[Application status and progress of intraoperative nerve monitoring in pelvic autonomic nerve preserving radical resection of rectal cancer].

The current treatment strategy for rectal cancer is a comprehensive treatment centered on surgery. The application of total mesorectal excision (TME) has significantly reduced the local recurrence rate and improved the survival prognosis, but a series of pelvic organ dysfunction caused by pelvic autonomic nerve injury during the operation will reduce the postoperative quality of life of patients. Pelvic autonomic nerve preserving (PANP) radical proctectomy has emerged, but the biggest challenge in the implementation process of this technology is the accurate identification of nerves. A series of studies have shown that pelvic intraoperative autonomic monitoring (pIONM) can effectively assist surgeons to identify nerves, The purpose of this article is to introduce the function of pelvic autonomic nerve, the clinical manifestation of postoperative pelvic dysfunction and its relationship with nerve injury, the key points of implementing PANP, and the current situation and research progress of pIONM technology application.

[Research progress on urogenital function preservation in extralevator abdominoperineal resection].

Extralevator abdominoperineal excision (ELAPE) has been suggested to potentially improve oncological outcomes in advanced low rectal cancer patients. However, the urogenital function impairment as one of the main complications deteriorates the quality of life in these patients. The key point to prevent urogenital function impairment is to avoid autonomic nerve injury, including the superior and inferior hypogastric nerve plexus and neurovascular bundle. Three areas should be especially focused during surgery, including the posterolateral aspect of the prostate during the separation of the rectum from prostate, the lateral wall of ischioanal fossa and the area in front of anal canal. Previous presumption supposed that extended resection, though promoting oncologic outcomes, might lead to enlarged injury to surrounding vessels and nerves that deteriorated patients' urogenital function. But recent studies show that postoperative urogenital function outcomes of rectal cancer patients who underwent ELAPE are not inferior to conventional APE after the induction of minimal invasive approaches including laparoscopic and robotic surgery. Their quality of life can be comparable with patients who underwent conventional APE, and are even better in some particular area. Moreover, as further improvement of ELAPE procedure has been made, the concept of individualized ELAPE addressed the importance of personalized surgical procedure based on tumor stage and location, dedicating to avoid injury to vessels and nerves through preserving more surrounding tissues. Urogenital function outcomes, as part of postoperative outcomes, get more and more attention in recent years. We review current studies on urogenital function after ELAPE from anatomy to clinical research, in order to raise surgeons' attention of nerve preservation technique and to improve their understanding of ELAPE procedure.

[Efficiency analysis on functional protection of nerve plane-oriented laparoscopic total mesorectal excision].

Objective: Using previous total mesorectal excision with pelvic autonomic nerve preservation (PANP+TME) and simple total mesorectal excision (TME) without emphasis on retained nerves as control, we explore the advantages of nerve plane-oriented laparoscopic total mesorectal excision (NPO+LTME) on urinary and sexual function. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was carried out. Case inclusion criteria: (1) male patients with pathologically confirmed middle and low rectal adenocarcinoma (4 to 11 cm from the anus); (2) stage T1-2tumor; (3) normal sexual life before operation. Exclusion criteria: (1) no pathological diagnosis before surgery; (2) local recurrence or distant metastasis; (3) preoperative neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy; (4) opensurgery and laparoscopic surgery conversionto open; (5) no follow-up data. According to the above criteria, clinical data of 173 male patients with low and middle rectal adenocarcinoma who underwent radical operation for laparoscopic rectal cancer from July 2003 to July 2018 at the Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Wuhan University People's Hospital were collected. According to different surgical methods, patients were divided into TME group (58 cases), PANP+TME group (63 cases) and NPO+LTME group (52 cases). There were no significant differences in the baseline data including age, body mass index and pathological examination between the 3 groups (all P>0.05). The nerve plane referred to the nerve, the adipose tissue, the extremely finecapillaries around the nerve with overlying fine membranous tissue. NPO+LTME referred to the process of laparoscopic TME guided by the nerve plane, performing in the loose connective tissue between the nerve plane and the rectal properfascia, in order to ensure the integrity of the nerve plane, and maximally protect the patient's urinary and reproductive functions. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, urinary catheter removal time, urinary function grading, postoperative first erection time, and erectile function and ejaculation function were observed and compared among the 3 groups at 3- and 6-month after operation. Results: In the NPO+LTME group, the PANP+TME group and the TME group, the operation time was (181.9±24.5) minutes, (176.7±29.2) minutes and (137.7±16.2) minutes, respectively (F=54.868, P<0.001); the intraoperative blood lost was (6.0±1.4) ml, (6.5±1.8) ml and (12.8±4.6) ml, respectively (F=95.016, P<0.001); the time to postoperative removal of the catheter was (2.4±1.1) days, (3.7 ±1.7) days and (6.5±2.4) days, respectively (F=79.409, P<0.001); the first postoperative erection time was (1.6±0.6) days, (8.9±2.7) days and (15.9±6.8) days (F=177.677, P<0.001), respectively, whose differences were all statistically significant (all P<0.01). In comparison of urinary function grading, the proportion of grade I (normal function, no urinary dysfunction) in the NPO+LTME, the ANP+TME group and the TME group was 84.1% (53/63), 39.7% (23/58) and 19.2% (10/52), respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (H=52.915, P<0.001). At postoperative 3- and 6-month, proportion of patients with grade I erectile function (normal erectile function) was 77.8% (49/63) and 85.7% (54/63), 44.8% (26/58) and 53.4% (31/58), 28.8% (15/52) and 48.1% (25/52) in the NPO+LTME group, the PANP+TME group, and the TME group, respectively. The differences were statistically significant (H=91.709, P<0.001; H=79.692, P<0.001). The proportion of patients with grade I ejaculation function (with ejaculation, no abnormalities in routine semen examination before and after surgery) at 3- and 6-month after surgery in the NPO+LTME group, the PANP+TME group and the TME group was 82.5% (52/63) and 87.3% (55/63), 53.4% (31/58) and 60.3% (35/58), 28.8% (15/52) and 46.1% (24/52), respectively. The differences were statistically significant as well (H=86.543, P<0.001; H=78.667, P<0.001). Patients in the NPO+LTME group had no grade III erections and ejaculation disorders. Conclusion: The surgical procedure of NPO+LTME can promote the recovery of postoperative neurological function and preserve urination and sexual function better.

Sexual dysfunction following rectal cancer surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Sexual and urological problems after surgery for rectal cancer are common, multifactorial, inadequately discussed, and untreated. The urogenital function is dependent on dual autonomic sympathetic and parasympathetic innervation, and four key danger zones exist that are at risk for nerve damage during colorectal surgery: one of these sites is in the abdomen and three are in the pelvis. The aim of this study is to systematically review the epidemiology of sexual dysfunction following rectal cancer surgery, to describe the anatomical basis of autonomic nerve-preserving techniques, and to explore the scientific evidence available to support the laparoscopic or robotic approach over open surgery. METHODS: According to the PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive literature search of studies evaluating sexual function in patients undergoing rectal surgery for cancer was performed in Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of controlled trials. RESULTS: An increasing number of studies assessing the incidence and prevalence of sexual dysfunction following multimodality treatment for rectal cancer has been published over the last 30 years. Significant heterogeneity in the prevalence of sexual dysfunction is reported in the literature, with rates between 5 and 90%. CONCLUSIONS: There is no evidence to date in favor of any surgical approach (open vs laparoscopic vs robotic). Standardized diagnostic tools should be routinely used to prospectively assess sexual function in patients undergoing rectal surgery.

[Anatomical consideration for the technique of nerve-sparing during radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer]. / Bases anatomiques et principe du nerve-sparing au cours de l'hystérectomie radicale pour cancer du col utérin.

Radical hysterectomy (RH) is an effective treatment for early-stage cervical cancer IA2 to IIA1 but RH is often associated with several significant complications such as urinary, anorectal and sexual dysfunction due to pelvic nerve injuries. Pelvic autonomic nerves including the superior hypogastric plexus (SHP), hypogastric nerves (HN), pelvic splanchnic nerves (PSN), sacral splanchnic nerves (SSN), inferior hypogastric plexus (IHP) and efferent branches of the IHP. We aimed to precise the neuroanatomy of the female pelvis in order to provide key-points of surgical anatomy to improve NSRH for cervical cancer. The SHP could be injured during periaortic lymph node dissection and its preservation necessitates an approach on the right side of the aorta and a blunt dissection of the promontory before lomboaortic lymphadenectomy. Injuries to HN can occur during the resection of USL at the posterior pelvic wall and of rectovaginal ligaments and to preserve HN only the medial fibrous part of the uterosacral ligament should be resected. The middle rectal artery, the deep uterine vein and the ureter should be identified to preserve PSN and IHP during resection of paracervix. Vesical branches can be preserved by blunt dissection of the posterior layer of the vesicouterine ligament after identifying the inferior vesical vein. In most of cases, NSRH for cervical cancer can be performed. Anatomical landmarks as middle rectal artery, deep uterine vein, inferior vesical vein and ureter and the respect of nervous part of uterine ligament and of parametrium provide to surgeon a safe preservation of pelvic innervation without compromising oncological outcomes.

Las dos caras del reflejo venoarteriolar: vasoconstricción y vasodilatación cutánea al bajar y subir el brazo / The two faces of veno-arteriolar reflex: cutaneous vasodilatation and vasoconstriction to raise and to lower the arm

Introducción. El reflejo venoarteriolar (RVA) lo provoca un incremento en la presión venosa transmural al colocar una parte del cuerpo en el sentido de la aceleración gravitatoria por debajo del corazón. Objetivo. Evaluar el RVA en sujetos sanos al levantar una parte del cuerpo por encima del corazón. Sujetos y métodos. En 16 sujetos sanos (20-65 años) se estudió el RVA mediante cambios en el flujo sanguíneo de la piel con un fotopletismógrafo digital infrarrojo colocado en el pulpejo en sujetos sanos durante las siguientes condiciones: brazo derecho a la altura del corazón, brazo derecho 40 cm por debajo del corazón y brazo derecho 40 cm por encima del corazón. Las variables medidas fueron: amplitud del flujo sanguíneo de la piel con el brazo a la altura del corazón (amplitud basal), porcentaje de disminución del flujo sanguíneo de la piel con el brazo por debajo del corazón y porcentaje de aumento del flujo sanguíneo de la piel con el brazo por encima del corazón. Resultados. El porcentaje de vasoconstricción con el brazo derecho por debajo del corazón fue del 35%, y el de vasodilatación, del 50%. Conclusiones. La evaluación del RVA con el brazo por debajo del corazón provoca vasoconstricción, y la elevación del brazo produce una importante vasodilatación. La vasoconstricción y la vasodilatación se mantienen mientras la extremidad se mantenga por encima o por debajo del corazón. Éste es un estudio potencialmente muy útil y económico para estudiar la inervación de la microcirculación en diversas neuropatías periféricas de fibras delgadas y mixtas (AU)

Introduction. The veno-arteriolar reflex (VAR) is triggered by an increase in the transmural venous pressure on placing a part of the body in the same direction as the gravitational acceleration below the heart. Aim. To assess the VAR in healthy subjects on raising a part of the body above the level of the heart. Subjects and methods. VAR was studied in 16 healthy subjects (20-65 years old) by means of changes in the blood flow in the skin detected using a digital infrared photoplethysmograph attached to the fingertip under the following conditions: right arm at the height of the heart, right arm below the heart and right arm below the level of the heart. The variables measured were: amplitude of the blood flow in the skin with the arm raised to the height of the heart (baseline amplitude), percentage decrease of the blood flow in the skin with the arm below the heart and percentage increase in blood flow with the arm above the heart. Results. The percentage of vasoconstriction with the right arm below the heart was 35%, and that of vasodilation, 50%. Conclusions. Evaluation of the VAR with the arm below the heart causes vasoconstriction, and elevation of the arm causes an important degree of vasodilation. Vasoconstriction and vasodilation are maintained while the limb is kept above or below the heart. This is an economical and potentially very useful way of studying the innervation of the microcirculation in a number of different peripheral neuropathies of thin and mixed fibres (AU)

Anatomical basis and clinical research of pelvic autonomic nerve preservation with laparoscopic radical resection for rectal cancer.

The clinical effect of laparoscopic rectal cancer curative excision with pelvic autonomic nerve preservation (PANP) was investigated. This study evaluated the frequency of urinary and sexual dysfunction of 149 male patients with middle and low rectal cancer who underwent laparoscopic or open total mesorectal excision with pelvic autonomic nerve preservation (PANP) from March 2011 to March 2013. Eighty-four patients were subjected to laparoscopic surgery, and 65 to open surgery respectively. The patients were followed up for 12 months, interviewed, and administered a standardized questionnaire about postoperative functional outcomes and quality of life. In the laparoscopic group, 13 patients (18.37%) presented transitory postoperative urinary dysfunction, and were medically treated. So did 12 patients (21.82%) in open group. Sexual desire was maintained by 52.86%, un-ability to engage in intercourse by 47.15%, and un-ability to achieve orgasm and ejaculation by 34.29% of the patients in the laparoscopic group. Sexual desire was maintained by 56.36%, un-ability to engage in intercourse by 43.63%, and un-ability to achieve orgasm and ejaculation by 33.73% of the patients in the open group. No significant differences in urinary and sexual dysfunction between the laparoscopic and open rectal resection groups were observed (P>0.05). It was concluded that laparoscopic rectal cancer radical excision with PANP did not aggravate or improve sexual and urinary dysfunction.

Disfunções cardiovasculares em traumatismo raquimedular / Cardiovascular dysfunction in spinal cord trauma

Objetivo: Analisar frequência, tratamento e prognóstico das disfunções cardiovasculares em pacientes vítimas de traumatismo raquimedular (TRM). Métodos: Estudo longitudinal observacional, analítico e retrospectivo. Os dados foram coletados, retrospectivamente, de 49 pacientes da Unidade de Trauma, Hospital de Urgência de Sergipe, no período entre janeiro e dezembro de 2010. Resultados: A média de idade foi de 34,7 ± 17,2 anos, sendo 30 (61,2%) pacientes entre 20 e 60 anos. O gênero masculinofoi o mais acometido, sendo 44 (89,8%). O tempo médio de internação foi de 22,5 dias ± 21. As principais causas de TRM foram: 18 quedas (37%), 15 ferimentos por arma de fogo (31%) e 12 acidentes automobilísticos (24%). O TRM foi classificado em nível alto em 31 (63,3%) casos e nível baixo em 18 (36,7%). Durante a internação, cinco (10,2%) evoluíram com bradicardia e 13 (26,5%) apresentaram hipotensão arterial. Todos os casos de bradicardia tiveram hipotensão arterial associada. A média das PA sistólicas durante internação foi 109,1 ± 19,6 mmHg. A sobrevida global da amostra foi de 77,3% ± 7,5% em 20 dias. Os pacientes que apresentaram hipotensão arterial tiveram sobrevida menor em relação aos que não apresentaram. Nos pacientes com TRM nível alto, a sobrevida em 20 dias foi de 69,6% ± 9,8% e nível baixo de 88,9% ± 10,5%. Conclusões: Bradicardia e hipotensão arterial são as disfunções cardiovasculares mais frequentes e estão associadas ao TRM nível alto, tendo pior prognóstico no tipo lesão completa

Objective: Analyze frequency, treatment and prognosis of cardiovascular dysfunction in patients suffering from spinal cord trauma (TRM). Methods: Longitudinal observational, analytical and retrospective. Data were collected retrospectively from 49 patients of the Trauma Unit, Hospital Emergency Sergipe, in the period between January and December 2010. Results: Mean age was 34.7 ± 17.2, and 30 (61.2%) patients were between 20 and 60 years. The male was involved in 44 (89.8%). The mean hospital stay was 22.5 days ± 21. The main causes of TRM were 18 falls (37%), gunshot wounds 15 (31%) and motor vehicle accidents 12 (24%). The TRM was rated highest level in 31 (63.3%) cases and low 18 (36.7%). During hospitalization, five (10.2%) developed bradycardia and 13 (26.5%) had hypotension. All cases had bradycardia associated with hypotension. The average systolic BP during hospitalization was 109.1 ± 19.6 mmHg. The overall survival rate of the sample was 77.3% ± 7.5% in 20 days. Patientswho developed hypotension had lower survival than those who did not. In patients with high-level TRM survival at 20 days was 69.6% ± 9.8% and low level of 88.9% ± 10.5%. Conclusions: Bradycardia and hypotension are the most common cardiovascular disorders and are associated with high TRM level, with poorer prognosis in complete lesion type.

Colorectal surgery and its impact on male sexual function.

The quality of functional outcome has become increasingly important in view of improvement in prognosis with colorectal cancer patients. Sexual dysfunction remains a common problem after colorectal cancer treatment, despite the good oncologic outcomes achieved by expert surgeons. Although radiotherapy and chemotherapy contribute, surgical nerve damage is the main cause of sexual dysfunction. The autonomic nerves are in close contact with the visceral pelvic fascia that surrounds the mesorectum. The concept of total mesorectal excision (TME) in rectal cancer treatment has led to a substantial improvement of autonomic nerve preservation. In addition, use of laparoscopy has allowed favorable results with regards to sexual function. The present paper describes the anatomy and pathophysiology of autonomic pelvic nerves, prevalence of sexual dysfunction, and the surgical technique of nerve preservation in order to maintain sexual function.

Laparoscopic proctectomy: oncologic considerations.

The role of laparoscopic proctectomy in rectal cancer has not clearly been defined. Publications on long-term outcomes after laparoscopic proctectomy is lacking and there is a wide variation of practice patterns of rectal cancer management. Current data supports the feasibility of laparoscopic proctectomy for rectal cancer but due to surgeon, patient and tumor related factors open technique may be favored. Current series suggest that laparoscopic proctectomy can be performed with similar oncologic adequacy with regards to, circumferential resection margin, distal margin, local recurrence and quality of life. Ongoing trials will provide evidence clarifying the role of laparoscopic proctectomy in rectal cancer. Until then, high-level laparoscopic skills and meticulous preoperative evaluation of both patient and tumor can identify appropriate candidates.

Endometriosis: the consequence of uterine denervation-reinnervation.

Difficult intrapartum episodes and persistent straining during defecation cause injuries to uterine nerves and uterosacral ligaments. Injuries to uterine nerves (denervation) result in loss of fundocervical polarity, uterotubal dysmotility and retrograde menstruation. Ectopic endometrium, delivered by retrograde menstruation, adheres to injuries to uterosacral ligaments and peritoneal surfaces. Difficult vaginal deliveries result in laparoscopic appearances of asymmetry of uterosacral ligaments with, or without, ectopic endometrium. Straining during defaecation causes the "classic" appearances of nulliparous endometriosis including hypertrophy of the uterosacral ligaments often with large volumes of ectopic endometrium. Laparoscopic appearances depend on the site, nature, extent, and timing of tissue injury, as well as the presence of available endometrium. Tissue repair, including reinnervation in the uterine isthmus, cervix, vagina and uterosacral ligaments, contributes to chronic pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia and subfertility some time after the primary injuries.

[The assessment of curative effect after total mesorectal excision with autonomic nerve preservation for rectal cancer].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact on sexual function, local recurrence and survival after total mesorectal excision (TME) with autonomic nerve preservation (PANP) of rectal cancer. METHODS: One hundred and five patients after TME with PANP were followed by means of questionnaire on postoperative genital function [TME + PANP(+) group], and the results of 110 patients after TME without PANP [TME + PANP(-) group] were compared with, also their local recurrence and 5-year survival were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: TME + PANP(+) group was compared to TME + PANP(-) group: the erection dysfunction, 33.3% vs 63.2%; the ejaculation dysfunction, 43.8% vs 70.0% (P < 0.01), there were significant differences between two groups, but no difference in local recurrent rate and 5-year survival rate (7.6% vs 5.5%; 63.4% vs 59.7%, P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The TME with PANP of rectal surgery ensure the radical cure of rectal cancer, at the same time reasonably save the postoperative sexual function and obtain satisfactory postoperative survival.

Oncologic and functional results of total mesorectal excision and autonomic nerve-preserving operation for advanced lower rectal cancer.

PURPOSE: Total mesorectal excision contains two different procedures: autonomic nerve preservation, and autonomic nerve sacrifice. It is unclear whether autonomic nerve preservation is suitable curative procedure. We clarify the significance of autonomic nerve preservation for an advanced lower rectal cancer. METHODS: All 403 patients curatively resected between 1975 and 1999 were clinicopathologically studied. Between 1975 and 1984, all patients routinely received total mesorectal excision without autonomic nerve preservation (TME-P(-) group). Since 1985, total mesorectal excision with autonomic nerve preservation has been performed in 81 percent of patients (TME-P(+) group). The remaining patients received TME-P(-) because of suspicious invasion to autonomic nerve plexus. All clinical and pathologic data were entered into a computer database. Long-term follow-up was used to analyze the oncologic and functional results of TME-P(+) group compared with TME-P(-) group. RESULTS: The follow-up rate was 98.1 percent. In either Dukes A+B or Dukes C disease, the TME-P(+) group did not increase local recurrence or decrease ten-year disease-free survival compared with the TME-P(-) group of Period 1975 to 1984. The TME-P(-) group of Period 1985 to 1999 had the highest distant metastasis and the lowest survival rates than any other groups. Urinary or sexual function was well preserved in the TME-P(+) group. CONCLUSIONS: Autonomic nerve preservation is oncologically and functionally excellent and suitable for almost all patients with advanced lower rectal cancer. Intensive chemotherapy is needed for patients whose autonomic nerves were killed in suspicion of nerve invasion.

Anatomy and physiology of the female perineal body with relevance to obstetrical injury and repair.

The female perineal body is a mass of interlocking muscular, fascial, and fibrous components lying between the vagina and anorectum. The perineal body is also an integral attachment point for components of the urinary and fecal continence mechanisms, which are commonly damaged during vaginal childbirth. Repair of injuries to the perineal body caused by spontaneous tears or episiotomy are topics too often neglected in medical education. This review presents the anatomy and physiology of the female perineal body, as well as clinical considerations for pelvic reconstructive surgery.

Randomized, controlled trial of lateral node dissection vs. nerve-preserving resection in patients with rectal cancer after preoperative radiotherapy.

PURPOSE: The effectiveness of preoperative radiation therapy for advanced lower rectal carcinoma to preserve the function of pelvic organs and reduce local recurrences was examined in a prospective, randomized, controlled study. METHODS: Fifty-one patients with a diagnosis of localized and resectable adenocarcinoma of the lower rectum undergoing 50 Gy of preoperative radiotherapy were recruited into the trial between April 1993 and March 1995. The patients were randomly allocated to complete autonomic nerve-preserving surgery without lateral node dissection (D1), or surgery with dissection of the lateral lymph nodes including autonomic nerves (D2) followed by oral administration of carmofur for one year. RESULTS: No difference was observed in either survival or disease-free survival between D1 and D2 groups. There was no difference between the two groups in terms of recurrence rate. A significant difference was observed in urinary and sexual function (P = 0.02 and 0.02, respectively) one year after surgery between D1 and D2 groups. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that lateral node dissection is not necessary in terms of curability for patients with advanced carcinoma of the lower rectum who undergo preoperative radiotherapy.

Avoiding long-term disturbance to bladder and sexual function in pelvic surgery, particularly with rectal cancer.

Urinary and sexual dysfunction are common problems after rectal cancer surgery, and the likely cause is damage to the pelvic autonomic nerves during surgery. In recent years, attention has been focused on preserving the autonomic nerves through a technique which is usually combined with total mesorectal excision or radical pelvic lymphadenectomy. The autonomic nerves consist of the paired sympathetic hypogastric nerve, sacral splanchnic nerves, and the pelvic autonomic nerve plexus. We will demonstrate the anatomy of the pelvic autonomic nerves and the relation of these nerves to the mesorectal fascial planes, and review the medical literature on sexual and urinary dysfunction after rectal cancer surgery with and without autonomic nerve preservation.

Alterations of heart rate variability after radiofrequency catheter ablation of focal atrial fibrillation originating from pulmonary veins.

BACKGROUND: Transient sinus bradycardia and hypotension have been reported as complications during radiofrequency (RF) ablation of focal atrial fibrillation (AF) originating from pulmonary veins (PVs). This study used heart rate variability (HRV) to evaluate the effects of focal PVs ablation on autonomic function. METHODS AND RESULTS: Thirty-seven patients with paroxysmal AF were referred for ablation. The study group included 30 patients who underwent transseptal ablation of PVs, and the control group included 7 patients who underwent the transseptal procedure without ablation. The mean sinus rate and time-domain (standard deviation of RR intervals and root-mean-square of differences of adjacent RR intervals) and frequency-domain (low frequency, high frequency, and low-frequency/high-frequency ratio) analyses of HRV were obtained by use of 24-hour Holter monitoring before and 1 week, 1 month, and 6 months after ablation. All the triggering points of AF were from PVs, and they were successfully ablated. Severe bradycardia and hypotension were noted during ablation of PVs in 6 patients (group IA); 24 patients without the above complication belonged to group IB. Compared with preablation values, a significant increase in mean sinus rate and low-frequency/high-frequency ratio and a significant decrease in standard deviation of RR intervals, root-mean-square of differences of adjacent RR intervals, low frequency, and high frequency were noted in groups IA and IB patients 1 week after ablation. The changes in HR and HRV recovered spontaneously in the 2 subgroups by 1 month later. These parameters of HRV did not change in the control group after the transseptal procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Transient autonomic dysfunction with alterations in HR and HRV occurred after ablation of focal AF originating from PVs.