastric nerves, and lumbosacral sympathetic trunk and ganglia; step 2—dissection of parametrial planes, isolation of ureteral course, lateral parametrectomy, and preservation of sympathetic fibers of postero-lateral parametrium and lower mesorectum (the lower hypogastric nerves and proximal part of the inferior hypogastric plexus or pelvic plexus); step 3—posterior parametrectomy, deep uterine vein identification, and preservation of the parasympathetic pelvic splanchnic nerves and the cranial and middle part of the mixed inferior hypogastric plexus in caudad posterior parametrium and lower mesorectal planes; step 4—preserving the caudad part of the inferior hypogastric plexus in postero-lateral parametrial ligaments; step 5—preserving the caudad part of the inferior hypogastric plexus in paravaginal planes; and step 6—rectal resection and colorectal anastomosis.ConclusionAs shown in this case, the laparoscopic nerve-sparing complete excision of endometriosis is a feasible and reproducible technique in expert hands and, as reported in the literature, offers good results in terms of bladder morbidity reduction with higher satisfaction than the classical technique.     

A systematic nerve-sparing radical hysterectomy technique in invasive cervical cancer for preserving postsurgical bladder function

The objective of this study is to describe a technique for preserving the autonomic nerve systematically, including the hypogastric nerves, pelvic splanchnic nerves, and pelvic plexus and its vesical branches, based on anatomic considerations for the autonomic nerves innervating the urinary bladder, in radical hysterectomies and to assess postsurgical bladder function. A nerve-sparing radical hysterectomy was carried out on 27 consecutive patients with uterine cervical cancer treated between 2000 and 2002. The FIGO stages of the disease consisted of 10 stage Ib1, 6 stage Ib2, 3 stage IIa, and 8 stage IIb. The nerve-sparing procedure was successfully completed in 22 of the 27 patients (81.5%) in the study. At 1 year after the operation, bladder symptoms were significantly improved in the nerve-sparing group compared to the non-nerve-sparing group. Urinary incontinence and abnormal (diminished) bladder sensation were observed in three of the five patients (two patients had both symptoms), for whom the nerve-sparing procedure could not be performed, but none of the 22 patients for whom the nerve-sparing procedure was performed had incontinence, and only two patients had abnormal (increased) bladder sensation (P= 0.0034 for incontinence and P= 0.030 for abnormal bladder sensation). The patients' survival was not adversely affected by the nerve-sparing procedure. Although it is still preliminary, the surgical technique described in this report is thought to be effective for preserving bladder function, and thus, the quality of life could be improved for patients with cervical cancer who are treated with a radical hysterectomy. For further evaluation of the efficacy of nerve-sparing radical hysterectomy, a prospective randomized trial needs to be performed.     

A simplified technique for nerve-sparing type III radical hysterectomy: by reorganizing their surgical sequence, surgeons could more easily identify key nerves

Nerve-sparing radical hysterectomy was developed in an attempt to minimize complications, including bladder, colorectal, and sexual dysfunction which are associated with disruption of the pelvic autonomic nerves during resection of the parametrium. In this article, the author proposes a simple, effective technique for identification and preservation of the pelvic nerves during type III radical hysterectomy. The essential technical considerations include the sequential approach to parametrial resection, starting from the posterior part, the direct visualization of the main nerve trunks at all sites during parametrial resection, and the avoidance of direct manipulation and unnecessary dissection of the nerves. Operative outcomes of 22 patients with cervical or uterine cancer who underwent type III radical hysterectomy from August 2008 to March 2010 were reviewed. Comparing with the earlier method performed at the author's institution, the present technique was associated with an increased proportion of patients who had a postvoid residual urine volume (PVR) under 50 mL at postoperative day 7 (55% vs 27%) and a shorter median duration before this PVR was reached (7 days vs 9 days). The systematic approach proposed in this article would make the nerve-sparing technique for radical hysterectomy more straightforward and applicable to various settings. A thorough understanding of anatomy and adequate surgical skills are always vital components of successful nerve-sparing radical hysterectomy.     

系统保留盆腔自主神经广泛性子宫切除术中如何辨认神经

目前,系统保留盆腔自主神经广泛性子宫切除术得到了越来越大的推广。手术的关键在于神经的辨认,辨认神经的方法主要有依靠盆腔自主神经周围解剖标志的识别、通过电刺激检测的间接神经辨认以及术中直接借助放大作用和神经监护的神经辨认。     

Pelvic nerve plexus trauma at radical and simple hysterectomy: a quantitative study of nerve types in the uterine supporting ligaments

OBJECTIVE: Using neuropeptide and enzyme markers to autonomic nerves, we sought to demonstrate and quantify the nerve types contained within the uterosacral ligaments (USLs) and cardinal ligaments (CLs) that are divided during radical hysterectomy (RH). METHODS: Cross-sectional biopsies were collected from the lateral third of the USL and the CL in 24 women who had an RH for cervical cancer, and from the uterine insertion of these ligaments in 11 women who had a simple hysterectomy for benign disease. We applied indirect immunofluorescence with FITC-conjugated secondary antibodies, using polyclonal primary antibodies to neuropeptide markers that predominate within somatic and autonomic nerves, to show different populations of the following nerve types within the biopsies: neuropeptide Y (NPY) and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) for sympathetic nerves; vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) for parasympathetic nerves; substance P (SP) for nociceptive and sensory-motor nerves; and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) for sensory and sensory-motor nerves. The percentage area of immunoreactivity (PAI), determined by a computer-assisted image analyzer attached to a fluorescent microscope, was used as an objective quantitative measure of nerve density. Confocal microscopy was used to determine the composition and spatial arrangement of nerve fibers in the ligaments. RESULTS: The PAI was greater for all markers tested in both the USL and CL (P <.001) in RH compared with simple hysterectomy biopsies. For RH specimens, the PAI was greater for the sympathetic, sensory, and sensory-motor nerve markers in the USL compared with the CL (P <.01), but the PAI for VIP was similar (P >.05). Conversely, excluding the large trunks and associated ganglia, the free nerve fiber PAI in the CL was greater than that of the USL for all nerve markers (P <.001). The staining of peripheral autonomic ganglia and associated fibers, for NPY and TH, indicates that some sympathetic nerves are preganglionic with their cell bodies within the pelvic plexus. CONCLUSIONS: Significantly more autonomic nerves are transected in the more lateral division of the uterine supporting ligaments during a radical hysterectomy than during a simple hysterectomy. Sympathetic, parasympathetic, sensory, and sensory-motor nerve types are present within the CL and USL. The proportions of each nerve type differ between the two ligaments, and sympathetic nerves in the USL are the single largest nerve type. The uterine supporting ligaments are a major pathway for autonomic nerves to the pelvic organs.     

Voiding dysfunction after surgical resection of deeply infiltrating endometriosis: pathophysiology and management

Autonomic nerve (sympathic and parasympathic) damage plays a crucial role in the aetiology of bladder dysfunction that occurs after resection of deeply infiltrating endometriosis (uterosacral ligaments, colorectal bowel, rectovaginal wall). This review presents an overview of the pathophysiology and management of voiding dysfunction that occur after this kind of surgery. The rate of significant post-voiding residual volume and/or hypoactive bladder after colorectal resection for endometriosis ranges from 15 to 20%. This rate seems to be higher (up to 30%) after proximal utero-sacral ligaments resection. This is explained by the location of the inferior hypogastric plexus at the proximal portion of the utero-sacral ligaments. Urodynamics investigations show non specific hypoactive bladder and altered uroflowmetry. Concerning treatment, further controlled studies are needed to assess the hypothetical usefulness of parasympathomimetic and prokinetic agents for hypoactive bladder occurring after pelvic autonomic denervation. Neuromodulation is a successful treatment for patients with refractory lower urinary tract dysfunction. However, there is no controlled study that focused on its efficacy in voiding dysfunction after radical pelvic surgery. Overall, the main objective of the treatment is to avoid the complications of post-voiding residue (such as infection) and of abdominal pushing effort (deterioration of perineal tissues). Therefore, self catheterization should be recommended when this postoperative complication occurs. An understanding of the location of the autonomic pelvic network should help prevent iatrogenic injury through the adoption of surgical techniques, such as nerve sparing, that reduce postoperative autonomic dysfunction.     

Autonomic nerve trauma at radical hysterectomy: the nerve content and subtypes within the superficial and deep uterosacral ligaments

The authors previously demonstrated nerve trunks and autonomic ganglia of the hypogastric plexus within the uterosacral ligament (USL) and the cardinal ligaments. The nerve content of these ligaments is greatest closer to the pelvic sidewalls and diminishes toward the insertion of the ligaments into the uterus, with the greater nerve content in the USL. Here the authors determine whether the nerve content of the superficial and deep portion of the USLs, where they are divided at a radical hysterectomy, differ. Biopsies were taken from the right and left superficial and deep USL in 6 patients during radical hysterectomy for early-stage cervical cancer. Indirect immunofluorescence was performed using primary antibodies to (1) the panneuronal marker PGP 9.5, (2) the parasympathetic marker vasoactive intestinal peptide, (3) the sympathetic markers tyrosine hydroxylase and neuropeptide-Y, (4) the sensory and nociceptive nerve marker substance P, and (5) the sensory and sensory-motor nerve marker calcitonin gene-related peptide. The percentage area of immunoreactivity (PAI) was determined using a computer-assisted image analyzer as an objective measure of nerve content. There was a lower nerve content in the superficial USL compared with the deep USL. The PAI of the deep USL was greater than that of the superficial USL for all the nerve markers (P < .05). The PAI was greatest for sympathetic and sensory/nociceptive nerve markers. There were relatively more sympathetic nerve fibers than parasympathetic nerve fibers in the deep USL. These data provide further indirect evidence that pelvic dysfunction following radical hysterectomy is associated with division of the deep portion of the USL.     

Rapport anatomique du ligament utérosacré et du nerf hypogastrique pour la chirurgie des lésions d’endométriose profonde

Endometriosis is a concern for 10 to 15% of women of childbearing age. The uterosacral ligament is the most frequent localization of deep infiltrating endometriosis. Laparoscopic excision of endometriotic nodules may lead to functional consequences due to potential hypogastric nerve lesion. Our aim is to study the anatomical relationship between the hypogastric nerve and the uterosacral ligament in order to reduce the occurrence of such nerve lesions during pelvic surgeries. We based our study on an anatomical and surgical literature review and on the anatomical dissection of a 56-year-old fresh female subject. The hypogastric nerves cross the uterosacral ligament approximately 30 mm from the torus. They go through the pararectal space, 20 mm below the ureter and join the inferior hypogastric plexus at the level of the intersection between the ureter and the posterior wall of the uterine artery, at approximately 20 mm from the torus. No anatomical variation has been described to date in the path of the nerve, but in its presentation which may be polymorphous. Laparoscopy and robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery facilitate the pelvic nerves visualization and are the best approach for uterosacral endometriotic nodule nerve-sparing excision. Precise knowledge by the surgeon of the anatomical relationship between the hypogastric nerve and the uterosacral ligament is essential in order to decrease the risk of complication and postoperative morbidity for patient surgically treated for deep infiltrating endometriosis involving uterosacral ligament.     

女性盆腔淋巴结的分布特点及其临床意义

淋巴转移是宫颈癌转移的重要途径。传统的子宫根治术因术中易损伤宫颈支持韧带内走行的盆腔自主神经,常引起较多的术后并发症,严重影响患者的生活质量。为避免术中损伤盆腔自主神经,目前多主张对早期宫颈癌施行保留盆底自主神经的子宫根治术,但这一术式在保留盆腔自主神经时是否会遗留一些宫旁淋巴结,进而影响其预后仍不十分明确。综述盆腔淋巴结及宫旁淋巴结的分布特点及其临床意义,为早期宫颈癌手术治疗方式的选择提供参考。     

Fertility- and Nerve-sparing Laparoscopic Eradication of Deep Endometriosis with Total Posterior Compartment Peritonectomy: The Kurashiki Method

ObjectiveTo show technical highlights of a nerve-sparing laparoscopic eradication of deep endometriosis (DE) with posterior compartment peritonectomy.DesignDemonstration of the technique with narrated video footage.SettingAn urban general hospital. A systematic review and meta-analysis has suggested significant advantages of the nerve-sparing technique when considering the relative risk of persistent urinary retention in the treatment of DE [1]. In addition, a recent article has suggested that complete excision of DE with posterior compartment peritonectomy could be the surgical treatment of choice to decrease postoperative pain, improve fertility rate, and prevent future recurrence [2]. However, in DE, nerve-sparing procedures are even more challenging than oncologic radical procedures because the pathology resembles both ovarian/rectal cancer in terms of visceral involvement and advanced cervical cancer in terms of wide parametrial infiltration through the pelvic wall.InterventionsThe video highlights the anatomic and technical aspects of a fertility- and nerve-sparing surgery in DE with posterior compartment peritonectomy. After adhesiolysis and ovarian surgery, we developed retroperitoneal space at the level of promontory. The hypogastric nerve consists of the upper edge of the pelvic plexus, therefore the autonomic nerves were separated in a “nerve plane” by sharp interfascial dissection of the loose connective tissue layers both above (between the fascia propria of the rectum and the prehypogastric nerve fascia) and below (between the prehypogastric nerve fascia and the presacral fascia) the hypogastric nerve [3,4]. As a result of these dissections, the autonomic nerves in the pelvis were separated like a sheet with surrounding fascia. We then completely resected all DE lesions including peritoneal endometriosis while avoiding injury to the nerve plane. In a small number of our experiences, none of the patients (n = 51) required clean intermittent self-catheterization after this procedure.ConclusionFertility- and nerve-sparing laparoscopic eradication of DE with total posterior compartment peritonectomy is a feasible technique and may provide both curability of DE and functional preservation. Our nerve-sparing technique can reproducibly simplify this complex procedure.     

Preservation of pelvic nerve plexus during radical hysterectomy]

Preservation of the pelvic nerve plexus at the sites of uterosacral and cardinal ligaments was practiced during radical hysterectomy in 104 cases of cervical cancer (study group). Conventional radical hysterectomy without preservation of nerve plexus was performed in 100 cases (control group). The amount of residual urine was measured postoperatively to evaluate the recovery of function of urination. The average time of recovery of normal urination was 18.25 +/- 1.93 days for the study group and 24.05 +/- 1.68 days for the control group (P less than 0.01). There was no difference of 5- and 10-year survival rates between these two groups (P greater than 0.05).     

Identification and preservation of the motoric innervation of the bladder in radical hysterectomy type III

OBJECTIVE: To decrease postoperative morbidity associated with radical hysterectomy Rutledge type III, we identified the parasympathetic innervation of the bladder in the cardinal ligament. METHODS: During laparoscopic dissection of the cardinal ligament, we used 7x magnification on 38 consecutive patients with cervical cancer stages IB1 to IIIA with high risk for parametrial involvement when we performed laparoscopy-assisted radical vaginal hysterectomy type III between August 1997 and January 1999. RESULTS: The middle rectal artery was identified as a landmark separating the vascular from the neural part of the cardinal ligament. The neural part was shown to contain the splanchnic pelvic nerves which anastomose with the pelvic plexus. Following preservation of these neural structures all patients were able to void their bladder spontaneously. Following nerve-sparing technique, patients regained bladder function significantly quicker compared with a control group (n = 28) in which the neural part of the cardinal ligament had not been preserved: suprapubic drainage 11.2 days versus 21.4 days (P = 0.0007). CONCLUSION: Using the middle rectal artery as a landmark the neural part of the cardinal ligament can be preserved, resulting in preservation of the motor function of the bladder.