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Pudendal neuralgia (PN) is a complex disease with various clinical characteristics, and there is no treatment showing definite effectiveness. This study is aimed at evaluating the clinical efficacy of ultrasound-guided high-voltage long-duration pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) for PN. Two cadavers (one male, one female) were dissected to provide evidence for localization of the pudendal nerve. Patients diagnosed as PN who failed or were intolerant in regular medication were screened for diagnostic local anesthesia block of the pudendal nerve before recruitment. Twenty PN patients were enrolled in this study. In the PRF procedure, the needle tip was inserted medially into the internal pudendal artery under ultrasound guidance. The position of the PRF needle tip was then adjusted by the response of the pudendal nerve to the electrical stimulation within the pudendal area (42°C, a series of 2 Hz, and 20 ms width pulses that lasted for 900 s). Alleviation of pain was assessed by the visual analogue scale (VAS) and sitting time pretreatment and on 7 d, 14 d, 1 m, 2 m, 3 m, and 6 m posttreatment in outpatient follow-up or by telephone interview. Two patients were lost due to intervention-irrelevant reasons. Patients showed significantly decreased VAS scores on 7 d after RFP, compared with pretreatment status (7.0 ± 0.9 vs. 3.2 ± 1.7 , P < 0.001). The efficacy remained steady till the end of 6 months, with a final remission rate of 88.9%. Sitting time also significantly lengthened following PRF (7 d, 14 d, 1 m, 2 m, 3 m, and 6 m vs. pretreatment, all P < 0.05). Only short-term ipsilateral involuntary convulsion of the lower extremity was reported in one patient, who recovered within 12 h. Six patients were treated with nonsteroidal drugs for a short time. All patients stopped taking medication finally. In conclusion, the ultrasound-guided high-voltage long-duration PRF approach not only reduced the pelvic pain caused by PN but also improved the quality of life by extending sitting time without nerve injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Surgical management of non-suppurative perianal conditions are associated with intense pain in the postoperative period. Day case surgeries are often not possible for such conditions due to the need for post operative analgesia. The addition of pudendal nerve block lessens the post operative pain and hence avoids the need for opioids and its side effects. Aim: To assess the effectiveness of Pudendal nerve block in post -operative pain following perianal surgery for non suppurative conditions. Methods and material: Prospective cohort study. Patients undergoing surgical modality for anal fissures and hemorrhoids are divided into two groups. Group A receives pudendal nerve block (local infiltration) along with Spinal anaesthesia. Group B receives only Spinal anaesthesia. Post-operative pain (visual analog score) was analyzed and results compared. Results: It was found that there was a statistically significant association between being given pudendal nerve block and the need for analgesics post operatively. Conclusion: Pudendal block with local infiltration, if properly administered has excellent results with regard to patient's pain tolerance, postoperative outcome and probable cost effectiveness. We conclude that the addition of pudendal nerve block with spinal anesthesia for non-suppurative anal conditions reduces the post operative pain and avoids the need for opioids and its side effects. It is safe and effective and it lessens the duration of hospital stay there by providing the patient with less stress of staying in the hospital for longer periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Entrapment neuropathy of the sciatic nerve and pudendal nerve are painful syndromes that are often overlooked by physicians. Laparoscopic surgical interventions for nerve entrapment syndromes of the posterior pelvis focus on removing the compression lesion with the purpose of eliminating the suspected cause of sciatica, as well as pudendal neuralgia. Herein, the authors report the rare event of sciatic and pudendal nerve entrapment, which was caused by aberrant vessels and a variant piriformis muscle bundle, as a seldom-diagnosed cause of sciatica and pelvic pain, for both neurosurgeons and neuropelveologists. The authors present the laparoscopic decompression technique for the pudendal and sciatic nerves by giving our technical "tips and tricks" enriched by a surgical video. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The innervation of the pelvic limbs of the Van cat is investigated in this research. The origins of the nerves, the innervated muscles and nerve diameters were shown in a table. Five cat cadavers were used in the study. The pudendal nerve originated from the S1-S2 spinal nerves. The femoral nerve consisted of the ventral branches of the 5th and 6th lumbar nerves in 4 cats The ischiatic nerve was composed of the 6th and 7th lumbar (L6-L7) and S1 spinal nerves in all cadavers. The ischiatic nerve was the thickest branch of sacral plexus (the average diameter on the right side was 3.31 ± 0.27 mm and the average diameter on the left side was 3.28 ± 0.29 mm). The lumbosacral plexus was formed by the ventral branches of the L4-S3 spinal nerves. N.genitofemoralis consisted of only the ventral branches of L4 in all cadavers. N. femoralis did not give rise to a branch to the m. iliopsoas. N.plantaris lateralis was found to give a branch to the 3th finger. The quadriceps femoris muscles did not take any branches from either the ischiadicus nerve or the pudendal nerve. The obturator nerve did not receive any branches from the L4 spinal nerves. There was no branch to the skin from the caudal gluteal nerve. The thinnest nerve was the pudendal nerve. Due to the scarcity of studies on the lumbosacral plexus of cats, it is thought that this study will complete a gap in the field of veterinary anatomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This systematic review aims to provide an overview of the diagnostic methods, preventive strategies, and therapeutic approaches for cyclists suffering from pudendal neuropathy. The study defines a guide in delineating a diagnostic and therapeutic protocol using the best current strategies. Pubmed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and Scopus Web of Science were searched for the terms: “Bicycling” OR “Bike” OR “Cyclists” AND “Neuropathy” OR “Pudendal Nerve” OR “Pudendal Neuralgia” OR “Perineum”. The database search identified 14,602 articles. After the titles and abstracts were screened, two independent reviewers analyzed 41 full texts. A total of 15 articles were considered eligible for inclusion. Methodology and results of the study were critically appraised in conformity with PRISMA guidelines and PICOS criteria. Fifteen articles were included in the systematic review and were used to describe the main methods used for measuring the severity of pudendal neuropathy and the preventive and therapeutic strategies for nerve impairment. Future research should determine the validity and the effectiveness of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, their cost-effectiveness, and the adherences of the sportsmen to the treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diagnostics of chronic pelvic pain is a complex interdisciplinary problem. It requires a thorough and detailed clinical examination involving clinicians of various specialties. Neuropathic pain in the structure of chronic pelvic pain is present in 1/3 of patients, which call the need for a close cooperation between the urologist and neurologist at all the stages of the management of these patients. The presented clinical analysis demonstrates an algorithm for such an interdisciplinary interaction, which provides a care for a patient with this complex and debilitating pathology.

Aim Restoration of bladder and bowel continence after pudendal nerve anastomosis has been shown successfully in animal models and may be applicable in humans. Aim of this cadaveric study was to assess feasibility of pudendal nerve neurotization using motor fascicles from sciatic nerve. Methods Pudendal and sciatic nerves were exposed via gluteal approach in 5 human cadavers (10 sites). Size of pudendal and sciatic nerves and the distance between two nerves was measured. Results There were four male and one female cadavers. Mean age was 62 (range, 50–70) years. Mean pudendal nerve diameter was 2.94 mm (right side) and 2.82 mm (left side). Mean sciatic nerve diameter was 11.2 mm (right side) and 14.2 mm (left side). The distance between two nerves was 23.4 mm on both sides. Conclusion Transfer of the motor fascicles from sciatic nerve to pudendal nerve to restore the bladder and bowel continence is feasible.

The purpose of this study is to determine whether superficial peroneal nerve stimulation (SPNS) can reverse persistent bladder underactivity induced by prolonged pudendal nerve stimulation (PNS). In 16 α-chloralose-anesthetized cats, PNS and SPNS were applied by nerve cuff electrodes. Skin surface electrodes were also used for SPNS. Bladder underactivity consisting of a significant increase in bladder capacity to 157.8 ± 10.9% of control and a significant reduction in bladder contraction amplitude to 56.0 ± 5.0% of control was induced by repetitive (4-16 times) application of 30-min PNS. SPNS (1 Hz, 0.2 ms) at 1.5-2 times threshold intensity (T) for inducing posterior thigh muscle contractions was applied either continuously (SPNSc) or intermittently (SPNSi) during a cystometrogram (CMG) to determine whether the stimulation can reverse the PNS-induced bladder underactivity. SPNSc or SPNSi applied by nerve cuff electrodes during the prolonged PNS inhibition significantly reduced bladder capacity to 124.4 ± 10.7% and 132.4 ± 14.2% of control, respectively, and increased contraction amplitude to 85.3 ± 6.2% and 75.8 ± 4.7%, respectively. Transcutaneous SPNSc and SPNSi also significantly reduced bladder capacity and increased contraction amplitude. Additional PNS applied during the bladder underactivity further increased bladder capacity, whereas SPNSc applied simultaneously with the PNS reversed the increase in bladder capacity. This study indicates that a noninvasive superficial peroneal neuromodulation therapy might be developed to treat bladder underactivity caused by abnormal pudendal nerve somatic afferent activation that is hypothesized to occur in patients with Fowler's syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Motor deficits affecting anal sphincter control can severely impair quality of life. Peripheral nerve transfer has been proposed as an option to reestablish anal sphincter motor function. We assessed, in human cadavers, the anatomical feasibility of nerve transfer from a motor branch of the tibialis portion of the sciatic nerve to two distinct points on pudendal nerve (PN), through transgluteal access, as a potential approach to reestablish anal sphincter function. Methods: We dissected 24 formalinized specimens of the gluteal region and posterior proximal third of the thigh. We characterized the motor fascicle (donor nerve) from the sciatic nerve to the long head of the biceps femoris muscle and the PN (recipient nerve), and measured nerve lengths required for direct coaptation from the donor nerve to the recipient in both the gluteal region (proximal) and perineal cavity (distal). Results: We identified three anatomical variations of the donor nerve as well as three distinct branching patterns of the recipient nerve from the piriformis muscle to the pudendal canal region. Donor nerve lengths (proximal and distal) were satisfactory for direct coaptation in all cases. Conclusions: Transfer of a motor fascicle of the sciatic nerve to the PN is anatomically feasible without nerve grafts. Donor nerve length was sufficient and donor nerve functionally compatible (motor). Anatomical variations in the PN could also be accommodated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Design: Narrative review with a case illustration. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the pathogenesis and outcome of therapy for walking-evoked erection in patients with lumbar degenerative diseases. Overview of Literature: Cauda equina compression due to lumbar degenerative diseases rarely cause a walking-evoked erection; however, no review has been undertaken of walking-evoked erection in patients with lumbar degenerative diseases. Methods: A total of 1,570 male patients with lumbar degenerative diseases, who underwent surgery between April 2003 and June 2017, were evaluated; from these patients, participants with walking-evoked erection were selected. Preoperative clinical data of walking-evoked erection, paresthesia, and bladder and bowel function were assessed. In our study, the neurological status and the erectile function of each participant were retrospectively evaluated before and after surgery using the Japanese Orthopedic Association score and the Overactive Bladder Symptom Score. Results: Among the 1,570 male patients screened in our department, eight patients (0.51%, 8/1,570) presented with walking-evoked erection accompanied by cauda equina symptoms. In six of the patients, the erectile symptoms were associated with paresthesia in the genitalia or perianal region. Of the six patients evaluated for bladder dysfunction, all were diagnosed with prostatic hyperplasia, while four were diagnosed with an overactive bladder. In all patients, walking-evoked erection disappeared entirely after surgery. Conclusions: This study comprises the first review of walking-evoked erection in patients with lumbar degenerative diseases. We speculate that sensory input, such as paresthesia in the genitalia or perianal region stimulates the pelvic or perineal nerves through the pudendal nerve and induces reflexogenic erections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pelvic entrapment neuropathies represent a group of chronic pain syndromes that significantly impede the quality of life. Peripheral nerve entrapment occurs at specific anatomic locations. There are several causes of pelvic entrapment neuropathies, such as intrinsic nerve abnormality or inflammation with scarring of surrounding tissues, and surgical interventions in the abdomen, pelvis and the lower limbs. Entrapment neuropathies in the pelvic region are not widely recognized, and still tend to be underdiagnosed due to numerous differential diagnoses with overlapping symptoms. However, it is important that entrapment neuropathies are correctly diagnosed, as they can be successfully treated. The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve, ischiadic nerve, genitofemoral nerve, pudendal nerve, ilioinguinal nerve and obturator nerve are the nerves most frequently causing entrapment neuropathies in the pelvic region. Understanding the anatomy as well as nerve motor and sensory functions is essential in recognizing and locating nerve entrapment. The cornerstone of the diagnostic work-up is careful physical examination. Different imaging modalities play an important role in the diagnostic process. Ultrasound is a key modality in the diagnostic work-up of pelvic entraptment neuropathies, and its use has become increasingly widespread in therapeutic procedures. In the article, the authors describe the background of pelvic entrapment neuropathies with special focus on ultrasound-guided injections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of laparoscopic transperitoneal pudendal decompression in the improvement of refractory lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in young males presenting with clinical features of pudendal nerve entrapment with no known comorbidities that could explain their LUTS. Methods: This is a prospective pilot study involving patients suffering from LUTS refractory to standard treatment and clinical features of pudendal nerve entrapment on physical examination. They underwent laparoscopic transperitoneal pudendal decompression. International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and maximal flow (Qmax) on uroflowmetry were evaluated before and 3 months after the procedure. Results: Five male patients aged 34 ± 4 years were recruited. The median IPSS differed significantly before and 3 months after the procedure (18 vs 8, P =.042); likewise, median Qmax differed significantly before and 3 months after the procedure (12 vs 18 mL/s, P =.042). Conclusion: Pudendal nerve entrapment syndrome should be considered as a main differential diagnosis for refractory LUTS in young males with no other comorbidities. When clinical features of pudendal nerve entrapment are present, laparoscopic transperitoneal pudendal decompression relieves LUTS in these young males. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Based on the recent advancements in cell therapy techniques, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of transurethral injection of autologous adipose‐derived stem cells, muscle‐derived stem cells, and co‐cultured cells for the rehabilitation of stress urinary incontinence rat models. We hypothesized that the utilization of co‐cultured stem cells could result in enhanced therapeutic outcomes attributed to their more comprehensive environment of paracrine factors and cytokines. Methods: We performed bilateral pudendal nerve transection surgeries to simulate urinary incontinence in 25 female Wistar rats and employed urodynamic evaluations to confirm the injury. We autologously isolated and cultured adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells, muscle‐derived stem cells, and a mixed culture of the two types, which we subsequently injected into the urethral lumen of the damaged animals. Three weeks after the injection, urodynamic assays, histological staining, and immunohistochemical evaluations were performed to determine the efficacy of the implanted cell cultures in sphincter function improvements or structural modifications. Results: Histological evaluations suggested a regenerative process in the muscular layer of the external sphincter 3 weeks after the injection. Also, immunohistochemical analysis revealed a thickened periurethral striated muscle layer in the co‐cultured group. Postinjection urodynamic analysis indicated that the urethral pressure profile significantly increased in the co‐cultured group compared with other groups. Conclusions: The outcomes of this investigation indicated that the application of co‐cultured adipose‐derived and muscle‐derived stem cells could be associated with higher therapeutic value in stress urinary incontinence patients compared with singular‐cell treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Femoral shaft fractures are usually treated with nailing using a traction table and a perineal post, but this may occasionally result in various groin-related complications, including pudendal nerve neurapraxia. Although most of them are transient, complication rates of up to 26% are reported. Recently, postless distraction technique has been described for elective hip arthroscopy. In this study we compared post and postless distraction technique in femoral shaft fracture nailing in terms of (1) quality of reduction, (2) outcome, and (3) complications.Methods: We reviewed 50 patients treated with postless distraction nailing technique for femoral shaft fractures and compared them with our historical case series (95 patients). The following data were collected for all patients: age, gender, weight, height, diagnoses (fractures were classified according to the 2018 revision of AO classification), type and size of nail surgical timing, Trendelenburg angles during surgery, quality of reduction according to Baumgaertner and Thoresen classifications, Modified Harris Hip Scores at 6 months, and perineal complications.Results: Median age was 53 years, and median weight was 70 kg (range 50-103 kg). We found no significant difference in terms of quality of reduction (72 versus 74% "excellent" reduction for subtrochanteric fractures, while 81 versus 79% "excellent" reduction for femoral shaft fractures) and functional outcomes (Modified Harris Hip Score 74 versus 79). One patient in the control group had a failure of the fixation, and one patient in the postless group had a deep infection. Two patients in the control group reported pudendal nerve neurapraxia for 4 months, while none reported complication linked to the postless technique.Conclusions: Our results using the postless distraction technique show a sufficient distraction to allow reduction and internal fixation of the femoral fracture with a standard femoral nail.Level Of Evidence: IV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Both detrusor underactivity (DU) and bladder outlet obstruction are the common causes of chronic urinary retention. Some novel treatment approaches focus on modulating micturition reflex and external urethral sphincter (EUS) function. This study used electrophysiologic (EP) studies to investigate the micturition reflex and EUS conditions of chronic urinary retention patients. Methods: Sixty patients with urodynamic DU and chronic urinary retention were studied using (1) bulbocavernous reflex (BCR) by electric stimulation, (2) electromyography (EMG) of the EUS, and (3) nerve conduction velocity (NCV) studies of the pudendal nerve. The EP findings were analyzed in DU patients with different etiologies. Results: The BCR was positive in 41.7% of patients. In EMG studies, denervation, reinnervation, and reduced recruitment of the EUS were observed in 21.7%, 71.7%, and 88.3% patients, respectively. Decreased amplitude of pudendal nerve conduction in NCV studies was noted in 73.3% of patients. Patients with sacral neuropathy had a lower BCR positive rate (p = 0.001), a nonsignificant but higher denervation rate (p = 0.059) in EMG studies, and a higher rate of decreased amplitude in NCV (p = 0.011) than those without sacral neuropathy. Excluding patients with sacral neuropathy or diabetes mellitus, a high percentage of neurologic deficits was still detected in EP studies. Conclusions: Chronic urinary retention patients with urodynamic DU not only have bladder dysfunction, but also potential neuropathy in the sacral reflexes, pudendal nerve, or urethral sphincter innervation. The neurologic deficits explored in EP studies may affect the decision‐making around the therapy to restore the voiding function in DU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To continue extending our ability to explain the link between pathology and behavioral LUT changes and theorize about new therapy before physically testing it we need stronger mathematical models of the full scope of LUT behavior. In Dr. Petros's comment[1] on our review of mathematical models of the LUT,[2] he challenges our claim that current models lack sufficient predictive utility, and describes his work developing the Integral Theory (IT) of LUT function[3] as a counterexample. Our argument for deficits in neural LUT control models are likewise that they are weakly integrated into larger efforts that include biomechanics or other LUT components. [Extracted from the article]

Electrical stimulation of peripheral nerves by implanted electrodes is an effective treatment for certain pelvic floor diseases. As well as intravesical electrical stimulation, this predominantly includes stimulation of the sacral nerve, tibial nerve, and pudendal nerve. The pudendal nerve is one of the main nerves that stimulate pelvic floor muscles, external urethral meatus, and the anal sphincter and pelvic organs, and it may have effects on frequent urination, urgency, dysuria, and perineal pain. It is difficult to locate because of its anatomical course, however, leading to difficulties fixing the electrode, which increases the difficulty of pudendal nerve electrical stimulation in clinical practice. In the current study 3D printed navigation was used to solve these problems. Combined with autopsy data and patient pelvic and nerve data, a personalized design was generated. Neural modulation of the pudendal nerve was achieved by implanting the lead with the guidance of 3D printed navigation. 3D printed navigation can maximize the phase II conversion rate, reduce the difficulty of surgery, shorten the operation time, reduce damage to additional organs and blood vessels, and increase the accuracy of electrode implantation, and it can be performed while the patient is awake. It is an accurate, reversible, efficient, and minimally invasive surgery.

Electrical stimulation of peripheral nerves by implanted electrodes is an effective treatment for certain pelvic floor diseases. As well as intravesical electrical stimulation, this predominantly includes stimulation of the sacral nerve, tibial nerve, and pudendal nerve. The pudendal nerve is one of the main nerves that stimulate pelvic floor muscles, external urethral meatus, and the anal sphincter and pelvic organs, and it may have effects on frequent urination, urgency, dysuria, and perineal pain. It is difficult to locate because of its anatomical course, however, leading to difficulties fixing the electrode, which increases the difficulty of pudendal nerve electrical stimulation in clinical practice. In the current study 3D printed navigation was used to solve these problems. Combined with autopsy data and patient pelvic and nerve data, a personalized design was generated. Neural modulation of the pudendal nerve was achieved by implanting the lead with the guidance of 3D printed navigation. 3D printed navigation can maximize the phase II conversion rate, reduce the difficulty of surgery, shorten the operation time, reduce damage to additional organs and blood vessels, and increase the accuracy of electrode implantation, and it can be performed while the patient is awake. It is an accurate, reversible, efficient, and minimally invasive surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In conus medullaris and cauda equina surgery, identification of the sacral nerve roots may be uncertain in spite of their anatomical/radiological landmarks. Mapping the sacral roots by recording the muscular responses to their stimulation may benefit from EMG recording of the External Anal sphincter (EAS) in addition to the main muscular groups of the lower limbs. Method: In a consecutive series of 27 lumbosacral dorsal rhizotomy (DRh), authors carried out a prospective study on the reliability of the EMG recording of the EAS for identification of the S1 and S2 sacral roots. Results: An EAS-response was recorded in all the 27 (bilaterally) explored individuals, testifying good sensitivity and selectivity of the method. EAS-responses were obtained in 96.3% of the 54 stimulated sides of the S2 root versus in only 16.66% for the S1 root, so that an absence of response would indicate S1 rather than S2 level. Furthermore, comparison between myotomal distribution of the S1 and S2 roots showed a significant difference (p < 0.00001), so that myotomal profile may help to identify root level. Conclusions: EMG recording of the EAS can be recommended for current intraoperative neuromonitoring. This simple method also provides—indirectly by extrapolation—information on the sacral motor pathways of the external urethral sphincter (EUS), as the later has the same somatic innervation via the pudendal nerve and related S2, S3, and S4 roots. Method can be helpful not only for DRh, of all varieties, but also for spine surgery, correction of dysraphisms, lipomas and/or tethered cord, and tumor resection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In this study, we proposed a combined outpatient treatment modality for hemorrhoidal disease. Methods: This study was a prospective non-inferiority randomized controlled trial (RCT). The experimental group included the dearterialization and hemorrhoidopexy under pudendal nerve block, whereas the comparator consisted of the standard Doppler guided hemorrhoidal artery ligation and hemorrhoidopexy, under spinal anesthesia. As primary hypothesis, we considered the non-inferiority of the proposed modality in terms of the presenting symptom remission rate (non-inferiority margin: 10%). Randomization was based on a 1:1 ratio. Blinding was confined to the patient and the investigator. Results: Overall, 60 patients were enrolled. The primary hypothesis of this RCT (96.7% vs 73.3%) was validated. The experimental group was associated with a lower operation duration and an expedited onset of mobilization and feeding. Moreover, a favorable profile regarding short-term morbidity and analgesia was identified. The control group displayed a higher pile recurrence rate and a suboptimal patient satisfaction. A significant effect of the treatment modality in most of the SF-36 components was confirmed. Conclusions: The proposed treatment modality was associated with favorable short and long-term outcomes. Due to specific limitations, further RCTs, with a larger sample size, are required. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03298997. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: Fecal incontinence (FI) is a prevalent condition among community-dwelling women, and has a major impact on quality of life (QoL). Research on treatments commonly used in clinical practice--Kegel exercises, biofeedback, electrostimulation, and transcutaneous neuromodulation--give discordant results and some lack methodological rigor, making scientific evidence weak. The aim is to assess the clinical efficacy of these 4 treatments on community-dwelling women with FI and their impact on severity, QoL and anorectal physiology. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted on 150 females with FI assessed with anorectal manometry and endoanal ultrasonography, and pudendal nerve terminal motor latency, anal/rectal sensory-evoked-potentials, clinical severity, and QoL were determined. Patients were randomly assigned to one of the following groups: Kegel (control), biofeedback + Kegel, electrostimulation + Kegel, and neuromodulation + Kegel, treated for 3 months and re-evaluated, then followed up after 6 months. Results: Mean age was 61.09 ± 12.17. Severity of FI and QoL was significantly improved in a similar way after all treatments. The effect on physiology was treatment-specific: Kegel and electrostimulation + Kegel, increased resting pressure (P < 0.05). Squeeze pressures strongly augmented with biofeedback + Kegel, electrostimulation + Kegel and neuromodulation + Kegel (P < 0.01). Endurance of squeeze increased in biofeedback + Kegel and electrostimulation + Kegel (P < 0.01). Rectal perception threshold was reduced in the biofeedback + Kegel, electrostimulation + Kegel, and neuromodulation + Kegel (P < 0.05); anal sensory-evoked-potentials latency shortened in patients with electrostimulation + Kegel (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The treatments for FI assessed have a strong and similar efficacy on severity and QoL but affect specific pathophysiological mechanisms. This therapeutic specificity can help to develop more efficient multimodal algorithm treatments for FI based on pathophysiological phenotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of pudendal nerve stimulation (PNS) on reflex bladder activity and develop an animal model of underactive bladder (UAB). In six anesthetized cats, a bladder catheter was inserted via the urethra to infuse saline and measure pressure. A cuff electrode was implanted on the pudendal nerve. After determination of the threshold intensity (T) for PNS to induce an anal twitch, PNS (5 Hz, 0.2 ms, 2 T or 4 T) was applied during cystometrograms (CMGs). PNS (4-6 T) of 30-min duration was then applied repeatedly until bladder underactivity was produced. Following stimulation, control CMGs were performed over 1.5-2 h to determine the duration of bladder underactivity. When applied during CMGs, PNS (2 T and 4 T) significantly (P < 0.05) increased bladder capacity while PNS at 4 T also significantly (P < 0.05) reduced bladder contraction amplitude, duration, and area under contraction curve. Repeated application of 30-min PNS for a cumulative period of 3-8 h produced bladder underactivity exhibiting a significantly (P < 0.05) increased bladder capacity (173 ± 14% of control) and a significantly (P < 0.05) reduced contraction amplitude (50 ± 7% of control). The bladder underactivity lasted more than 1.5-2 h after termination of the prolonged PNS. These results provide basic science evidence supporting the proposal that abnormal afferent activity from external urethral/anal sphincter could produce central inhibition that underlies nonobstructive urinary retention (NOUR) in Fowler's syndrome. This cat model of UAB may be useful to investigate the mechanism by which sacral neuromodulation reverses NOUR in Fowler's syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Female urinary incontinence mainly relates to damage of female urethra supporting structures, while its anatomy and function specially in which the connective tissue part are still unclear and controversial. We study it based on 4 thin-sectional, high-resolution, transverse sectional anatomical images [Chinese Visible Human (CVH) images] and 10 high-resolution MRI images from volunteers. The female urethral supporting structures and its adjacent structures were segmented and three-dimensional (3D) reconstructed with Amira software. The urethral supporting structures include muscular and connective tissue supporting structures. Muscular supporting structures are composed of levator ani muslce and striated urethral sphincter, the connective tissue supporting structures are composed of anterior vaginal wall, pubovesical muscle, pubovesical ligament, lateral vesical ligament, and tendinous arch of pelvic fascia (TAPF). The anterior vaginal wall includes tight and loose connections between urethral, bladder, and vagina. The lateral vesical ligament connects the proximal part of the urethra to the TAPF. The pubovesical muscle is crescent shaped and continues with the detrusor of the bladder superior and directly connects the TAPF laterally. The TAPF is an obvious fibrous structure that originates at the middle-posterior surface of the pubis, travels onto the parietal pelvic fascia, and inserts posteriorly onto the ischial spine. The anterior vaginal wall, the pubovesical muscle, the lateral vesical ligament, and the TAPF create the "hammock" structure and supplement DeLancey's theory. Its support to the proximal urethra and neck of bladder is crucial to maintain stability and urinary continence during increased abdominal pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic pain syndrome is a serious postoperative complication. In our practice, we have discovered a certain percent of neuralgia of the pudendal nerve in vaginal surgery – more precisely in Bartholin’s cyst removal. As a highly efficient countermeasure, we propose a nerve block of the pudendal nerve. We have performed a retrospective study of patients who underwent a Bartholin’s cyst removal in the span of 1 year from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019. All of the patients included were diagnosed with chronic pain in the area innervated from the pudendal nerve. In all of the patients, a pudendal nerve block with local anesthetic was performed under the guidance of ultrasound. A total of 11 patients were included in the study. There was a time interval between the Bartholin’s cyst removal surgery and the performance of the nerve block. All patients expressed moderate pain before the procedure. In only 1 case a repeat of the nerve block was imposed. There were no short- or long-term complications of any kind. The patients have been followed up for the duration of 1 year and 100% have been reported. Accurate and precise pain assessment is vital for the diagnosing and subsequent treatment of the chronic pain syndrome. There are many ways of treating the syndrome, both conventional (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, opioids, topical analgesics, and adjuvant analgesics) and unconventional. Chronic pain syndrome is an important multilayered problem that requires individual approach. The nerve block of the pudendal nerve is a highly efficient method of coping with that disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pudendal neuralgia is a chronic and debilitating condition. Its prevalence ranges from 5 to 26%. Currently, therapeutic approaches to treat pudendal neuralgia include patient education, medication management, psychological and physical therapy, and procedural interventions, such as nerve block, trigger point injections, and surgery. Drug therapy has a limited effect on pain relief. A pudendal nerve block may cause a significant decrease in pain scores for a short time; however, its efficacy significantly decreases over time. In contrast, pudendal nerve pulsed radiofrequency can provide pain relief for 3 months, and ganglion impar block has been widely used for treating chronic perineal pain and chronic coccygodynia. This study aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of monotherapy (pudendal nerve pulsed radiofrequency) and combination therapy (pudendal nerve pulsed radiofrequency plus ganglion impar block) in patients with pudendal neuralgia., Methods: This randomized, controlled clinical trial will include 84 patients with pudendal neuralgia who failed to respond to drug or physical therapy. Patients will be randomly assigned into one of the two groups: mono or combined treatment groups. The primary outcome will be a change in pain intensity measured using the visual analog scale. The secondary outcomes will include a Self-Rating Anxiety Scale score, Self-Rating Depression Scale score, the use of oral analgesics, the Medical Outcomes Study Health Survey Short Form-36 Item score, and the occurrence of adverse effects. The study results will be analyzed using intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses. Primary and secondary outcomes will be evaluated between the mono and combined treatment groups. Subgroup analyses will be conducted based on the initial ailment, age, and baseline pain intensity. The safety of the treatment will be assessed by monitoring adverse events, which will be compared between the two groups., Discussion: This study protocol describes a randomized, controlled clinical trial to determine the efficacy and safety of mono and combination therapies in patients with pudendal neuralgia. The study results will provide valuable information on the potential benefits of this combination therapy and contribute to the development of more effective and safer treatments for patients with pudendal neuralgia., Trial Registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2200061800)., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Background: Surgeons vary in their approach to preventing pain post rubber band ligation (RBL) of haemorrhoids, with pudendal nerve blocks (PNB) being one analgesic strategy. No data exists on how commonly PNBs are used in RBL in Australia, and whether use varies by year and patient and hospital characteristics., Methods: Aggregate data from the National Hospital Morbidity Database was obtained for all admissions for RBL in Australia from 2012 to 2021, with and without a PNB, overall and in relation to sex, age group, hospital remoteness, hospital sector, and year of procedure. Adjusted relative risks (adj. RR) of PNB were estimated using Poisson regression, mutually adjusting for all variables., Results: Of the 346 542 admissions for RBL, 14013 (4.04%) involved a PNB. The proportion of patients receiving a PNB increased between 2012-2013 and 2020-2021, from 1.62% to 6.63% (adj. RR 3.99, CI 3.64-4.36). Patients most likely to receive a PNB were female (adj. RR 1.10; CI 1.07-1.14) aged 25-34 years (adj. RR 1.13; CI 1.01-1.26); in major-city (adj. RR 1.25 CI 1.20-1.30) and private hospitals (adj. RR 3.28 CI 3.13-3.45)., Conclusion: This is the first published analysis of the use of PNB in RBL. Pudendal nerve block use has increased over time, with substantial variation in practice. Blocks were more than three times as likely to be used in private compared to public hospitals. If evidence supporting PNB use is established, equitable access to the procedure should be pursued., (© 2024 Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.)

Purpose: Pudendal neuropathy is an uncommon condition that exhibits several symptoms depending on the site of nerve entrapment. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of pudendal nerve neurolysis (PNN) in improving lower urinary tract symptoms, anal and/or urinary incontinence, and sexual dysfunctions., Materials and Methods: A systematic literature search was performed on 20 May 2023 using Scopus, PubMed, and Embase. Only English and adult papers were included. Meeting abstracts and preclinical studies were excluded., Results: Twenty-one papers were accepted, revealing significant findings in the field. The study identified four primary sites of pudendal nerve entrapment (PNE), with the most prevalent location likely being at the level of the Alcock canal. Voiding symptoms are commonly exhibited in patients with PNE. PNN improved both urgency and voiding symptoms, and urinary and anal incontinence but is less effective in cases of long-standing entrapment. Regarding sexual function, the recovery of the somatic afferent pathway results in an improvement in erectile function early after neurolysis. Complete relief of persistent genital arousal disorder occurs in women, although bilateral PNN is necessary to achieve the efficacy. PNN is associated with low-grade complications., Conclusions: PNN emerges as a viable option for addressing urinary symptoms, fecal incontinence, erectile dysfunction, and female sexual arousal in patients suffering from PNE with minimal postoperative morbidity., Competing Interests: The authors have nothing to disclose., (© The Korean Urological Association.)

Purpose: In children, circumcision is a procedure associated with perioperative pain and parental satisfaction is an important parameter in the evaluation of anesthesia procedures. Inadequate dorsal penile nerve block (DPNB) for the ventral shaft of the penis might impact parental satisfaction negatively. To evaluate this hypothesis, we compared the effects of penile ring block (RB) and dorsal penile nerve block (DPNB) on parental satisfaction. Postoperative pain, need for additional analgesia, intraoperative hemodynamic data, recovery status, side effects, and postoperative complications were evaluated as secondary outcomes between the blocks., Methods: Parental satisfaction and anesthetic effectiveness of RB and DPNB for circumcision in children were compared. 86 patients were randomized 1:1 to Group RB and Group DPNB, which were administered the same dose of anesthesia. Parental satisfaction was evaluated with the Pediatric Anesthesia Parental Satisfaction Questionnaire (PAPS). Postoperative pain evaluations were made with the Face, Legs, Activity, Crying, Consolability Pain Scale (FLACC)., Results: In terms of parent satisfaction, no differences were detected between the groups in the pre-anesthesia, pre-anesthesia and post-anesthesia, post-anesthesia, hospital team, and anesthesia team parameters (p > 0.05). The scores of Group DPNB patients were higher only in the "Q11" subparameter in the "anesthesia team" parameter, and this difference was significant (0.024)., Conclusion: RB and DPNB were compared in circumcision, which is the most common surgical procedure for children. Parental satisfaction, anesthesia, and analgesic effects of both blocks were found to be similar., Clinical Trials: ACTRN12622001211752., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Background: Chronic pelvic pain remains challenging for physicians to manage due to central and peripheral sensitization and multiple pain generators including the bladder, pelvic floor, and pudendal nerve. Pain management providers have used nerve blocks for years for diagnosis and treatment. We developed a desensitization algorithm that provides a stepwise approach to improve patients pain scores., Methods: This is a prospective observational cohort study of 182 women aged 15-90 years old with chronic pelvic pain using an algorithm from 2016 to 2018. Treatment started with an Anesthetic Challenge Test of the bladder to guide us through a protocol of intravesical therapy and/or pudendal nerve blocks as a second step., Results: ACT POSITIVE patients, who received intravesical therapy: 84% had a Visual Analog Score pain improvement of at least 50%, 64% improved at least 80% (41% pain-free). Those desiring additional relief that received further Pudendal Blocks: 83% had final improvement of at least 50% (67% pain-free). ACT NEGATIVE patients received Pudendal Blocks with 80% of subjects achieving at least 50% relief, 65% improved at least 80% (35% pain-free). All final groups showed a statistically significance of P  < .05% when compared to their initial pain scores., Conclusion: Management of women with chronic pelvic pain would ideally start with treating a specific diagnosis which, in most cases, is difficult to establish since the majority have more than one pain generator. Our algorithm simplified the approach and reduced the severity of pain scores prior to any further necessary surgical interventions., Competing Interests: Conflict of interests: none., (© 2024 by SLS, Society of Laparoscopic & Robotic Surgeons.)

Competing Interests: The author has declared that there are no conflicts of interest.

Background: Pudendal neuralgia (PN) is a chronic neuropathy that causes pain, numbness, and dysfunction in the pelvic region. The current state-of-the-art treatment is pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) in which a needle is supposed to be placed close to the pudendal nerve for neuromodulation. Given the effective range of PRF of 5 mm, the accuracy of needle placement is important. This study aimed to investigate the potential of augmented reality guidance for improving the accuracy of needle placement in pulsed radiofrequency treatment for pudendal neuralgia., Methods: In this pilot study, eight subjects performed needle placements onto an in-house developed phantom model of the pelvis using AR guidance. AR guidance is provided using an in-house developed application on the HoloLens 2. The accuracy of needle placement was calculated based on the virtual 3D models of the needle and targeted phantom nerve, derived from CBCT scans., Results: The median Euclidean distance between the tip of the needle and the target is found to be 4.37 (IQR 5.16) mm, the median lateral distance is 3.25 (IQR 4.62) mm and the median depth distance is 1.94 (IQR 7.07) mm., Conclusion: In this study, the first method is described in which the accuracy of patient-specific needle placement using AR guidance is determined. This method could potentially improve the accuracy of PRF needle placement for pudendal neuralgia, resulting in improved treatment outcomes., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interests., (© 2024 Boogaard et al.)

Background: The administration of intravenous dexamethasone increases the duration of neuraxial block and improves the quality of analgesia. However, little is known about these effects of dexamethasone on peripheral nerve blocks in children., Aims: In this study, we aimed to investigate the benefit of intravenous dexamethasone for enhancing the effect of pudendal block on postoperative analgesia in children who underwent hypospadias surgery., Methods: In total, 46 children aged 6-36 months who underwent hypospadias surgery were randomly allocated to either a control group (normal saline, group C) or dexamethasone group (0.5 mg/kg, group D). Pudendal block was performed before the surgery using 0.3 mL/kg of 0.225% ropivacaine on both sides. Parents were instructed to press the patient-controlled analgesia bolus button when their children's pain score was >4 points. The primary outcome measure was the time at which the first patient-controlled analgesia by proxy bolus dose was administered. The secondary outcome measures were pain score, number of patient-controlled analgesia administration by proxy bolus attempts, number of rescue analgesics required, total amount of fentanyl administered, and overall parental satisfaction., Results: The time of first patient-controlled analgesia bolus administration by proxy was not different between the control and dexamethasone groups (5.6 [5.2, 8.8] h versus 6.5 [5.4, 8.1] h, hazard ratio 0.8, 95% confidence intervals 0.43 to 1.47, p = .46). There were no statistically significant differences among the secondary outcomes., Conclusions: Administration of intravenous dexamethasone did not enhance the duration of pudendal nerve block in infants and children aged 6-36 months who underwent hypospadias surgery., (© 2023 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Objective: To investigate the application effects of prostate perineural block combined with pudendal nerve block under transrectal ultrasound guidance in transrectal prostate biopsy., Methods: Ninety patients who underwent their first transrectal prostate biopsy from November 2021 to July 2022 were included in the study. The patients were divided into three groups: Group A received prostate perineural block, Group B received intrathecal anesthesia, and Group C received pudendal nerve block combined with prostate perineural block. Perioperative indicators, pain levels, and occurrence of complications were compared among the three groups., Results: Regarding perioperative indicators, after 5 minutes of anesthesia, Group B had the lowest mean arterial pressure (MAP) (P < .05), while Group A had the highest MAP (P < .05). The VAS scores in Groups B and C were lower than that in Group A during probe insertion, prostate puncture, and 2 hours after biopsy (P < .05). There were no significant differences in the occurrence of complications among the three groups (P > .05)., Conclusion: Compared to intrathecal anesthesia, the combination of prostate perineural block and pudendal nerve block provided more stable hemodynamics after 5 minutes of anesthesia. It effectively controlled pain compared to prostate perineural block alone. Nerve block anesthesia facilitated earlier postoperative ambulation, making it suitable for day surgery and in line with the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery concept. Additionally, it had no complications and can be considered for wider application.

Background: Injury to the pudendal nerve leads to bowel/bladder incontinence which compromises the quality of life in these patients. Many peripheral nerves have been used to neurotize the pudendal nerve in order to regain bladder continence. The aim of this study was to assess the anatomic feasibility, by ultrasound, of transfer of the femoral nerve's motor branch to the vastus lateralis (MNVL) to the pudendal nerve for restoring continence. Methods: Thirty healthy male volunteers were randomly selected, irrespective of age. The origin of MNVL was traced in the distal thigh, to the level the nerve was visible using high-frequency ultrasound probe. The length of the nerve was measured with the help of a measuring tape. The pudendal nerve was identified just medial to the ischial tuberosity on the same side. The distance between the origin of MNVL and the pudendal nerve was measured. The same procedure was performed in the opposite side. Results: MNVL has enough length and calibre to neurotize the pudendal nerve in 28/30 (93.33%) individuals on the right side, and in 29/30 (96.66%) individuals on the left side. Conclusions: On ultrasonography, length of MNVL was found sufficient to reach the pudendal nerve in majority of the patients. USG can be a tool to assess the feasibility of transfer of MNVL to the pudendal nerve. Level of evidence: Level IV, risk/prognostic study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]