SIMBA-A Single-Puncture Approach to Lower Limb Block.

Peripheral nerve blocks provide a safe and reliable alternative in the anesthetic management of femur fractures in elderly subpopulations associated with significant comorbidities. Single-Insertion Multiple Nerve Block Anesthesia (SIMBA) is a technique where a single needle insertion is used to block all four nerves that supply the femur shaft: the femoral nerve, obturator nerve, lateral femoral cutaneous nerve, and sciatic nerve. The authors performed this technique in 11 cardiac compromised geriatric patients with midshaft/distal femur fractures, and the surgery was conducted successfully without any significant hemodynamic change and good postoperative analgesia.

Variations of the extrapsoas course of the lumbar plexus with implications for the lateral transpsoas approach to the lumbar spine: a cadaveric study.

BACKGROUND: Together with an increased interest in minimally invasive lateral transpsoas approach to the lumbar spine goes a demand for detailed anatomical descriptions of the lumbar plexus. Although definitions of safe zones and essential descriptions of topographical anatomy have been presented in several studies, the existing literature expects standard appearance of the neural structures. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the variability of the extrapsoas portion of the lumbar plexus in regard to the lateral transpsoas approach. METHODS: A total of 260 lumbar regions from embalmed cadavers were utilized in this study. The specimens were dissected as per protocol and all nerves from the lumbar plexus were morphologically evaluated. RESULTS: The most common variation of the iliohypogastric and ilioinguinal nerves was fusion of these two nerves (9.6%). Nearly in the half of the cases (48.1%) the genitofemoral nerve left the psoas major muscle already divided into the femoral and genital branches. The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve was the least variable one as it resembled its normal morphology in 95.0% of cases. Regarding the variant origins of the femoral nerve, there was a low formation outside the psoas major muscle in 3.8% of cases. The obturator nerve was not variable at its emergence point but frequently branched (40.4%) before entering the obturator canal. In addition to the proper femoral and obturator nerves, accessory nerves were present in 12.3% and 9.2% of cases, respectively. CONCLUSION: Nerves of the lumbar plexus frequently show atypical anatomy outside the psoas major muscle. The presented study provides a compendious information source of the possibly encountered neural variations during retroperitoneal access to different segments of the lumbar spine.

Femoral and obturator neuropathies.

The femoral and obturator nerves both arise from the L2, L3, and L4 spinal nerve roots and descend into the pelvis before emerging in the lower limbs. The femoral nerve's primary function is knee extension and hip flexion, along with some sensory innervation to the leg. The obturator nerve's primary function is thigh adduction and sensory innervation to a small area of the medial thigh. Each may be injured by a variety of potential causes, many of them iatrogenic. Here, we review the anatomy of the femoral and obturator nerves and the clinical features and potential etiologies of femoral and obturator neuropathies. Their necessary investigations, including electrodiagnostic studies and imaging, their prognosis, and potential treatments, are discussed in this chapter.

Hip chronic pain: ultrasound guided ablation of anterior articular branches plus posterior neurolysis of the nerve to the quadratus femoris versus the alone anterior approach-a retrospective observational study.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic hip pain is a common painful condition in the elderly population. A mini invasive technique that is increasingly being considered for management of CHP is the percutaneous denervation of hip articular branches via radiofrequency ablation. We described a new ultrasound-guided technique based on the combination of 90° ultrasound-guided anterior radiofrequency ablation of the articular branches of femoral nerve, accessory obturator nerve and obturator nerve for anterior hip, combined with 90° ultrasound-guided ablation of the articular branches of the nerve of the quadratus femoris for posterior pericapsular neurolysis of the hip. MATERIAL E METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of patients from September 2022 to September 2023 treated for chronic hip pain in the ambulatory of Pain Management, identifying 22 patients who underwent ultrasound guided radiofrequency denervation of anterior hip articular branches alone (Group B); and 22 patients in which was also applied a radiofrequency denervation of the posterior articular branches, in addition to the anterior denervation (Group A). We analysed the pain intensity of both groups measured with numeric rating scale. RESULT: The combined anterior plus posterior approach ensured that the results obtained were maintained 6 months after the procedure (T3) with excellent pain control and an average NRS of 1455 for group A. While for the group B, with the anterior approach alone, the NRS at six months showed an upward trend with an average NRS of 3818. The dual approach is more effective in pain relief at 6 months with a statistically significant difference in NRS values (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This retrospective observational study highlighted the greater impact of the double approach (anterior plus posterior) in the denervation of the hip joint, compared to anterior neurolysis alone.

Application value of extreme flexion and abduction hip combined with stirrup-shaped multifunctional leg frame in blocking obturator nerve reflex in transurethral resection of bladder tumor.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effectiveness and safety of the extreme flexion and abduction hip combined with a stirrup-shaped multifunctional leg frame position in preventing obturator nerve reflex during plasma resection of bladder tumors (TUR-BT). METHODS: A total of 112 patients with bladder tumors were included in the study. The control group was placed in a lithotomy position, while the experimental group was placed in an extreme flexion and abduction hip combined with a stirrup-shaped multifunctional leg frame position. The grade of leg jerking, operation time, and some operative complications were compared between groups. RESULTS: The operation time, bleeding volume, the grade of leg jerking, second TUR-BT, and acquisition of detrusor muscle were significantly better in the experimental group compared to the control group (P = 0.018, P = 0.013, P < 0.001, P = 0.041, and P < 0.001, respectively). The grade of leg jerking in the experimental group was extremely low (distributed in grade 1 and 2), and there were no severe reactions in grade 3 and 4. CONCLUSION: The extreme flexion and abduction hip combined with a stirrup-shaped multifunctional leg frame position for TUR-BT is a safe and effective treatment method that can effectively prevent obturator nerve reflex, reduce complications, improve surgical efficacy, and reduce anesthesia dependence and risk.

The effect of conventional radiofrequency thermocoagulation of femoral and obturator nerves' articular branches on chronic hip pain: a prospective clinical study.

BACKGROUND: Chronic hip pain is one of the most common and difficult-to-treat causes of disability. Our study's primary aim was to investigate the effects of ultrasound and fluoroscopy-guided radiofrequency thermocoagulation of the femoral and obturator nerve articular branches on chronic hip pain, and the secondary aim was to determine its effects on hip function and quality of life. METHODS: Fifty-three patients with hip pain lasting more than three months were enrolled in the study. VPS scale and WOMAC, SF-12 questionnaires were applied to the patients before and in the first, third, and sixth months following the procedure. RESULTS: Of the patients, 60.4% were female, and 39.6% were male. Hip pain was caused by osteoarthritis in 77.1%, postoperative hip pain in 12.5%, malignancy in 8.3%, and avascular necrosis in 2.1%. The VPS scores were 8.9 ± 1.1 (mean±SD) in the baseline period, 2.4 ± 2.5 in the first postoperative week, 3.8 ± 2.5 in the first month, 5.1 ± 2.8 in the third month, and 5.8 ± 2.7 in the sixth month, with a significant decrease in VPS score (P < .001). One patient developed a motor deficit that improved spontaneously. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that radiofrequency thermocoagulation application to the articular branches of the femoral and obturator nerves provides pain relief, hip function improvement, and better quality of life (better physical component scores but no improvement in mental component scores in SF-12) for up to 6 months in chronic hip pain.

Robotic-Assisted Resection of a Benign Schwannoma of the Obturator Nerve: A Rare Case.

BACKGROUND Neurilemmomas are rare tumors derived from the Schwann cells that comprise the peripheral nerve sheaths. They have a slow growth and rarely display malignancy. Early diagnosis is rare, and the treatment consists by surgical resection. Although robotic-assisted surgery is commonly used for treating retroperitoneal diseases, there are few reports of resection of retroperitoneal and pelvic schwannoma through robotic-assisted surgery. In the present study, we reported a case of complete excision of a benign retroperitoneal schwannoma of the obturator nerve by robotic-assisted surgery. CASE REPORT A 51-year-old woman was referred by her gynecologist for left pelvic discomfort of a 3-month duration. The physical examination was normal, but a computerized tomography scan of the abdomen and pelvis showed an expansive pelvic lesion in the topography of the left iliac vessels, a hypodense contrast enhancement measuring 4.6×3.4 cm. Magnetic resonance imaging showed an extraperitoneal lesion located medially and inferiorly to the left external iliac vessels, with a size of 4.9×3.7 cm, and of probable neural etiology. Surgical resection of the tumor was recommended because of the diagnostic hypothesis of obturator nerve schwannoma. CONCLUSIONS This case showed that retroperitoneal neurilemmomas are difficult to diagnose owing to a lack of specific symptoms, and the best treatment is complete tumor resection. The use of robotic techniques gives greater dexterity to the surgeon, since it provides high-definition 3-dimensional vision, which can make the removal of retroperitoneal tumors susceptible to minimally invasive resection in a safe and effective way.

Ultrasound-guided pericapsular nerve group and obturator nerve phenol neurolysis for refractory inpatient hip cancer metastasis pain: a case report

Abstract Introduction: Bone cancer metastasis may produce severe and refractory pain. It is often difficult to manage with systemic analgesics. Chemical neurolysis may be an effective alternative in terminally ill patients. Case report: Female terminally ill patient with hip metastasis of gastric cancer in severe pain. Neurolytic ultrasound-guided blocks of the pericapsular nerve group and obturator nerve were performed with 5% phenol. This led to satisfactory pain relief for 10 days, until the patient's death. Discussion: This approach may be effective and safe as an analgesic option for refractory hip pain due to metastasis or pathologic fracture in terminally ill patients.

Bloqueo ecoguiado del nervio obturador al nivel de la rama púbica superior: estudio en cadáver embalsamado en Thiel utilizando látex / Sonographic obturator nerve block at level of superior pubic ramus: A Thiel based cadaveric investigation with latex

Introducción: El bloqueo del nervio obturador proximal tiene una eficacia similar al bloqueo del nervio obturador distal. Los estudios en cadáveres previos que inyectaban azul de metileno y realizaban seguidamente la disección reflejaron que la solución se dispersa a las divisiones anterior y posterior del nervio obturador, en el punto de salida del canal obturador. La absorción de azul de metileno por parte de la fascia y los músculos oscurece la delineación exacta de los nervios teñidos. Nosotros conjeturamos que la inyección de látex al nivel de las ramas púbicas superiores en el plano entre los músculos pectíneo y obturador externo mediante guía ecográfica a tiempo real, seguida de disección demorada en un cadáver embalsamado en Thiel, sería la técnica óptima de investigación en cadáveres. Métodos: Obtuvimos 3 cuerpos donados a la ciencia (BDTS) conforme a las normas estrictas del programa de donación del Departamento de Anatomía Macroscópica y Clínica de la Universidad de Medicina de Graz, y a la normativa sobre enterramientos de Estiria. Los BDTS fueron embalsamados utilizando el método de Thiel, que aporta condiciones muy realistas para las investigaciones con anestesia regional. En 2 cadáveres, las inyecciones de látex se realizaron de forma ecoguiada, y en el tercero se realizaron secciones transversales. Resultados: Nuestras disecciones abiertas de los cadáveres embalsamados en Thiel (C1 y C2) reflejaron que la inyección única de látex en el plano interfascial entre los músculos pectíneo y obturador externo al nivel de la rama púbica superior originó una dispersión adecuada a lo largo del tronco del nervio obturador y sus ramas, en todas las muestras. Conclusiones: La inyección ecoguiada de látex dentro del plano al nivel de las ramas púbicas superiores entre los músculos pectíneo y obturador externo cubre las ramas anterior y posterior y el tronco del nervio obturador.(AU)

Introduction: A proximal obturator nerve block has a similar block efficacy as the distal obturator nerve block. Previous cadaveric investigation injecting methylene blue dye solution and an immediate dissection proved the solution engulfing the anterior and posterior divisions of the obturator nerve as they emerge from the obturator canal. Uptake of methylene blue dye by the fascia and muscles obscures the exact delineation of the stained nerves. We hypothesized that injection of latex at the level of superior pubic rami in the plane between pectineus and obturator externus under real time ultrasound and a delayed dissection in a Thiel-based cadaver would be the optimal cadaveric investigational technique. Methods: Three investigated bodies donated to science (BDTS) fall under the strict rules of the donation program of the Department of Macroscopic and Clinical Anatomy of the Medical University of Graz and the Styrian burial law. The BDTS were embalmed with Thieĺs method which provides very lifelike conditions for investigations with regional anaesthesia backgrounds. In two cadavers (a total of specimens), latex injections were performed under ultrasound, while in the third cadaver cross-sections were executed. Results: Our Thiel based cadaveric open dissection (C1 and C2) demonstrated that a single injection of latex in the inter-fascial plane between the pectineus muscle and the obturator externus muscle at the level of superior pubic ramus led to adequate spread along trunk of the obturator nerve and its branches in all specimens. Conclusions: An in-plane ultrasound-guided latex injections at the level of superior pubic rami, between the pectineus and the obturator externus muscles soaks the anterior ramus, posterior ramus, and the obturator nerve trunk.(AU)

Uterine Fibroid-Induced Compressive Neuropathy of Lumbar Plexus and Obturator Nerve.

Introduction: Uterine fibroids are the most common gynecologic tumors in reproductive-aged women with a prevalence of up to 80%. Symptoms can range from heavy vaginal bleeding and bulk symptoms to, less frequently, deep vein thrombosis and bowel obstruction. Case Description: A 32-year-old female patient presented with acute-onset of right groin and knee pain, and difficulty ambulating. A large posterior uterine fibroid was found to be compressing branches of the lumbar plexus, including the obturator nerve. The patient underwent gynecologic evaluation and an urgent laparoscopic myomectomy. Postoperatively, she had significant improvement in neurologic symptoms. She continued physical therapy for residual mild paresthesia and pain with prolonged ambulation. Discussion: Large pelvic masses such as uterine fibroids should be considered on the differential diagnosis for acute-onset non-gynecologic symptoms such as compressive neuropathy, which require urgent evaluation and possible surgical management.

Effect of obturator nerve block during transurethral resection of bladder tumors on the disease recurrence, progression and surgery outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: In our study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of the obturator nerve block (ONB) on the operation time, duration of hospital stay, complete resection, presence of muscle tissue in the pathology, second resection, recurrence, and progression, when applied in addition to spinal anesthesia in patients with primary bladder lateral wall tumor and Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor (TURBT) was planned. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy patients with bladder lateral wall tumors were included in the study. In addition, ONB was applied to 35 of the patients who underwent spinal anesthesia. The two groups were compared in terms of obturator reflex development, perforation, complete resection, presence of muscle tissue in pathology samples, need for second resection, need for second resection due to inadequate muscle tissue, and 1 year recurrence and progression rates. RESULTS: When the two groups were compared for obturator reflex and bladder perforation, both were found to be lower in the ONB group (p = 0.002, p = 0.198, respectively). The rate of complete resection and the presence of muscle tissue in the pathology samples were higher in the ONB group (p = 0.045, p = 0.034, respectively). The rates of second resection and second resection due to inadequate muscle tissue were found to be higher in the group without ONB (p = 0.015, p = 0.106, respectively). In the 1-year follow-up, the recurrence rate was significantly lower in the ONB group (p < 0.001), while there was no significant difference between the progression rates (p = 0.106). CONCLUSION: In our study, we found out that ONB applied in addition to spinal anesthesia increases the rate of complete and muscle tissue resection by decreasing the obturator reflex, and causes a significant reduction in the need for second resection and tumor recurrence.

Ultrasound versus Nerve Stimulator Guided Obturator Nerve Block in Patients Undergoing Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor.

BACKGROUND: Urinary bladder cancer is more common in geriatric population. Transurethral resection of bladder tumor remains the mainstay of treatment. It is usually performed under subarachnoid block. However, obturator nerve is spared in subarachnoid block that can produce adductor jerk, which is associated with bladder injury, rupture, incomplete resection of tumor and hematoma. To overcome this jerk, selective obturator nerve block is commonly performed. Thus, we conducted this study to compare the efficacy of ultrasound and nerve stimulator-guided techniques for obturator nerve block. METHODS: This is a prospective, comparative study conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Nepal. Sixty patients, scheduled to undergo Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor for lateral and posterolateral wall bladder cancer under subarachnoid block were enrolled and divided into two group having thirty patients in each groups. Group I received 15 ml of 0.25% Bupivacaine to block obturator nerve by using peripheral nerve stimulator. Group II received the same amount of Bupivacaine to block obturator nerve under ultrasound guidance. We evaluated the success of the block, ease of the procedure and complications. RESULTS: The adductor reflex was present in 23.33% of cases with nerve stimulator guided obturator nerve block, whereas, it was16.66% in ultrasound guided technique (p=0.75). The success rate of obturator nerve block was 76.66% in nerve stimulator guided technique, whereas 83.33% in ultrasound guided technique (p= 0.21). 83.33% of obturator nerve block was found to be easy in nerve stimulator guided technique, whereas 66.66 % in ultrasound guided technique (p = 0.14). There were no major complications noted. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study conclude that both ultrasound and nerve stimulator guided techniques equally abolished the adductor reflexes. Both techniques are easy to perform and safe.

A radiological cadaveric study of obturator nerve involvement and cranial injectate spread after different approaches to the fascia iliaca compartment block.

Whether the fascia iliaca compartment block (FICB) involves the obturator nerve (ON) remains controversial. Involvement may require that the injectate spreads deep in the cranial direction, and might thus depend on the site of injection. Therefore, the effect of suprainguinal needle insertion with five centimeters of hydrodissection-mediated needle advancement (S-FICB-H) on ON involvement and cranial injectate spread was studied in this radiological cadaveric study. Results were compared with suprainguinal FICB without additional hydrodissection-mediated needle advancement (S-FICB), infrainguinal FICB (I-FICB), and femoral nerve block (FNB). Seventeen human cadavers were randomized to receive ultrasound-guided nerve block with a 40 mL solution of local anesthetic and contrast medium, on both sides. Injectate spread was objectified using computed tomography. The femoral and lateral femoral cutaneous nerves were consistently covered when S-FICB-H, S-FICB or FNB was applied, while the ON was involved in only one of the 34 nerve blocks. I-FICB failed to provide the same consistency of nerve involvement as S-FICB-H, S-FICB or FNB. Injectate reached most cranial in specimens treated with S-FICB-H. Our results demonstrate that even the technique with the most extensive cranial spread (S-FICB-H) does not lead to ON involvement and as such, the ON seems unrelated to FICB. Separate ON block should be considered when clinically indicated.

Variations of the obturator nerve and implications in obturator nerve entrapment treatment: an anatomical study.

INTRODUCTION: Obturator nerve entrapment or idiopathic obturator neuralgia is an unfamiliar pathology for many physicians which can lead to diagnostic errancy. This study aims to identify the potential compression areas of the obturator nerve to improve therapeutic management. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 18 anatomical dissections of lower limbs from 9 anatomical cadavers were performed. Endopelvic and exopelvic surgical approaches were utilized to study the anatomical variations of the nerve and to identify areas of entrapment. RESULTS: On 7 limbs, the posterior branch of the obturator nerve passed through the external obturator muscle. A fascia between the adductor brevis and longus muscles was present in 9 of the 18 limbs. The anterior branch of the obturator nerve was highly adherent to the fascia in 6 cases. In 3 limbs, the medial femoral circumflex artery was in close connection with the posterior branch of the nerve. CONCLUSION: Idiopathic obturator neuropathy remains a difficult diagnosis. Our cadaveric study did not allow us to formally identify one or more potential anatomical entrapment zones. However, it allowed the identification of zones at risk. A clinical study with staged analgesic blocks would be necessary to identify an anatomical area of compression and would allow targeted surgical neurolysis.

Obturator Nerve Block for Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumors.

Background: Bladder tumors are identified and treated using a surgical procedure called as transurethral resection of bladder tumors (TUR-BT). During TUR-BT resection, stimulation of the obturator nerve may cause violent adductor muscle spasms. The "obturator reflex," as this disorder is known, generally causes the legs to move inadvertently (leg jerking). Since this condition can cause several complications, it is preferable to avoid it. Objective: In this study, we investigated the effectiveness of spinal anesthesia combined with obturator nerve block or general anesthetic without muscle relaxant in preventing adductor muscle spasm during TUR-BT procedures. Methods: Forty consecutive patients were enrolled in a prospective observational evaluation and divided into two groups. Patients in Group I underwent spinal anesthesia along with an obturator nerve block, while those in Group II underwent general anesthesia without a neuromuscular relaxant. The following details were recorded: time for obturator block performance, the severity of the motor blockade, the length of the procedure in both groups because a probable adductor spasm might make it more difficult. The level of the surgeon's pleasure was noted throughout the surgery. Additionally, the patient's satisfaction and any issues that may have arisen were documented (the incidence of vascular puncture, hematoma, nerve damage, and visceral injury was noted). Results: Block performance time in Group I was 4.8±0.5 minutes, whereas it was 5.0±0.3 minutes in Group II. The ease of access for the two groups was the same. Group I demonstrated increased patient and surgeon satisfaction with a general anesthesia without neuromuscular relaxants and an obturatorius nerve block. Mean surgical time did not differ between the groups.There were no complications in either group. Conclusion: During such operations, routine use of ONB in combination with spinal anaesthetic or general anesthetic without a neuromuscular blocker can enhance oncological outcomes for patients, reduce complication rates, and extend the period of time spent living without disease.

Revisiting the Muscular Innervation of the Obturator Nerve: Application to Neurotization Procedures.

BACKGROUND: Our goal was to revisit the innervation of the adductor muscles of the thigh and add new evidence to currently existing knowledge. METHODS: Ten thighs from five fresh frozen cadavers were dissected. Obturator nerve innervation to the pectineus, obturator externus, adductor brevis, adductor magnus, adductor longus, and gracilis was documented. RESULTS: The adductor longus and gracilis were innervated by the anterior branch in 100%, and the adductor magnus was innervated by the posterior branch in 100%. The adductor brevis was supplied by both the anterior and posterior branches in 90%. The obturator externus was innervated by the posterior branch in 60% and a direct branch from the main trunk in 10%. No innervation of the obturator externus by the obturator nerve was found in 30%. CONCLUSIONS: The obturator externus and adductor brevis need to be explored further to clarify their innervation.

Incidental damage of obturator nerve during laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy in endometrial cancer - Demonstration of a successful repairing procedure.

OBJECTIVE: In order to highlight the importance of intraoperative complications and their management, we demonstrate a video of an iatrogenic left obturator nerve lesion during a pelvic lymphadenectomy for endometrial cancer staging. The repair was promptly performed using an intracorporeal laparoscopic suture for an end-to-end tension-free nerve anastomosis. DESIGN: Stepwise demonstration of the technique with narrated video footage. SETTING: A 70-year-old woman with a stage IB grade I endometrial adenocarcinoma was submitted to a surgical laparoscopic staging with total hysterectomy(TH), bilateral adnexectomy(BA), and bilateral pelvic and lomboaortic lymphadenectomy. After an uneventful retroperitoneal lomboaortic lymphadenectomy, the left paravesical space was dissected until the obturator fossae and a left pelvic lymphadenectomy followed, during which the left obturator nerve was accidentally transected with LigaSure™. INTERVENTIONS: A careful inspection revealed an almost complete transection (80%) of the nerve, with both proximal and distal cut ends identifiable and no fraying of the edges. The thickness of the non-sectioned nervous portion was less than 3 mm, but a tension-free reattachment of both edges seemed manageable. The edges were oriented towards each other and a single stitch suture was placed using a 5-0 prolene, providing an epineural end-to-end coaptation. To reinforce the suture, a Fibrin sealant Tissucol® was applied. The contralateral pelvic lymphadenectomy was then performed, followed by TH and BA. The pieces were removed through the vagina using an endobag. The patient was discharged on the second postoperative day. During the follow-up, there were no signs of diminished adductor function, and neither there was any other detectable residual neuropathy or neurologic deficit involving the left thigh. CONCLUSION: It is crucial to identify intraoperative complications and to develop abilities to manage them. This video proves that it is possible to repair a transected obturator nerve using laparoscopy, when performed by an experienced onco-gynecologist, with extremely good functional results.

Increased Plasma Ignition Distance Practice may Prevent the Obturator Reflex Occurrences and Compare of its Effectiveness Versus Obturator Block: A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the ability of the obturator nerve block (ONB) and increased plasma ignition distance practice (IPDP) techniques to inhibit obturator nerve reflex (ONR) occurring with bipolar transurethral resection of the bladder. METHODS: Sixty patients who had a tumor placed at the lateral sidewall or had a tumor in another part of the bladder along with the lateral wall were randomly enrolled. Cystoscopic and ultrasonographic examinations and a computerized tomography scanning of the urinary bladder were used to determine the ONB side. Group 1 consisted of patients who had the ONB procedure. Group 2 consisted of patients who had IPIDP. The severity of the ONR was classified as severe, mild, and very mild. The study's primary endpoint was ONR occurrences and successful completion of the surgery. The secondary endpoints were bleeding and bladder perforation. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in the occurrence of ONR between the two groups (P = 0.0011). However, there was no significant difference between the two groups in the ability to resect the tumor and complete the surgery (P = .764). There was no correlation between the ONR and the tumor size (P = 0.478). CONCLUSION: Our study concluded that both ONB and IPIDP have comparable results, especially in resecting tumors and completing the operation. IPIDP has some advantages over ONB, such as shorter operative time, lower total costs, and less trained personnel requirements.

Cadaveric Study for Safe Elevation of a Profunda Artery Perforator Flap: Anatomy of the Perforators and Obturator Nerves.

BACKGROUND: This cadaveric study aimed to describe the anatomy of the profunda artery perforators (PAPs). METHODS: In total, nine free cadavers with 18 upper thighs were dissected, 12 of which were from female cadavers, and 6 were from male cadavers. The average age of the cadavers was 84.7 ± 4.2 years. Dissection was performed to evaluate the anatomic position and characteristics of the femoral PAPs. The perforator distance from the gluteal sulcus, number of perforators, perforating muscles, diameter of the perforators, origin of the perforators, and number of nerves passing above and below the perforators were determined. RESULTS: The average number of perforators that penetrate the adductor magnus muscle was 2.5. The average distance from the origin of the perforators to the gluteal sulcus was 71.72 ± 28.23 mm. The average numbers of the obturator nerves passing above and below the perforator in the adductor magnus muscle were 1.3 (range, 0-4) and 0.7 (range, 0-2), respectively. CONCLUSION: The results provide a detailed anatomic basis for the PAP flap. The perforators of a PAP flap may be included in a flap with a transverse design. Sacrificing the small obturator nerves during dissection may not lead to significant donor site morbidity.

Anatomical and Radiological Assessments of Injectate Spread Stratified by the Volume of the Pericapsular Nerve Group Block.

BACKGROUND: The pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block was recently suggested as a regional technique for managing acute pain after hip surgery. However, few anatomical studies have confirmed the spread of injectate during the PENG block. This cadaver study aimed to analyze injectate spread to the target nerves during single-injection ultrasound-guided PENG block. METHODS: Ultrasound-guided PENG block with 3 different injectate volumes (10, 20, or 30 mL) was performed in 18 cadavers. Injectate spread by the volume was first evaluated on computed tomography, followed by cadaver dissection. The spread of the dye over the pelvis and lower limb was evaluated. RESULTS: The articular branches of the femoral nerve were stained nearly sufficiently with 20- and 30-mL specimens. The femoral nerve itself was stained simultaneously in six of 12 (50%) 20-mL specimens and 12 of 12 (100%) 30-mL specimens. The accessory obturator nerve was observed only in three (9%) of 36 specimens. The articular branches of the obturator nerve were rarely affected, regardless of injectate volume (1/12, 10 mL specimens; 2/12, 20 mL specimens; 1/12, 30 mL specimens; P > .999). Rather, the obturator nerve was affected. However, the obturator nerve was not stained consistently even with 30 mL of injectate (50%). CONCLUSIONS: After combining the dissection and radiological findings, the single-injection ultrasound-guided PENG blocks with volumes of 10, 20, and 30 mL do not support motor sparing or selective anterior hip capsule innervation in a clinical setting. If early rehabilitation is needed, high-volume PENG block might not be the ideal option, and persisting pain after PENG block might be attributed in part to the lack of obturator nerve articular branches blockade.