Effects of Laparoscopic Pelvic Autonomic Nerve-Preserving Radical Resection of Rectal Cancer on Urinary and Sexual Function

Objective:To investigate and analyze the effect of laparoscopic pelvic autonomic nerve-preserving radical resection of rectal cancer on urinary and sexual function.Methods:Cases of laparoscopic radical resection of rectal cancer in our hospital from April 2018 to April 2023 were selected,and 60 patients who met the requirements were included as research subjects.The patients were divided into an experimental group and a reference group by a double-blind mechanism,with 30 cases in each group.The experimental group underwent laparoscopic pelvic autonomic radical resection,while the reference group underwent ordinary radical resection.The voiding function,urodynamics,sexual function,and blood indexes of the patients of both groups were compared.Results:The total incidence of voiding dysfunction in the experimental group was significantly lower than in the reference group(P<0.05).Urodynamics such as abdominal leak point pressure(ALPP),maximum urethral pressure(MUP),maximum urethral closure pressure(MUCP),and functional urethral length(FUL)in the experimental group were significantly better than those in the reference group(P<0.05).The incidences of erectile dysfunction and ejaculatory dysfunction in the experimental group were significantly lower than those in the reference group(P<0.05).Before the surgery,there were no significant differences in the blood indexes such as C-reactive protein(CRP),cortisol(Cor),and pre-albumin(PA)between the two groups(P>0.05);after the operation,the blood indexes of the patients in the experimental group were significantly better than those in the reference group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Laparoscopic pelvic autonomic nerve-preserving radical resection of rectal cancer has lesser effects on urinary and sexual functions.

Pelvic autonomic nerve preservation in radical rectal cancer surgery:changes in the past 3 decades

The advent of total mesorectal excision(TME)together with minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopic colorectal surgery and robotic surgery has improved surgical results.However,the incidence of bladder and sexual dysfunction remains high.This may be particularly distressing for the patient and troublesome to manage for the surgeon when it does occur.The increased use of neoadjuvant and adjuvant radiotherapy is also associated with poorer functional outcomes.In this review,we evaluate current understanding of the anatomy of pelvic nerves which are divided into the areas of the inferior mesenteric artery pedicle,the lateral pelvic wall and dissection around the urogenital organs.Surgical techniques in these areas are discussed.We also discuss the results in functional outcomes of the various techniques including open,laparoscopic and robotic over the last 30 years.

Identification of the surgical indication line for the Denonvilliers’fascia and its anatomy in patients with rectal cancer

Background:The high rate of urogenital dysfunction after traditional total mesorectal excision(TME)has caused doubts among scholars on the standard fashion of dissection.We have proposed the necessity to preserve the Denonvilliers’fascia in patients with rectal cancer.However,how to accurately locate the Denonvilliers’fascia is unclear.This study aimed to explore anatomical features of the Denonvilliers’fascia by comparing autopsy findings and observations of surgical videos so as to propose a dissection method for the preservation of pelvic autonomic nerves during rectal cancer surgery.Methods:Five adult male cadaver specimens were dissected,and surgical videos of 135 patients who underwent TME for mid-low rectal cancer between January 2009 and February 2019 were reviewed to identify and compare the structure of the Denonvilliers’fascia.Results:The monolayer structure of the Denonvilliers’fascia was observed in 5 male cadaver specimens,and it was located between the rectum,the bottom of the bladder,the seminal vesicles,the vas deferens,and the prostate.The Denonvilliers’fascia was originated from the rectovesical pouch(or rectum-uterus pouch),down to fuse caudally with the rectourethral muscle at the apex of the prostate,and fused to the lateral ligaments on both sides.The fascia was thinner on the midline with a thickness of 1.06±0.10 mm.The crown shape of the Denonvilliers’fascia was slightly triangular,with a height of approximately 5.42±0.16 cm at midline.Nerves were more densely distributed in front of the Denonvilliers’fascia than behind,especially on both sides of it.Under laparoscopic view,the Denonvilliers’fascia was originated at the lowest point of the rectovesical pouch(or rectum-uterus pouch),with a thickened white line which was a good mark for identifying the Denonvilliers’fascia.Conclusion:Identification of the surgical indication line for the Denonvilliers’fascia could help us identify the Denonvilliers’fascia,and it would improve our ability to protect the pelvic autonomic function of patients undergoing TME for rectal cancer.