A reappraisal of the deep uterine vein: a multimodal exploration with implications for pelvic surgery.

PURPOSE: Pelvic gynecological surgeries, whether for malignant or benign conditions, frequently result in functional complications due to injuries to the autonomic nervous system. Recognizing the deep uterine vein (DUV) as an essential anatomical reference can aid in preserving these structures. Despite its significance, the DUV is infrequently studied and lacks comprehensive documentation in Terminologia Anatomica. This research endeavors to elucidate a detailed characterization of the DUV. METHODS: We undertook a systematic literature review aligning with the "PRISMA" guidelines, sourcing from PUBMED and EMBASE. Our comprehensive anatomical examination encompassed cadaveric dissections and radio-anatomical evaluations utilizing the Anatomage® Table. RESULTS: The literary exploration revealed a consensus on the DUV's description based on both anatomical and surgical observations. It arises from the merger of cervical, vesical, and vaginal veins, coursing through the paracervix in a descending and rearward direction before culminating in the internal iliac vein. The hands-on anatomical study further delineated the DUV's associations throughout its course, highlighting its role in bifurcating the uterus's lateral aspect into two distinct zones: a superior vascular zone housing the uterine artery and ureter and an inferior nervous segment below the DUV representing the autonomic nerve pathway. CONCLUSION: A profound understanding of the subperitoneal space anatomy is paramount for pelvic surgeons to mitigate postoperative complications. The DUV's intricate neurovascular interplays underscore its significance as an indispensable surgical guide for safeguarding nerves and the ureter.

Two-Team Transanal Total Mesorectal Excision and En Bloc Resection of the Lateral Pelvic Lymph Nodes, Main Iliac Vessels, and Pelvic Plexus for Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer With Lateral Lymph Node Metastasis.

BACKGROUND: Here, we describe the precise surgical technique for a novel procedure involving 2-team transanal total mesorectal excision with en bloc lateral pelvic lymph node (LPLN) dissection combined with resection of the involved main internal iliac vessels and pelvic plexus. METHODS: From September 2020 to May 2023, 4 patients underwent the procedure at our hospital. RESULTS: The operation time and blood loss were 272 to 412 minutes and 10 to 124 mL, respectively. No patients required conversion to open surgery or exhibited Clavien-Dindo grade III or worse postoperative complications, although 2 developed grade II urinary dysfunction. All surgical margins were negative. CONCLUSIONS: Our novel 2-team method can facilitate safe and satisfactory surgery, even for highly advanced rectal cancer. The transanal approach offers excellent visibility and operability, even during LPLN and adjacent structure dissection. Furthermore, initial dissection of the distal branches of the iliac vessels prevents excessive lymphatic tissue congestion, facilitating easier, and clearer dissection.

Applied anatomy of female pelvic plexus for nerve-sparing radical hysterectomy(NSRH).

BACKGROUND: Nerve-sparing radical hysterectomy(NSRH)has the advantage of reducing postoperative complications and improving postoperative quality of life. The separation and protection of the pelvic plexus in NSRH is extremely important and challenging. METHODS: 24 female cadaveric hemipelves were dissected. Morphologic patterns and compositions of pelvic plexus as well as relationship of pelvic plexus to the surrounding structures were observed and documented. RESULTS: Two patterns of superior hypogastric plexus were observed, including fenestrated and cord-like shape. The origin of bilateral hypogastric nerves were inferiorly to upper margin of promontory about 1.6 ± 0.1 cm and parallel to the ureter in front of the sacrum. Pelvic splanchnic nerves(PSN)from the second sacral nerve, the third sacral nerve and the forth sacral nerve were observed combing with the hypogastric nerves within the lateral rectal ligament. The sacral sympathetic trunk can be identified anteriorly or medially to the anterior sacral foramen. We identified the boundaries of pelvic plexus as following: the upper margin is formed by the PSNs from the third sacral nerve, posterior margin by inferior rectal artery, and anteriorly by vesical venous plexus. The uterine branches from pelvic plexus were observed accompanying with uterine artery, while other branches were inferiorly to the artery. The PSNs were located beneath the deep uterine veins within the cardinal ligament. The upper margin of pelvic plexus was observed directly approach to urinary bladder within the vesico-vaginal ligament as a single trunk accompanying with ureter, between the middle and inferior vesical veins. CONCLUSIONS: Our study clarified the intricate arrangement, distribution and relationship of female pelvic plexus and the related structures to provide reference index for NSRH application. The innervation patterns of bladder and uterine were clarified, and by tracing these visceral branches of pelvic plexus, we suggest several new important land markers for NSRH.

Analgesic Efficacy of Intraoperative Superior Hypogastric Plexus (SHP) Block during Abdominal Hysterectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Controlled Trials.

Background and Objectives: Abdominal hysterectomy is a major surgery that is often associated with pronounced postsurgical pain. The objective of this research is to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and nonrandomized comparative trials (NCTs) that have surveyed the analgesic benefits and morbidity of intraoperative superior hypogastric plexus (SHP) block (intervention) compared with no SHP block (control) during abdominal hysterectomy. Materials and Methods: The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Google Scholar, Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Embase were searched from inception until 8 May 2022. The Cochrane Collaboration tool and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale were used to evaluate the risk of bias of RCTs and NCTs, respectively. In a random effects mode, the data were pooled as risk ratio (RR) or mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: Five studies (four RCTs and one NCT) comprising 210 patients (SHP block = 107 and control = 103) were analyzed. The overall postsurgical pain score (n = 5 studies, MD = -1.08, 95% CI [-1.41, -0.75], p < 0.001), postsurgical opioid consumption (n = 4 studies, MD = -18.90 morphine milligram equivalent, 95% CI, [-22.19, -15.61], p < 0.001), and mean time to mobilization (n = 2 studies, MD = -1.33 h, 95% CI [-1.98, -0.68], p < 0.001) were significantly decreased in the SHP block group contrasted with the control arm. Nevertheless, there was no significant variance between both arms regarding operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postsurgical NSAID consumption, and hospital stay. There were no major side effects or sympathetic block-related aftermaths in both groups. Conclusions: During abdominal hysterectomy and receiving perioperative multimodal analgesia, the administration of intraoperative SHP block is largely safe and exhibits better analgesic effects compared to cases without administration of SHP block.

Nerve-Sparing Laparoscopic Cystoprostatectomy Based on Inferior Hypogastric Plexus Dissection: Our Initial Experience.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to implement our technique for the initial dissection of the inferior hypogastric plexus and protection of the autonomic nerve supply to the corpora cavernosa in laparoscopic radical cystoprostatectomy with an orthotopic ileal neobladder and report the initial outcomes. METHODS: Eleven normally potent patients with preoperative cT2N0 bladder cancer who underwent bilateral nerve-sparing laparoscopic cystoprostatectomy performed by the same surgeon were selected from May 2018 to September 2020. In this procedure, the anterior part of the inferior hypogastric plexus was dissected first between the prehypogastric nerve fascia and rectal proper fascia medial to the distal ureter. Then the Denonvilliers' fascia and the nerves around the prostate were preserved according to current intrafascial principles. The preliminary operative, oncologic, and functional results are presented. RESULTS: The median follow-up duration was 18 months. We observed early and late complications in 5 patients, but none exceeded grade III. Of the 11 patients, ten gained daytime continence (90.9%), and 8 (72.7%) showed nocturnal continence at the last follow-up. Regarding postoperative potency, 10 of the 11 patients (90.9%) remained potent with or without oral medications, excluding one who had partial tumescence but did not follow our recommendations regarding medication use. No local recurrence or positive surgical margins were noted. CONCLUSION: In addition to emphasizing our cavernosal nerve-sparing procedure, this report on the precise dissection and protection of the inferior hypogastric plexus could be of clinical significance, providing potentially ideal short-term functional results.

Beyond Total Mesorectal Excision: Compartment-based Anatomy of the Pelvis Revisited for Exenterative Pelvic Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Magnetic resonance imaging-based subdivision of the pelvis into 7 compartments has been proposed for pelvic exenteration. The aim of the present anatomical study was to describe the topographic anatomy of these compartments and define relevant landmarks and surgical dissection planes. BACKGROUND: Pelvic anatomy as it relates to exenterative surgery is complex. Demonstration of the topographic peculiarities of the pelvis based on the operative situs is hindered by the inaccessibility of the small pelvis and the tumor bulk itself. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirteen formalin-fixed pelvic specimens were meticulously dissected according to predefined pelvic compartments. Pelvic exenteration was simulated and illustrated in a stepwise manner. Different access routes were used for optimal demonstration of the regions of interest. RESULTS: All the 7 compartments (peritoneal reflection, anterior above peritoneal reflection, anterior below peritoneal reflection, central, posterior, lateral, inferior) were investigated systematically. The topography of the pelvic fasciae and ligaments; vessels and nerves of the bladder, prostate, uterus, and vagina; the internal iliac artery and vein; the course of the ureter, somatic (obturator nerve, sacral plexus), and autonomic pelvic nerves (inferior hypogastric plexus); pelvic sidewall and floor, ischioanal fossa; and relevant structures for sacrectomy were demonstrated. CONCLUSIONS: A systematic approach to pelvic anatomy according to the 7 magnetic resonance imaging-defined compartments clearly revealed crucial anatomical landmarks and key structures facilitating pelvic exenterative surgery. Compartment-based pelvic anatomy proved to be a sound concept for beyond TME surgery and provides a basis for tailored resection procedures.

Visualization of the pelvic nerves using magnetic resonance imaging for rectal cancer surgery.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the visualization of the pelvic nerves using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) combined with computed tomography (CT) to synthesize three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction images of the pelvic organs. METHODS: The CT and MRI scans were performed for patients with rectal cancer who underwent surgery. The out-of-phase image of LAVA-Flex was used to identify the pelvic nerves. The images of the pelvic nerves were extracted from the MRI scans, and those of the arteries and rectum and pelvis were extracted from the CT scans. Each extracted organ image was used to synthesize 3D reconstruction images. RESULTS: The MRI scan allowed adequate visualization of the pelvic splanchnic nerves, inferior hypogastric plexus, and obturator nerves. The comparison of 3D reconstruction images and intraoperative findings showed matched images. CONCLUSION: We visualized the pelvic nerves using MRI and synthesized 3D reconstruction images of the pelvic organs. Preoperative confirmation of the location of the pelvic organs is important to prevent unanticipated injury during rectal cancer surgery.

Anatomy of the lower hypogastric plexus applied to endometriosis: a narrative review.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present study is to evaluate the anatomy of the inferior hypogastric plexus, correlating it with urological pathologies, imaging exams and surgeries of the female pelvis, especially for treatment of endometriosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We carried out a review about the anatomy of the inferior hypogastric plexus in the female pelvis. We analyzed papers published in the past 20 years in the databases of Pubmed, Embase and Scielo, and we included only papers in English and excluded case reports, editorials, and opinions of specialists. We also studied two human fixed female corpses and microsurgical dissection material with a stereoscopic magnifying glass with 2.5x magnification. RESULTS: Classical anatomical studies provide few details of the morphology of the inferior hypogastric plexus (IHP) or the location and nature of the associated nerves. The fusion of pelvic splanchnic nerves, sacral splanchnic nerves, and superior hypogastric plexus together with visceral afferent fibers form the IHP. The surgeon's precise knowledge of the anatomical relationship between the hypogastric nerve and the uterosacral ligament is essential to reduce the risk of complications and postoperative morbidity of patients surgically treated for deep infiltrative endometriosis involving the uterosacral ligament. CONCLUSION: Accurate knowledge of the innervation of the female pelvis is of fundamental importance for prevention of possible injuries and voiding dysfunctions as well as the evacuation mechanism in the postoperative period. Imaging exams such as nuclear magnetic resonance are interesting tools for more accurate visualization of the distribution of the hypogastric plexus in the female pelvis.

Bloqueo del plexo hipogástrico superior para manejo de dolor pélvico crónico no oncológico: efectividad y seguridad / Superior hypogastric plexus block for the management of non-oncological chronic pelvic pain: effectiveness and safety

Introducción: El dolor pélvico crónico es un problema ginecológico común, incapacitante y que afecta a la calidad de vida. Se estima la prevalencia hasta del 26,6 % a nivel mundial y en el 30 % de los casos no tienen un desencadenante claro. Dentro del manejo analgésico se propone el uso de intervencionismo como herramienta de control efectivo; para eso se analizan los casos recolectados en el Instituto Colombiano del Dolor (Incodol) con el objetivo de determinar la efectividad y la seguridad del procedimiento.Materiales y métodos: En este estudio retrospectivo descriptivo, se analizaron 100 pacientes a los que se les realizó bloqueo del plexo hipogástrico superior guiado por fluoroscopia. Se obtuvo datos de dolor percibido y requerimiento de analgésicos a los 0, 1, 3 y 6 meses después el bloqueo, y se registraron las complicaciones como sangrado, infección, lesión neurológica, dolor persistente y toxicidad. La percepción del dolor se analizó mediante el modelo lineal generalizado con efectos mixtos para medidas repetidas.Resultados: Todos los pacientes presentaron dolor de tipo visceral con una percepción media basal de 8,4 (SD = 1,5). El dolor percibido presentó disminución clínicamente relevante (> 50 %) del 45 %, 36 % y 23 % para cada periodo y el descenso del requerimiento analgésico a los 1, 3 y 6 meses fueron de 20 %, 19 % y 9 %, respectivamente. Para el sexto mes percepción del dolor fue estadísticamente significativa, siendo mayor en quienes disminuyeron el requerimiento de analgésicos (-5,2; IC 95 %: -6,7, -3,8). No se registraron complicaciones.Conclusiones: Se documenta la reducción estadísticamente significativa a los seis meses en la media del dolor percibido en pacientes con bloqueo del plexo hipogástrico superior guiado por fluoroscopia, sin registrarse complicaciones asociadas. Se considera benéfico en términos de reducción del dolor desde la perspectiva de puntos absolutos con respecto al valor basal de EVA...(AU)

Introduction: Chronic pelvic pain is a common, disabling gynecological problem that affects patient’s quality of life. Its prevalence is estimated to be up to 26.6 % worldwide and in 30 % of the cases there’s no clear trigger. Within the analgesic management, the use of interventionism is proposed as an effective tool, for this reason the cases collected in the Colombian Institute of Pain (Incodol) are analyzed to determine the effectiveness and safety of the procedure.Materials and methods: In this retrospective descriptive study, 100 patients with superior hypogastric plexus block guided by fluoroscopy were analyzed. Data on pain perception and analgesic requirements were obtained at 0, 1, 3, and 6 months after the block, and complications such as bleeding, infection, neurological injury, persistent pain, and toxicity were recorded. Pain perception was analyzed using the generalized linear model with mixed effects for repeated measures.Results: All patients presented visceral pain with a mean baseline perception of 8.4 (SD = 1.5). The perceived pain presented a clinically relevant decrease (> 50 %) of 45 %, 36 % and 23 % for each period and the decrease in analgesic requirement at 1, 3 and 6 months was 20 %, 19 % and 9 % respectively; For the sixth month, the reduction of pain perception was statistically significant, being higher in those who reduced the need for analgesics (-5.2; 95 % CI: -6.7, -3.8). No complications were recorded.Conclusions: The statistically significant reduction at six months in the mean of perceived pain in patients with fluoroscopy-guided superior hypogastric plexus block is documented, without registering associated complications. It is considered beneficial in terms of pain reduction from the perspective of absolute points with respect to baseline VAS value. The safety results give rise to consider it as a complementary and/or rescue technique in selected populations.(AU)

Fluoroscopic anterior approach versus ultrasound guided superior hypogastric plexus neurolysis in cancer pelvic pain: a randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Cancer-related pelvic pain can be difficult and debilitating to treat. Superior hypogastric plexus neurolysis (SHPN) is a good choice for adequate pain relief with fewer side effects. The current study compared between fluoroscopic anterior approach and ultrasound guided SHPN in the management of cancer-related pelvic pain. METHODS: Patients were randomly allocated into two equal groups. The ultrasound group (US group) (n = 48) received SHPN by an ultrasound-guided anterior approach using 3 ml 5% bupivacaine plus 20 ml 10% phenol, while the fluoroscopy group (n = 48) received SHPN by a fluoroscopy-guided anterior approach using 3 ml 5% bupivacaine plus 20 ml 10% phenol. RESULTS: The time of the procedure was shorter in the fluoroscopic group (21.31 ± 4.79 min) than the US group (24.88 ± 6.02 min) (P = 0.002). Patient satisfaction was higher in the fluoroscopy group (5.38 ± 1.482) than the US group (2.98 ± 1.495) (P˂0.001). The need for analgesia using morphine was significantly limited in each group, at 1, 2 and 3 months intervals (P1˂0.001, P2 ˂0.001 and P3 ˂0.001). There were statistically significant differences between both groups regarding fatigue at baseline, drowsiness at 3 months, nausea and vomiting at 1, 2 and 3 months and anorexia at 3 months. Group comparison also revealed statistically significant differences regarding depression at one month, anxiety at 2 and 3 months and insomnia at baseline. CONCLUSION: The fluoroscopic anterior approach SHPN was more superior than the US guided SHPN regarding the time of the procedure and patient satisfaction, while both technique were similar regarding the numeric rating scale and the complications during block. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registered in the ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT05299047) at 28/03/2022.

Nerve-sparing surgery for deep lateral parametrial endometriosis.

OBJECTIVE: Although dLPE is not overly rare, isolation of the autonomic nerves from dLPE cannot always be guaranteed. In patients with endometriosis lesions that are embedded in the deep parametrium, nerve-sparing techniques are no longer considered feasible, except for those with unilateral involvement. However, even one-sided radical parametrectomy may actually lead to bladder dysfunction, which seriously affects the quality of life. Therefore, the objective is to demonstrate the anatomical and technical highlights of nerve-sparing laparoscopic surgery for deep lateral parametrial endometriosis (dLPE). DESIGN: Stepwise demonstration of this method with a narrated video footage. SETTING: An urban general hospital. PATIENT(S): A 38-year-old woman, para 1, presented with a 5-year history of severe chronic pelvic and gluteal pain, all of which were resistant to pharmacotherapy. The patient showed no neurological disorders, such as bladder dysfunction. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed right ovarian endometrioma and hydrosalpinx with dLPE reaching the lateral pelvic wall. Based on the dermatome involved, we suspected that the main lesion causing gluteal pain was located around the second and third sacral roots. INTERVENTION(S): Laparoscopic excision of dLPE with a pelvic autonomic nerve-sparing technique, decompression of somatic nerves and preservation of all branches of the internal iliac vessels. Assessment of preserved tissue perfusion using indocyanine green. The procedure was performed using 8 steps, as follows: step 1, adhesiolysis and adnexal surgery; step 2, complete ureterolysis; step 3, identification and dissection of the hypogastric nerve and inferior hypogastric plexus with development of the pararectal space; step 4, dissection of the internal iliac vessels; step 5, identification and dissection of the sacral roots S2-S4 and the pelvic splanchnic nerves; step 6, complete removal of dLPE; step 7, hemostasis and assessment of tissue perfusion using indocyanine green; and step 8, application of barrier agents to prevent adhesion. Dissection of the pelvic nerves before dLPE excision revealed the relationship between the lesions and pelvic innervation, thereby reducing the risk of nerve injury, whether by minimizing the risk of neuropraxia or by allowing as many nerve fibers as possible to be spared in patients with some invasion of the pelvic nerve system. We considered even partial preservation of these nerves as beneficial to the resumption of pelvic organ functions. The step-by-step technique should help perform each stage of the surgery in a logical sequence, ensuring easy and safe completion of the procedure. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Relief from severe pain, avoidance of postoperative morbidity (including intermittent self-catheterization). RESULT(S): The patient developed no perioperative complications, including postoperative bladder, rectal, or sexual dysfunctions. Pain was completely resolved. CONCLUSION(S): Nerve-sparing surgery is technically safe and feasible for selected patients with dLPE. Suitably tailored treatment should be provided for each individual based on both latest scientific evidence and life planning for the patient.

The distribution of the inferior hypogastric plexus in female pelvis.

Elements that comprise the inferior hypogastric plexus are difficult to expose, intricate, and highly variable and can easily be damaged during local surgical procedures. We aimed to highlight, through dissection, the origin, formation, and distribution of the hypogastric nervous structures and follow them in the female pelvis. We performed detailed dissections on 7 female formalin-fixed cadavers, focusing on structures surrounding the pelvic organs. For each hemipelvis, we removed the peritoneum from the pelvic floor, and after we identified the hypogastric nerves, we continued our dissection towards the inferior hypogastric plexuses, following the branches of the latter. Laterorectally, the hypogastric nerves form the inferior hypogastric plexus, a variable structure - nervous lamina, neuronal network (more frequently), or sometimes a combination of them. We identified three components of the inferior hypogastric plexus. The anterior bundle travels towards the base of the urinary bladder, the middle part innervates the uterus and the vagina, and the posterior segment provides the innervation of the rectum. The plexus can be identified after removing the pelvic peritoneum and the subperitoneal adipose tissue. Intraoperatively, the structures can be preserved by using an immediately-subperitoneal dissection plane. The variable branches are relatively well-organized around the pelvic vessels, supplying the urinary bladder, the genital organs, and the rectum. The ureter is surrounded by some branches, especially in its last segment, and it also receives innervation directly from the hypogastric nerve. Close to the viscera, the nerves enter neurovascular plexuses, making the intraoperative separation of the nerves and the vessels virtually impossible.

Superior Hypogastric Plexus Block for Pain Management Post-Hysterectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of superior hypogastric plexus (SHP) block in pain relief among women undergoing hysterectomy. Cochrane Library, PubMed, ISI web of science, and Scopus were searched from inception to May 2021 for the available randomized clinical trials (RCTs). We included RCTs that compared SHP block (intervention group) to saline (control group) in hysterectomy. Our primary outcomes were pain scores at different time intervals using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Our secondary outcomes were postoperative opioid consumption within 24 hours and postoperative nausea and vomiting incidence. We extracted the available data from included studies and pooled them in a meta-analysis model using RevMan software. Four RCTs with a total number of 289 patients met our inclusion criteria. The VAS pain scores were significantly declined at post-anesthesia care unit (PACU), 2, 6, and 12 hours postoperatively among SHP block group (p < 0.05). However, no significant difference was reported in VAS pain score 1 day postoperatively between intervention and control groups. Moreover, SHP block significantly reduced the postoperative opioid consumption and incidence of nausea and vomiting (p = 0.03 & p = 0.003). In conclusion, superior hypogastric plexus block effectively reduces postoperative pain, opioid consumption, and incidence of nausea and vomiting post-hysterectomy.

[Anatomical elucidation and histological study of pelvic autonomic nerve-plane based female fresh cadaver].

Objective: To investigate the rationality of nerve-plane sparing radical hysterectomy (NPSRH) for cervical cancer by observing the anatomical and histological characteristics of pelvic autonomic plane based on fresh cadaver. Methods: From October 2015 to September 2020, 14 fresh female cadavers were anatomically and histologically studied in the Laboratory of Anatomy and Embryology Department, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. The median age of the specimens was 79 years (range: 67 to 92 years). Twenty-eight hemi-pelvic specimens were obtained from 14 fresh female cadavers. NPSRH procedures were simulated in 8 hemi-pelvic cavities to prove its feasibility. Detailed dissection was conducted to recognize nerve plane and to observe the distribution of pelvic nerves in 10 hemipelvis. In the other 10 hemipelvis, whole parametrium tissue was taken from the crossing of ureter and the uterine artery to the ureterovesical entrance and be embedded, then continuous section was performed, and was stained by hematoxylin-eosin staining (HE) to observe the relationship of nerves and vessels. Immunohistochemical staining of S100, tyrosine dehydrogenase (TH), and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) were performed to count and distinguish sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves, respectively. Results: (1) The pelvic autonomic nerve-plane was completely preserved in 7 of 8 hemipelvis by simulating NPSRH. (2) After detailed dissection in 10 hemipelvis, it was found that hypogastric nerve, pelvic splanchnic nerve, and their confluence of inferior hypogastric plexus were distributed in a planar statelocating in the ureteral mesentery and its caudal extension. This nerve plane showed a cross relationship with deep uterine vein and its branches. The bladder branches and vesical venous plexus were closely related to the inferior hypogastric plexus. The middle vesical vein and inferior vesical vein were intact in 7 of 10 hemipelvis, and either vesical vein was missing in 3 of them. It was observed that the vesical venous plexus communicated with the deep uterine vein trunk on the medial side of the nerve plane in 6 hemipelvis, while flowed into the deep uterine vein on the lateral side of the nerve plane in 2 hemipelvis, and in the other 2 hemipelvis it directly flowed into the internal iliac vein. (3) It was revealed that autonomic nerves were continuously distributed beneath the ureteral with sagittal plane by HE staining. The average nerve content below the ureteral width was 70.9% of the total in nerve plane by S100 staining. TH and VIP staining showed that the average number of sympathetic fibers was 13.5 and parasympathetic fibers was 8.2, reminding sympathetic predominated. Conclusion: Pelvic autonomic nerves are mainly distributed within the mesangial plane below the ureter, which provides an anatomic justification for NPSRH.

Sympathetic Blocks for Visceral Pain.

For patients with chronic pain or cancer-related pain, the most common indication for sympathetic block is to control visceral pain arising from malignancies or other alterations of the abdominal and pelvic viscera. When it is recalcitrant to conservative care, or if the patient is intolerant to pharmacotherapy, consideration of sympathetic blocks or neurolytic procedures is considered. Potential advantages of a neurolytic procedure, compared with spinal and epidural anesthetic infusions, include cost savings and avoidance of hardware. Interventional therapies that target afferent visceral innervation via the sympathetic ganglia offer effective and durable analgesia and improve multiple metrics of quality of life.

Comprehensive anatomy of the superior hypogastric plexus and its relationship with pelvic surgery landmarks: defining the safe zone around the promontory.

BACKGROUND: Pelvic surgery carries an inherent risk of autonomic nerve injury leading to genitourinary and bowel dysfunction due to the close proximity of the superior hypogastric plexus (SHP). The aim of this study was to define the detailed anatomy of SHP and identify its relationship with the vascular landmarks and ureters for pelvic autonomic nerve-preserving surgery. METHODS: A cadaveric study on the detailed anatomy of the SHP was conducted in our surgical anatomy research unit. Between 02/2019 and 10/2019, macroscopic anatomical dissections were performed on 45 fresh adult cadavers (39 male, 6 female). Distances between the SHP, major vascular structures, and other anatomical landmarks were measured. RESULTS: Three types of SHP morphology were observed: mesh (64.8%), single nerve (24.4%), and fiber (10.8%). SHP bifurcation was located inferior to the aortic bifurcation in all cases; however, it was observed cranial to the promontory in 80% of the cases, whereas 18% were caudally and 2% were over the promontory. The closest vessels to the left and right of the SHP bifurcation were the left common iliac vein (LCIV) (86.2%, the mean distance was 8.49 ± 7.97 mm) and the right internal iliac artery (RIIA) (48.2%, mean distance was 13.4 ± 9.79 mm), respectively. At SHP bifurcation level, the lateral edge of the SHP was detected on the LCIV in 22 cases and on the RIIA in 10 cases for the left and right side of the plexus, respectively. The distance between the SHP bifurcation and the ureter was 27.9 mm on the right and 24.2 mm on the left. The width of the left (LHN) and right hypogastric nerves (RHN) were 4.35 mm and 4.62 mm at 2 cm below the SHP bifurcation, respectively. LHN was on the vascular structures in 13 cases, whereas RHN in only 1 case, 2 cm below the SHP bifurcation. CONCLUSIONS: Understanding the location of the SHP, including its relationship with important anatomical landmarks, might prevent iatrogenic injury and reduce postoperative morbidity in the pelvic surgery setting.

Relationships between pelvic nerves and levator ani muscle for posterior sacrocolpopexy: an anatomic study.

BACKGROUND: The placement of posterior mesh during pelvic organ prolapse laparoscopic surgery has been incriminated as responsible for postoperative adverse outcomes such as digestive symptoms, chronic pelvic pain, and sexual dysfunction. These complications may be related to neural injuries that occur during the fixation of the posterior mesh on the levator ani muscle. OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study was to describe the course of the autonomic nerves of the pararectal space and their anatomical relationship with the posterior mesh fixation zone on the levator ani muscle. STUDY DESIGN: Twenty hemi-pelvis specimens from 10 fresh female cadavers were dissected. We measured the distance between the posterior mesh fixation zone on the levator ani, and the nearest point of adjacent structures: the hypogastric nerve, inferior hypogastric plexus, uterosacral ligament, uterine artery, and ureter. Measurements were repeated starting from the inferior hypogastric plexus. RESULTS: Nerve fibers of the inferior hypogastric plexus spread out systematically above the superior aspect of the levator ani muscle. Median distance from the posterior mesh fixation zone and the inferior hypogastric plexus was around 2.8 (range 2.1-3.5) cm. CONCLUSIONS: The inferior hypogastric plexus lies above the superior aspect of the levator ani muscle. A short distance between the posterior mesh fixation zone on the levator ani muscle and inferior hypogastric plexus could explain in part postoperative digestive symptoms. These observations support the development of nerve-sparing procedures for posterior mesh placement in the context of pelvic organ prolapse repair and suggest that postoperative complications could be improved by changing the fixation zone.

Anatomy of the vesicovaginal fascia and its relation to branches of the inferior hypogastric plexus.

The inferior hypogastric plexus (IHP) lies in the extraperitoneal pelvis, and supplies branches to pelvic and perineal viscera. In men, the rectoprostatic fascia (Denonvillier's fascia) forms a distinct double fascial layer between the seminal glands and the rectum. The hypogastric nerve projections to the prostate and seminal glands run anterior to this. An analagous fascial layer in women between the vagina and cervix posteriorly and the urinary bladder anteriorly has recently been described. The purpose of this study was to examine the anatomy of the vesicovaginal fascia (VVF) and to determine its relationship to the anterior branches of the IHP. This dissection study examined the fascial layers between the posterior urinary bladder and anterior vagina/cervix (VVF) in 15 female embalmed cadavers and three fresh specimens. Anterior branches of the IHP were identified and followed distally. The relationship between these nerve projections and the VVF was examined. In 16 dissection, the VVF was identified as a complete fascial plane extending beneath the vesicouterine pouch to the neck of the bladder inferiorly and to the endopelvic fascia laterally. Anterior projections from the hypogastric nerves and IHP maintained an extraperitoneal course passing anteriorly to the VVF towards the urinary bladder The VVF is a distinct fascial structure and projections of the hypogastric nerves pass anterior to this. This may have implications for nerve sparing hysterectomy.