Is Our Limited Understanding of the Effects of Nerve Stimulation Resulting in Poor Outcomes and the Need for Better "Rescue Programming" in SNM and PTNS, and Lost Opportunities for New Sites of Stimulation? ICI-RS 2024.

AIMS: Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) and percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) are strongly recommended by international guidelines bodies for complex lower urinary tract dysfunctions. However, treatment failure and the need for rescue programming still represent a significant need for long-term follow-up. This review aimed to describe current strategies and future directions in patients undergoing such therapies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a consensus report of a Think Tank discussed at the Annual Meeting of the International Consultation on Incontinence - Research Society (ICI-RS), June 6-8, 2024 (Bristol, UK): "Is our limited understanding of the effects of nerve stimulation resulting in poor outcomes and the need for better 'rescue programming' in SNM and PTNS, and lost opportunities for new sites of stimulation?" RESULTS: Rescue programming is important from two different perspectives: to improve patient outcomes and to enhance device longevity (for implantable devices). Standard SNM parameters have remained unchanged since its inception for the treatment of OAB, nonobstructive urinary retention, and voiding dysfunction. SNM rescue programming includes intermittent stimulation (cycling on), increased frequency and changes in pulse width (PW). The effect of PW setting on SNM outcomes remains unclear. Monopolar configurations stimulate more motor nerve fibers at lower stimulation voltage; hence, this could be an option in patients who failed bipolar stimulation in the long term. Unfortunately, there is little evidence for rescue programming for PTNS. However, the development of implantable devices for intermittent stimulation of the tibial nerve may increase long-term adherence to therapy and increase interest in alternative programming. There has been recent promising neurostimulation targeting the pudendal nerve (PNS), especially in BPS/IC. More recently, preliminary data addressed the benefits of high-frequency bilateral pudendal nerve block for DESD and adaptive PNS on both urgency and stress UI in women. CONCLUSION: The exploration of rescue programming and new stimulation sites remains underutilized, and there are opportunities that could potentially expand the therapeutic applications of nerve stimulation. By broadening the range of target sites, clinicians may be able to tailor treatments according to individual patient needs and underlying conditions, thereby improving overall outcomes. However, further studies are still needed to increase the level of evidence, potentially allowing for an individualized treatment both in patients who are candidates for electrostimulation and in those who have already received surgical implants but seek a better outcome.

Dissection of the Sympathetic Nerves Around the Mesorectum at the Abdominopelvic Border.

Introduction Along the border between the abdominal cavity and pelvis are nervous structures that belong to the autonomous nervous system, which is delicate. These can be easily injured during regional surgical procedures such as the total mesorectal excision, where the preservation of the nervous structures should be one of the main objectives. In our study, we aimed to dissect all the sympathetic nerve formations listed at the abdominopelvic border and to present their formation, anatomical routes, and relations, as well as the surgical importance of their preservation. Method We performed anatomical dissections on eight 60- to 75-year-old cadavers (three male and five female) in the Dissection Laboratory of Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, ROM. We sectioned each pelvis along the right pararectal line and exposed the hypogastric plexuses and their branches, following their pathways toward the pelvic viscera. Results We highlight the main nervous structures in the pelvis, namely the paravertebral sympathetic ganglion chain, which continues into the pelvis with the sacral ganglion chain, and the prevertebral component of the abdominal sympathetic system, represented by the superior hypogastric plexus and its continuation via the hypogastric nerves toward the inferior hypogastric plexuses. We followed the pathway of the superior hypogastric plexus from its origin down to its bifurcation into the two hypogastric nerves. We then followed the nerves into the pelvis and observed the formation of the inferior hypogastric plexuses, from which branches emerged toward the pelvic organs. Along the way, we point out anatomical landmarks that are crucial in an attempt to spare these nervous structures during regional surgical procedures. Conclusions While performing surgeries such as rectal resection with the excision of the mesorectum, radical hysterectomy, and radical prostatectomy, a thorough knowledge of the sympathetic nerve structures that pass from the abdominal cavity into the pelvis is required to spare pelvic innervation. In such a context, the dissection and anatomical assessment of regional sympathetic nerves can prove to be crucial in establishing operative protocols.

Electrical stimulation with polypyrrole-coated polycaprolactone/silk fibroin scaffold promotes sacral nerve regeneration by modulating macrophage polarisation.

Peripheral nerve injury poses a great threat to neurosurgery and limits the regenerative potential of sacral nerves in the neurogenic bladder. It remains unknown whether electrical stimulation can facilitate sacral nerve regeneration in addition to modulate bladder function. The objective of this study was to utilise electrical stimulation in sacra nerve crush injury with newly constructed electroconductive scaffold and explore the role of macrophages in electrical stimulation with crushed nerves. As a result, we generated a polypyrrole-coated polycaprolactone/silk fibroin scaffold through which we applied electrical stimulation. The electrical stimulation boosted nerve regeneration and polarised the macrophages towards the M2 phenotype. An in vitro test using bone marrow derived macrophages revealed that the pro-regenerative polarisation of M2 were significantly enhanced by electrical stimulation. Bioinformatics analysis showed that the expression of signal transducer and activator of transcriptions (STATs) was differentially regulated in a way that promoted M2-related genes expression. Our work indicated the feasibility of electricals stimulation used for sacral nerve regeneration and provided a firm demonstration of a pivotal role which macrophages played in electrical stimulation.

Is trans-sacral endoscopic laser decompression truly effective? Clinical and functional assessment of a single spine center.

Background: Herniated nucleus pulposus (HNP), without causing significant neurological deficit, is a more frequently occurring disease of the spine affecting the activities of daily living with chronic back pain and sometimes progressing to produce significant functional deficit. Trans-sacral epiduroscopic laser decompression (SELD) is being increasingly used as a treatment modality for these conditions and has been shown to give effective results. We present the clinical outcomes of the patients undergoing SELD in our institute for HNP. Methods: A retrospective study of 411 patients who underwent SELD for lumbar disc herniation was done, analyzing the clinical outcomes by measuring visual analog scale (VAS) scores for leg pain and back pain, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score, and Short form health survey (SF -36) scores and followed up for 6 months. Results: A total of 195 males and 216 females underwent SELD, with a mean age of 33.2 ± 0.9 years and a mean follow-up period of 7 ± 1.6 months. VAS scores for back pain and leg pain improved significantly from 6.9 ± 0.5 and 6.6 ± 0.6 preoperatively to 1.1 ± 0.5 (P > 0.05) and 0.4 ± 0.5 (P > 0.05) at 6 months. ODI score decreased from 28.2 ± 1.7 to 9.4 ± 1.7 at 6 months from the intervention (P < 0.05). SF-36 showed significant improvement in overall categories through 6 months of follow-up. Twenty-four patients had dural punctures, and four patients needed blood patches but recovered without any complications. One patient had aggravation of the disc herniation post-procedure, and was managed by endoscopic discectomy. Conclusion: SELD is a safe, accurate, and effective procedure in treating symptomatic lumbar disc herniation with excellent clinical outcomes and effective pain relief with minimal damage to paraspinal muscles with an easier learning curve, reproducible results, and high safety index.

Complete dorsal wall agenesis of the sacral canal in a Greek population: an osteological study.

INTRODUCTION: The failure of closure of the dorsal wall of the sacral canal (SC) has been known since the eve of modern osteology, appearing in prehistoric times. Variants include partial or complete absence of the dorsal wall of the SC. SC presents a pathway for minimally invasive therapeutic and diagnostic procedures for spinal diseases and for ensuring analgesia and anesthesia in operations, including labor and genitourinary surgery.

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

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

Baseline cystometric parameters in conscious and anesthetized sheep: experimental data and systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize cystometry in conscious and anesthetized sheep, including bladder response to sacral root electrical stimulation, thereby providing a baseline set of values. METHODS: Single-fill cystometries were repeated in adult mule ewes both conscious (n = 5) and under general anesthesia (18) using a commercial system. Parameters including bladder capacity, detrusor (bladder) pressure, urethral opening pressure, bladder compliance, number of nonvoiding detrusor contractions, and bladder pressure change in response to electrical stimulation of the sacral roots under general anesthesia are reported. Pubmed, Embase, and Web of Science databases were searched for studies relating to ovine cystometry, and a systematic review was conducted. RESULTS: In awake sheep, mean ± SD bladder capacity was 79.6 ± 32.2 mL, urethral opening pressure was 26.0 ± 10.7 cm H2O, and compliance was 3.5 ± 1.9 mL/cm H2O. Peak detrusor pressures during micturition reached 57.7 ± 28.3 cm H2O. In anesthetized animals, mean bladder capacity (endpoint, 50 cm H2O) was 333 ± 191 mL, and mean bladder compliance was 7.7 ± 4.9 mL/cm H2O. Values for these parameters from our systematic review are presented for comparison and reference. Electrical stimulation of the second and third sacral roots caused a greater increase in detrusor pressure than stimulation of the first and fourth sacral roots. CONCLUSIONS: We present a comprehensive set of data for normal cystometry parameters in sheep, including the first report of detrusor response to sacral root stimulation in anesthetized sheep. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This report provides a valuable set of baseline values for a potential translational model of value to neurourologic research and may be a useful reference for clinicians.

Use of a newly developed minimally invasive bilateral fixed angle locking system in the treatment of pathological pelvic fractures: a case series.

BACKGROUND: Metastatic bone disease (MBD) and its complications have a significant impact on patients' quality of life. Pathological fractures are a particular problem as they affect patient mobility and pose a high risk of non-union. The pelvis is frequently affected by MBD and its fixation is challenging. We present a case series of three pathological sacral fractures treated with a new minimally invasive bilateral fixed angle locking system. CASE PRESENTATION: Case 1 and 2 suffered a pathological transforaminal sacral fracture without adequate trauma in stage 4 carcinomas (gastric cancer and breast cancer). Both were initially treated with non-surgical treatment, which had only a limited effect and led to imminent immobility. Both were operated on with fluoroscopic navigation and underwent transsacral SACRONAIL® stabilisation according to CT morphology (S1 + S2 and S1 respectively). Immediately after the operation, pain decreased and mobilisation improved. Case 3 had a pathological transalar sacral fracture during the 2nd cycle of chemotherapy due to non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. He soon became immobile and could only move in a wheelchair. The operation was performed with CT navigation due to the very small corridors and an implant was inserted in S1 and S2. The patient reported immediate pain relief and his ability to walk improved over the following months. Despite continued chemotherapy, no wound complications occurred. CONCLUSIONS: The cases show the advantages of the minimally invasive bilateral fixed angle locking system SACRONAIL® in the treatment of patients with pathological sacral fractures. It allows immediate full weight bearing and the risk of secondary surgical complications is low. All cases showed an improvement in pain scores and mobility.

Perfecting the pour: A novel co-axial technique with sequential injections for optimising cement delivery during sacroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous sacroplasty is an effective treatment for painful sacral fractures and tumours, however there is no accepted optimal technique for performing this procedure. This study investigated a novel approach to sacroplasty combining co-axial sacral access, sequential cement injections and hypothermic cement manipulation to improve cement delivery. METHODS: This retrospective study analysed 11 patients who underwent co-axial sacroplasty between April 2023 and March 2024 for treatment of painful insufficiency fractures (n = 5) or malignant sacral tumours (n = 6). All cases were performed using biplane fluoroscopy with conebeam CT navigation for planning and monitoring percutaneous access. Procedural details, technical outcomes, and clinical outcomes including Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) pain and analgesic utilisation on a six-point scale were analysed pre-procedure and at follow-up. RESULTS: Technical success of was achieved in all cases using this technique. The mean injected cement volume was 20.5 ± 6.4 ml. Median pre-procedural NRS pain scores of 8 (IQR 7.25-8) significantly decreased to 0 (IQR, 0-0.25) at follow-up (p <.01). The median preprocedural analgesic utilisation score reduced from 3 (IQR, 2-3) to 0 (IQR, 0-2.5) at follow-up (p <.01). Cement leakage occurred during two cases without associated adverse clinical sequelae. There were no major adverse events. CONCLUSION: Co-axial sequential injection sacroplasty is a safe and effective technique which allows facilitates controlled delivery of cement. Improved control of cement delivery, including around high-risk structures for cement leakage, offers a potential safety advantage over conventional sacroplasty techniques. Further research comparing technical and clinical outcomes to conventional techniques is warranted.

Feasibility and Safety of 3D-Navigated Trans-Sacral Bar Osteosynthesis for Fragility Fractures of the Sacrum: FIRST Clinical Experiences.

Background: There has been an increasing number of fragility fractures of the sacrum in the recent decade. With rates of up to 28%, the complication rates after surgical treatment are still at an unacceptably high level, and new treatment strategies are urgently needed. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential of 3D-navigated trans-sacral bar osteosynthesis in the surgical treatment of fragility fractures of the sacrum. Methods: Retrospectively, from 2017 to 2023, all cases with confirmed fragility fractures of the sacrum in patients > 65 years of age that were surgically treated with navigated 3D-navigated trans-sacral bar osteosynthesis were included, and epidemiological data and the course of treatment analyzed in comparison to a matched control group. Results: Finally, 21 patients (18 women and 3 men) were included in this study. The average age of the patients was 82.6 (SD 6.3) in the intervention group and 79.4 (SD 6.7) in the control group. There were postoperatively detected complications in two cases (18%) in the intervention group and in four cases (40%, p = 0.362) in the control group. The postoperative in-hospital stay was 10 days (SD 3.8) vs. 11.4 days (SD 3.8) in the control. None of the patients in the intervention group and two in the control group needed revision surgery. Conclusions: Overall, 3D-navigated trans-sacral bar osteosynthesis seems to be a promising technique, enabling an accurate implant positioning while offering a low complication rate with an excellent short-term outcome in elderly patients with fragility fractures of the sacrum.

Incidence and Risk Factors of Sacral Fracture Following Lumbosacral Fusion for Degenerative Spinal Stenosis with a Minimum Follow-Up of 2 Years: A Case-Control Study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the incidence and risk factors for sacral fractures following lumbosacral fusion. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of patients who underwent lumbosacral fusion for degenerative spinal stenosis with a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Patients who developed and those who did not develop a sacral fracture were categorized into the "sacral fracture" and "nonfracture" groups. The demographic and radiological data were compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: A total of 65 patients were included in this study. Among them, 7 patients were categorized into the sacral fracture and 58 patients into the nonfracture groups, respectively. The incidence of sacral fracture was 10.8%. In the sacral fracture group, age and fusion levels were significantly higher (P<0.05), while bone mineral density (BMD) T-score was significantly lower (P<0.05) than nonfracture group. Pelvic incidence, preoperative pelvic tilt, postoperative sacral slope, and postoperative lumbar lordosis were significantly higher (P<0.05) in the sacral fracture than the nonfracture group. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that BMD T-score (odds ratio [OR] 0.25, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.08-0.79, P = 0.019), postoperative sacral slope (OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.00-1.29, P = 0.047), and changes in L4-S1 lordosis (OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.00-1.23, P = 0.049) were significant factors. CONCLUSIONS: The overall incidence of sacral fracture was 10.8%. In our study, advanced age, low BMD, long fusion levels, and preoperative compensatory pelvic retroversion and excessive correction of it were risk factors for sacral fractures.

The clinical value of ultrasound-guided sacral anesthesia in Intracavitary and/or interstitial brachytherapy for cervical Cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effectiveness and safety of ultrasound-guided sacral anesthesia in intracavitary and/or interstitial brachytherapy for cervical cancer patients. METHOD: A retrospective analysis was conducted on a total of 1039 intracavitary and/or interstitial brachytherapy involving 220 patients in our department from December 7, 2020 to March 21, 2024. The study assessed the satisfaction with anesthesia, changes in vital signs, onset time of anesthesia, dosage of anesthetic drugs, duration of anesthesia, and incidence of adverse reactions. RESULT: The rate of satisfaction with anesthesia was 73.8 %. There were no significant differences in patients' heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), systolic blood pressure (SBP), or oxygen saturation (SaO2) before and after anesthesia (P > 0.05). The onset time of anesthesia ranged from 20 to 35 min, the average dosage of anesthetic was 20 ml, and the duration of anesthesia lasted from 30 to 120 min. Serious adverse reactions included 2 cases of post-anesthesia syncope (associated with sacral cysts). The incidence of nausea was 2.2 %, and the total incidence of other adverse reactions, such as vomiting, urinary retention, bradycardia, anal discomfort, and dizziness, was less than 1 %. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound guided sacral anesthesia demonstrates significant advantages, including effective anesthesia, minimal impact on vital signs, rapid onset, prolonged maintenance, and a low incidence of adverse reactions. It is recommended for widespread application in intracavitary and/or interstitial brachytherapy for cervical cancer patients.

A New Rat Model of Sacral Cord Injury Producing a Neurogenic Bladder and Its Functional and Mechanistic Studies.

Sacral spinal cord injury (SSCI) can disrupt bladder neuromodulation and impair detrusor function. Current studies provide limited information on the histologic and genetic changes associated with SSCI-related neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD), resulting in few treatment options. This study aimed to establish a simple animal model of SSCI to better understand the disease progression. Ninety 8-week-old Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly separated into sham operation and SSCI groups. The SSCI group underwent sacral spinal cord injury, while the sham group did not. Urodynamic and histological assessments were conducted at various intervals (1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 weeks) post-injury to elucidate the disease process. Urodynamic examinations revealed significant bladder dysfunction in the SSCI group compared to the sham group, stabilizing around 3-4 weeks post-injury. Histological examination, including hematoxylin-eosin and Masson's trichrome staining, correlated these functional changes with bladder microstructural alterations. RNA-seq was performed on bladder tissues from the sham group and SSCI group at 6 weeks to identify differentially expressed genes and pathways. Selected genes were further analyzed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The findings indicated a pronounced inflammatory response in the first 2 weeks post-SSCI, progressing to bladder fibrosis at 3-4 weeks. In conclusion, this study presents a reliable, reproducible, and straightforward SSCI model, providing insights into bladder functional and morphological alterations post-SSCI and laying the groundwork for future therapeutic research.

Embolization of an epidural arteriovenous fistula of the sacral nerve root with a neural tube defect: A case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Rarely, epidural arteriovenous fistula (AVF) of the sacral neural root may be associated with neural tube defects. CASE PRESENTATION: A 46-year-old man presented with progressive weakness and numbness in both lower extremities. On physical examination, both lower extremities only had Grade III muscle strength. MRI revealed extensive dilated veins along the spinal cord, edema of the spinal cord, lipomyelomeningocele and tethering of the spinal cord. Angiography revealed an epidural AVF at the sacral neural root with intradural venous drainage. Endovascular treatment (EVT) was performed. First, a microcatheter accessed the AVF; then, another microcatheter coiled around the feeding artery near the fistula to establish the "pressure cooker" effect; finally, the AVF was obliterated by casting Onyx via the first microcatheter. After EVT, the patient's symptoms improved immediately. Postoperative computed tomography confirmed the presence of defective sacral bone. Based on the patient's physical examination and imaging findings, a neural tube defect with a tethered cord and a lipomyelomeningocele were confirmed. Two months later, the patient recovered well and could walk. The follow-up MR image revealed a nearly normal spinal cord. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Microsurgical resection is difficult because of the deep location of such an AVF. EVT by casting Onyx can be a feasible option. To avoid Onyx reflux, the 'pressure cooker' technique can be helpful for obliterating such an AVF. CONCLUSION: On the basis of this case report, EVT can be effective for epidural AVFs of the sacral neural root in select cases.

Fever associated with machine activation after sacral neuromodulation: Case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) is commonly used in the treatment of refractory overactive bladder (OAB), non-obstructive urinary retention (NOR) and fecal incontinence. Here, we report an atypical symptomatic case to enrich the limited international case series. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of a male patient with cauda equina nerve injury left over from a traumatic injury and dysfunction of urinary and fecal functions who, after undergoing phase I sacral nerve stimulator placement, developed fever when the machine was switched on, and the symptoms resolved when it was switched off. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) is commonly used in the treatment of refractory overactive bladder (OAB), non-obstructive urinary retention (NOR) and fecal incontinence. The patient did not develop a non-infectious fever after the injury, only after the SNM device was installed and activated, and the temperature returned to normal after shutdown. We hypothesize that on top of the patient's pre-existing nerve damage and disorders, the activation of the SNM somehow stimulated the relevant sites, causing the patient to develop a neurogenic fever. CONCLUSION: We concluded that in this case, it is reasonable to consider that the patient's fever was closely related to the placement of the sacral nerve stimulator.

A new approach for percutaneous ilio-sacral screw fixation: CT-based pre-operative planning with conventional fluoroscopy to reduce malposition rate and operating time.

PURPOSE: Percutaneous ilio-sacral screw (ISS) insertion using conventional C-arm fluoroscopy has been a widely employed technique for pelvic posterior ring fixation, particularly in developing regions. However, this approach presents technical challenges, leading to a high malposition rate. We introduced a new method for ISS insertion without additional equipment or software and suggested whether it could reduce the malposition rate and operating time. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study. The study included all patients who underwent percutaneous ISS fixation between January 2020 and December 2022. Patients treated with open reduction or other types of implants were excluded. The patients were divided into 2 groups based on the screw insertion method: Group A utilized the traditional dual-plane adjustment method, while Group B received the newly introduced method. In all cases, conventional C-arm fluoroscopy was the sole guidance during the surgical procedure. Malposition rate, radiation exposure, and operating time were compared between groups. Post-operative CT scans were used to assess screw accuracy using the Smith grading method. The Student's t-test or the Mann-Whitney U test was chosen for comparing the quantitative variables based on the normality test results. The Chi-squared test was utilized for comparing qualitative variables. RESULTS: A total of 72 patients with pelvic posterior ring disruption treated with percutaneous ISS under conventional fluoroscopy guidance were included in this study. Among them, 32 patients were in Group A and 40 patients were in Group B. In Group B, the average operation duration per screw was 33 min with 29 fluoroscopy applications, which was significantly lower than that in Group A (44 min, p < 0.001, 38 times, p < 0.001, respectively). Furthermore, the post-operative CT scan revealed that only 10.7% (6/56) of screws in Group B were inappropriately positioned according to the Smith criteria. CONCLUSION: The novel method introduced in this study demonstrated a reduction in both malposition rates and operating time compared to the traditional dual-plane adjustment method. Precise pre-operative CT planning in conjunction with conventional fluoroscopy could establish this method as a widely applicable technique for percutaneous ISS fixation.

A Case of Sacral Osteomyelitis Causing Ascending Spinal Canal Infection.

Sacral osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone that extends posterior to the pelvis at the base of the spine. This condition typically occurs in elderly or bedbound/immobile patients and is treated with wound debridement, wound care, surgery, and antibiotic therapy. In this report, a case is presented of a rare complication of sacral osteomyelitis where the infection extended through the bone into the spinal canal causing an ascending spinal canal infection. This report is meant to provide an individual example of this rare complication which can hopefully be used to improve surveillance, treatment, and outcomes of this rare condition.

Origin of median sacral artery with fourth pair of lumbar artery - an alert for spine surgeons and interventionalists: A case report and mini literature review.

The median sacral artery (MSA) is the single unpaired dorsal branch of the abdominal aorta. The present case describes the relatively unusual origin of the median sacral artery in common with the fourth pair of lumbar arteries via a common trunk in a 74-year-old males' cadaver. Unusual common trunk is prone for iatrogenic injury in surgeries of the lumbar and pelvic region. Owing to the deep seated nature of MSA close to the periosteum of lumbar vertebrae and sacrum, detection of accidental rupture of MSA and ligation thereof becomes a difficult task. MSA is also increasingly being utilized for intra-arterial embolization of pelvic tumours. The proximal portion of the common origin may at times undergo cone shaped dilatation which is referred to as infundibulum or infundibular dilatation and can also transform into aneurysm later. Knowledge of this variation is imperative for spine and pelvic surgeons to avoid unwanted complications.

Outcomes of sacral neuromodulation in male patients with overactive bladder, chronic pelvic pain, and fecal incontinence.

INTRODUCTION: Despite the growing body of literature on sacral neuromodulation (SNM) outcomes, research focusing on male patients remains limited and often represented by small cohorts nested within a larger study of mostly women. Herein, we evaluated the outcomes of SNM in a male-only cohort with overactive bladder (OAB), fecal incontinence (FI), chronic bladder pain, and neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included 64 male patients who underwent SNM insertion between 2013 and 2021 at a high-volume tertiary center. Indications for SNM therapy included OAB, FI, chronic pelvic pain, and NLUTD. Descriptive statistics, Fisher's and t-test were used in analysis. RESULTS: The mean age was 57.7 ± 13.4 years, and the most frequent reason for SNM insertion was idiopathic OAB (72%), FI (16%), pelvic pain (11%), and NLUTD (11%). A majority (84%) of men received treatment prior to SNM insertion. 84% reported satisfaction and 92% symptom improvement within the first year, and these improvements persisted beyond 1 year in 73% of patients. Mean follow up was 52.7 ± 21.0 months. The complication rate was 23%, and the need for adjunct treatments was significantly reduced (73% to 27%, p < 0.001). Treatment outcomes did not differ significantly between various indications for SNM therapy or the presence of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). CONCLUSION: SNM is an effective and safe procedure for male patients with neurogenic and non-neurogenic OAB, pelvic pain, and FI. Over 70% of patients experienced symptomatic improvement and remained satisfied in the mid to long term follow up. BPH does not seem to hinder treatment outcomes.

Advantages of robotic surgery for rectal cancer compared to laparoscopic surgery: pelvic anatomy and its impact on urinary dysfunction.

The anatomical dimensions and the shape of the pelvis influence surgical difficulty for rectal cancer. Compared to conventional laparoscopic surgery, robot-assisted surgery is expected to improve surgical outcomes due to the multi-joint movement of its surgical instruments. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of pelvic anatomical indicators on short-term outcomes of patients with rectal cancer. A retrospective analysis was conducted using data from 129 patients with rectal cancer who underwent conventional laparoscopic low anterior resection (L-LAR) or robot-assisted low anterior resection (R-LAR) with total mesorectal excision or tumor-specific mesorectal excision between January 2014 and December 2022. The transverse diameter of the lesser pelvis and the sacral promontory angle were used as indicators of pelvic anatomy. The sacral promontory angle was not associated with age and sex while the pelvic width was smaller in male than in female. The pelvic width did not affect postoperative complications in both L-LAR and R-LAR. In contrast, postoperative urinary dysfunction occurred more frequently in patients with a small sacral promontory angle (p = 0.005) in L-LAR although there was no impact on short-term outcomes in R-LAR. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that a small sacral promontory angle was an independent predictive factor for urinary dysfunction (p = 0.032). Sharp angulation of the sacral promontory was a risk factor for UD after L-LAR. Robot-assisted surgery could overcome anatomical difficulties and reduce the incidence of UD.