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Conjoined lumbosacral nerve roots. Diagnosis with metrizamide myelography.

The most common anomaly of the lumbosacral nerve roots consists of a composite root sleeve containing the roots for two spinal nerves. Before the advent of water-soluble myelography, this anomaly was rarely diagnosed except at operation. Metrizamide myelography readily demonstrates the anomaly because of improved filling of the root sleeves and greater definition of the nerve roots within the subarachnoid space. However, an underlying disk herniation may not be evident on the myelogram because of the unique anatomic configuration.

Adult↗

Surgical treatment of a sacral nerve root cyst with intermittent claudication in an 85-year-old patient: case report.

The following presents a case of an 85-year-old woman with intermittent claudication of a sacral nerve root cyst. The cyst wall was incised and oversewn while preserving the surrounding nerve fibers by microscopic procedures. All symptoms were eliminated following the operation. The syndrome of intermittent claudication may possibly arise while walking from the transient influx of cerebrospinal fluid into a cyst in a relatively narrow sacral canal. The present case may indicate that a sacral nerve root cyst is curable even in aged patients through thorough evaluation and management.

Age Factors↗

Feasibility of inducing micturition through chronic stimulation of sacral roots.

Past attempts at inducing micturition in paraplegics by electric stimulation of the spinal cord micturition center have been generally unsuccessful. Failure has most often resulted from inability to separate the response of the detrusor from that of the sphincter. Because the sacral nerves provide some organizational specificity over the spinal cord and are practically suited to chronic stimulation, experiments were carried out in dogs to find out whether or not stimulation of these roots could induce micturition. Results of acute dog studies did suggest that micturition might effectively be performed by stimulation of the ventral root of the sacral nerve having the greatest detrusor representation. Specificity of bladder response was improved by dividing somatic fibers peripherally. Selected division of somatic fibers from the sacral root stimulated was compared with complete pudendal neurotomy. (The former procedure has the advantage of preserving perineal sensation.) The principles learned from the acute studies were then applied to "chronic" dogs--5 paraplegic and 1 normal. Effective voiding was achieved on a long-term basis. Over-all results were very encouraging. Further research is necessary before application of this technique to humans can be considered.

Animals↗

Variation in the anatomy of the lumbar sympathetic chain in the rat.

The rat is often used when the sympathetic nervous system contribution to various physiological and pathological processes is studied. These experiments require a detailed knowledge of the lumbar sympathetic chain anatomy since the macroscopic anatomy of the L2 and L3 levels of the sympathetic chain, which innervate a major portion of the hindleg, is highly variable. We have performed a detailed study of the anatomy of the lumbar sympathetic chain in 245 Sprague-Dawley rats. Through anatomical characterization of the L2 and L3 sympathetic ganglia white and gray ramus communicants, our study provides an anatomical guide for studies of the function of the lumbar sympathetic chain in the rat.

Animals↗

Evaluation of the motor and sensory components of the pudendal nerve.

Extensive neurophysiological investigations consisting of different techniques to evaluate the efferents and afferents of the pudendal nerve were carried out in 27 healthy subjects. These investigations included motor evoked potential recordings from the external anal sphincter in response to magnetic stimulation of the cortex and lumbosacral roots, measurement of sacral reflex latency to magnetic and electrical stimulation, and cortical sensory evoked potential recording after stimulation of the dorso-genital nerve and anal canal. Motor latencies after transcranial magnetic stimulation to the anal sphincter were 25.1 +/- 2.9 msec at rest and 20.9 +/- 2.0 msec with voluntary sphincter contraction (facilitation). Motor latency after lumbosacral root stimulation was 3.7 +/- 1.0 msec. Mean sacral reflex latency after magnetic stimulation was 43.8 +/- 11.2 msec and was significantly longer than after electrical stimulation (37.0 +/- 7.2 msec; P < 0.05). P1 latency of the sensory evoked potentials after dorso-genital nerve stimulation was 40 +/- 3 msec and was significantly shorter than after anal stimulation 46 +/- 3 msec (P < 0.01). Evoked potential recording allows us to study both upper and lower motor neuron components to the anal sphincter. The present study paves the way for the combined application of these tests in the evaluation of disorders of the pelvic floor.

Adult↗

Ultrastructural changes in the shape of neurons and related structures in frog sympathetic ganglia after axotomy.

Changes in the shape of neuronal perikarya and other ganglionic structures were observed by electron microscopy in the frog sympathetic ganglia at different times after axotomy. Degenerating and hypertrophic profiles appeared to reflect a remodelling process affecting preganglionic fibres. The shape of neuronal perikarya was modified by the formation of infoldings occupied by preganglionic fibres and/or by that of short winding dendrites often bearing a synapse. The origin of these changes is discussed. In frog sympathetic ganglia, the period of recovery after axotomy was marked by specific reactions which affected neuronal shape and preganglionic fibres, and are not known to occur in the ganglia of mammals.

Animals↗

Projections of visceral and somatic primary afferents to the sacral spinal cord of the domestic fowl revealed by transganglionic transport of horseradish peroxidase.

The termination of visceral and somatic primary afferent fibers in the sacral spinal cord of the domestic fowl was studied using transganglionic transport of horseradish peroxidase. Nerve terminals of visceral afferent fibers were found in the lateral edge and base of the dorsal horn and in the dorsal gray commissure in close proximity to parasympathetic preganglionic neurons. Somatic afferents terminated in laminae 2 and 3. The results demonstrate that visceral and somatic afferent fibers in this avian species terminate in different areas of the dorsal horn.

Animals↗

Sacral neuromodulation for the treatment of refractory urinary urge incontinence after stress incontinence surgery.

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to evaluate the response to sacral neuromodulation in women with refractory, nonobstructive urinary urge incontinence after stress incontinence surgery. STUDY DESIGN: We reviewed the medical records of women in whom sacral neuromodulation was performed for worsening or de novo urinary urge incontinence after a stress incontinence procedure. All patients had undergone preliminary test stimulation. Demographics, surgical and urogynecologic history, including bladder diary and pad weight test, and urodynamic parameters were evaluated. RESULTS: Of 34 women, 22 (65%) responded to the test stimulation and underwent permanent lead implant. There was no difference between responders and nonresponders with respect to type of stress incontinence surgery. Incontinence or urodynamic parameters were not different between responders and nonresponders. Factors that were predictive of a positive response were women aged less than 55 years (P = .01), the test stimulation performed within 4 years of the stress incontinence procedure (P = .01), and evidence of pelvic floor muscle activity (P = .03). CONCLUSION: Sacral neuromodulation is a viable option for the treatment of refractory urinary urge incontinence that occurs after stress urinary incontinence surgery. Older women with no pelvic floor activity who are remote from their incontinence surgery may have a suboptimal response.

Electric Stimulation Therapy↗

Routine ilioinguinal nerve excision in inguinal hernia repairs.

BACKGROUND: Chronic inguinal neuralgia is one of the most significant complications following inguinal hernia repair. Routine ilioinguinal nerve excision has been proposed as a means to avoid this complication. The purpose of this report is to evaluate the long-term outcomes of neuralgia and paresthesia following routine ilioinguinal nerve excision compared to nerve preservation. METHODS: Retrospective chart review identified 90 patients who underwent Lichtenstein inguinal hernia repairs with either routine nerve excision (n = 66) or nerve preservation (n = 24). All patients were contacted and data was collected on incidence and duration of postoperative neuralgia and paresthesia. Comparison was made by chi(2) analysis. RESULTS: The patients with routine neurectomy were similar to the group without neurectomy based on gender (male/female 51/15 vs. 19/5) and mean age (68 +/- 14 vs. 58 +/- 18 years). In the early postoperative period (6 months), the incidence of neuralgia was significantly lower in the neurectomy group versus the nerve preservation group (3% vs. 26%, P <0.001). The incidence of paresthesia in the distribution of the ilioinguinal nerve was not significantly higher in the neurectomy group (18% vs. 4%, P = 0.10). At 1 year postoperatively, the neurectomy patients continued to have a significantly lower incidence of neuralgia (3% vs. 25%, P = 0.003). The incidence of paresthesia was again not significantly higher in the neurectomy group (13% vs. 5%, P = 0.32). In patients with postoperative neuralgia, mean severity scores on a visual analog scale (0-10) were similar in neurectomy and nerve preservation patients at all end points in time (2.0 +/- 0.0 to 2.5 +/- 0.7 vs. 1.0 +/- 0.0 to 2.2 +/- 1.5). In patients with postoperative paresthesia, mean severity scores on a visual analog scale (0-10) were similar in the neurectomy and nerve preservation patients at 1 year (2.5 +/- 2.2 vs. 4.0 +/- 0.0) and 3 years (3.5 +/- 2.9 vs. 4.0 +/- 0.0). CONCLUSIONS: Routine ilioinguinal neurectomy is associated with a significantly lower incidence of postoperative neuralgia compared to routine nerve preservation with similar severity scores in each group. There is a trend towards increased incidence of subjective paresthesia in patients undergoing routine neurectomy at 1 month, but there is no significant increase at any other end point in time. When performing Lichtenstein inguinal hernia repair, routine ilioinguinal neurectomy is a reasonable option.

Adult↗

A critical appraisal of the evidence for selective nerve root injection in the treatment of lumbosacral radiculopathy.

OBJECTIVE: To critically review the best available trials of the utility of transforaminal epidural steroid injections (TFESIs) or selective nerve root blocks (SNRBs) to treat lumbosacral radiculopathy. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE (PubMed, Ovid, MDConsult), EMBASE, and the Cochrane database. Databases were searched from inception through 2003. STUDY SELECTION: A database search was conducted by using the following key words: prospective , transforaminal and foraminal epidural steroid injections , selective nerve root block and injection , and periradicular and nerve root injection . We included English-language, prospective, randomized studies of patients with lower-limb radicular symptoms treated with fluoroscopically guided nerve root or transforaminal epidural injections. DATA EXTRACTION: Data were compiled for each of the following categories: inclusion criteria, randomization protocol, total number of subjects enrolled initially and at final analysis, statistical analysis utilized, documentation of technique, outcome measures, follow-up intervals and results (positive or negative), and reported complications. These data were abstracted by 1 reviewer and reviewed by a second. Study quality was assessed with the system developed by the Agency for Health Care and Policy Research. DATA SYNTHESIS: We selected 6 articles for review. Our analysis identified a single article as the highest quality study addressing the appropriate use of TFESIs or therapeutic SNRBs. Coupled with the evidence provided by 4 other articles (1 article was excluded because its patients were not truly randomized), our review of the evidence for TFESIs found level III (moderate) evidence in support of these minimally invasive and safe procedures in treating painful radicular symptoms. However, conclusive evidence (level I) is lacking. CONCLUSIONS: The evidence for TFESIs reveals level III (moderate) evidence in support of these minimally invasive and safe procedures in treating painful lumbar radicular symptoms. Current studies support use of TFESIs as a safe and minimally invasive adjunct treatment for lumbar radicular symptoms. However, more prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled studies using sham procedures are needed to provide conclusive evidence for the efficacy of TFESIs in treating lumbar radicular symptoms.

Clinical Trials as Topic↗

Acute homocysteine administration does not elevate sympathetic nerve activity in rats.

Both hyperhomocystenemia and sympathetic overactivity are characterized by increased platelet aggregation, proliferation of vascular smooth muscle, accelerated atherosclerosis, left ventricular hypertrophy, and arterial hypertension. This coexistence of pathophysiological features suggests the possibility that homocysteine may cause increases in sympathetic nerve activity (SNA), which may in turn contribute to vascular and end-organ damage. To test this, we gave continuous intravenous infusion of vehicle (saline) in control experiments, or d,l-homocysteine (2.5 mg/kg, followed by 10 mg/ml at 4 ml/(hkg)) in urethane anesthetized rats while measuring mean arterial pressure, heart rate, and lumbar SNA. We found that a 105 min infusion of homocysteine had no significant effect on lumbar sympathetic outflow. In addition, there was no effect of acute homocysteine on heart rate or blood pressure. These findings indicate that acute administration of homocysteine does not increase the firing rate of the lumbar sympathetic nerves in anesthetized rats.

Animals↗

Predictive value of anal sphincter electromyography for sacral neuromodulation test-phase outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) is an established therapy for refractory pelvic organ dysfunction. Anal sphincter electromyography (EMG) is commonly used preoperatively to assess sacral and peripheral nerve integrity. However, the prognostic significance of chronic neurogenic EMG changes for SNM outcomes remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether chronic neurogenic changes on preoperative anal sphincter EMG predict the outcome of the SNM test phase. METHODS: We retrospectively analysed 62 consecutive patients with bladder and/or bowel dysfunction or pelvic pain who were candidates for SNM treatment and who underwent preoperative anal sphincter EMG. EMG findings were classified as normal or showing chronic neurogenic changes. SNM test-phase success was defined as a &#x2265;50% improvement of symptoms at 24&#xa0;days. Outcomes were compared between EMG groups. RESULTS: Of the 62 patients (49 women, 13 men), 30 (48%) had normal EMG findings and 32 (52%) showed chronic neurogenic changes. Overall, the SNM test phase was successful in 47 patients (76%). Success rates were similar in patients with normal EMG (72%) and neurogenic EMG changes (79%), with no statistically significant difference (p&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.878). Sex-stratified analyses revealed no significant association between EMG findings and test-phase success in women or men. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic neurogenic changes on anal sphincter EMG do not predict SNM test-phase outcomes. These findings suggest that abnormal sphincter EMG results should not be used as a standalone criterion to exclude patients from SNM therapy. SIGNIFICANCE: Signs of neurogenic damage on anal sphincter EMG are not an indicator of reduced neuromodulatory capacity or diminished clinical response to SNM.

Humans↗

Trends in the presentation and surgical management of the acute diabetic foot.

BACKGROUND: This study examines trends in the presentation and surgical management of acute diabetic foot problems in a single institution. METHOD: Prospective audit of all diabetic patients who had a primary procedure for critical lower limb ischaemia (CLI) and/or foot sepsis between 1st January 1990 and 31st December 2002. Primary and secondary intervention, mortality and limb salvage rate within 6 weeks of the index procedure were recorded. RESULTS: There were 661 patients (417 men and 244 women of median age 69, range 31-99, years) with 799 affected limbs. CLI alone was present in 625 (78%) limbs, combined CLI and foot sepsis in 53 (7%) and foot sepsis alone in 121 (15%). The primary intervention was minor amputation in 323 (40%) limbs, revascularisation in 288 (36%), major amputation in 185 (23%) and sympathectomy in three limbs. Within 6 weeks, 125 (16%) limbs required secondary intervention, the peri-procedural mortality rate was 38 of 924 (4%), and the limb salvage rates for patients with CLI, combined CLI and sepsis and sepsis alone were 66, 66 and 80%, respectively. There was a significant decline in the proportion of patients presenting with CLI alone and a significant increase in the proportion presenting with combined CLI and sepsis and sepsis alone. In patients with CLI alone, there was a significant increase in the primary major amputation rate and a significant decline in the minor amputation rate with no significant change in the revascularisation rate. CONCLUSION: There has been a progressive decline in the proportion of patients presenting with CLI alone and a greater proportion of patients presenting with an element of foot sepsis. In patients with CLI alone, the primary major amputation rate has increased at the expense of a decline in minor amputation rate.

Acute Disease↗

A prospective randomized trial comparing the 1-stage with the 2-stage implantation of a pulse generator in patients with pelvic floor dysfunction selected for sacral nerve stimulation.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate in a prospective, randomized setting if the 2-stage implant, compared to a 1-stage implant, leads to a superior subjective or objective outcome of sacral nerve stimulation after implantation of the pulse generator in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We implanted a sacral (S3) foramen lead and a pulse generator (model 3023, Medtronic Inc, Minneapolis, MN, USA) in 42 patients. They were randomized in a 1-stage or a 2-stage implant if a more than 50% improvement in voided volume or reduction of residual urine was seen during the test stimulation phase as compared to baseline. RESULTS: At 24 months follow-up, subjective (visual analogue scale) and objective (voided volume or residual urine) assessment were significantly better in the 2-stage group. Ten patients (24%) failed therapy, 7 in the 1-stage implant and 3 in the 2-stage group. Two patients were lost to follow-up. Logistic regression analysis revealed that failure was positively related to the 1-stage implant and negatively to the age of the patients. 76% of the treated patients had sustained clinical benefit with 23 revisions performed. The mean cost is respectively for the PNE (2006 Euro), for the 2-stage implant (10826 Euro) and for the 1 stage implant (8505 Euro). CONCLUSION: With this study, we demonstrated that the 2-stage implantation technique of the sacral neuromodulation therapy performed as a longer test stimulation phase has a higher success rate.

Algorithms↗

The effect of tamsulosin on the resting tone and the contractile behaviour of the female urethra: a functional urodynamic study in healthy women.

AIMS: The aim of this functional urodynamic experiment was to study the effect of the selective alpha1(A)-blocker tamsulosin on the urethral pressure in healthy human females and assessed first the resting urethral pressure and second the urethral contractility in response to magnetic stimulation of the sacral roots. METHODS: 11 healthy female subjects gave their written informed consent and were included. A microtip pressure transducer catheter was inserted into the bladder and three baseline urethral pressure profiles were obtained. Another three urethral pressure profiles were recorded while magnetic single pulse stimulation of the sacral roots was performed above the motor threshold of the pelvic floor to evoke reproducible urethral contractions. Then the subjects received 0.4 mg of tamsulosin and the entire protocol was repeated 6 hours after drug administration. Cardiovascular monitoring was obtained during the baseline and follow-up measurements. Mean and maximal urethral pressure values calculated over the entire urethra, mean pressure values calculated over the proximal, middle and distal third of the urethra and the pressure amplitudes to magnetic stimulation at baseline were statistically compared to the follow-up measurements with tamsulosin. RESULTS: The oral administration of tamsulosin did not change the systemic blood pressure, but did significantly reduce the mean and maximal urethral pressure acquired over the entire urethra. When the proximal, middle and distal third of the urethra were analysed separately, there was a significant pressure reduction in all three segments. Amplitudes of the urethral contractions evoked by sacral magnetic stimulation remained unchanged after tamsulosin. CONCLUSIONS: These data show a significant relaxing effect of tamsulosin on the resting urethral tone in healthy females in vivo. These results may suggest tamsulosin as a new pharmacological approach to treat urinary retention due to overactive or non-relaxing urethra in women.

Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists↗