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Giulioni C, Pitoni L, Fuligni D, Beltrami M, Passarella V, Palantrani V, De Stefano V, Castellani D, Galosi AB. Pudendal nerve neurolysis outcomes for urogenital and rectal disorders in patients suffering from pudendal nerve entrapment: A systematic review. Investig Clin Urol 2024; 65:230-239. [PMID: 38714513 PMCID: PMC11076799 DOI: 10.4111/icu.20230402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/10/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Pudendal neuropathy is an uncommon condition that exhibits several symptoms depending on the site of nerve entrapment. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of pudendal nerve neurolysis (PNN) in improving lower urinary tract symptoms, anal and/or urinary incontinence, and sexual dysfunctions. MATERIALS AND METHODS A systematic literature search was performed on 20 May 2023 using Scopus, PubMed, and Embase. Only English and adult papers were included. Meeting abstracts and preclinical studies were excluded. RESULTS Twenty-one papers were accepted, revealing significant findings in the field. The study identified four primary sites of pudendal nerve entrapment (PNE), with the most prevalent location likely being at the level of the Alcock canal. Voiding symptoms are commonly exhibited in patients with PNE. PNN improved both urgency and voiding symptoms, and urinary and anal incontinence but is less effective in cases of long-standing entrapment. Regarding sexual function, the recovery of the somatic afferent pathway results in an improvement in erectile function early after neurolysis. Complete relief of persistent genital arousal disorder occurs in women, although bilateral PNN is necessary to achieve the efficacy. PNN is associated with low-grade complications. CONCLUSIONS PNN emerges as a viable option for addressing urinary symptoms, fecal incontinence, erectile dysfunction, and female sexual arousal in patients suffering from PNE with minimal postoperative morbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Giulioni
- Urology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria delle Marche, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy.
| | - Lucia Pitoni
- Urology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria delle Marche, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Demetra Fuligni
- Urology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria delle Marche, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Mattia Beltrami
- Urology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria delle Marche, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Valeria Passarella
- Urology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria delle Marche, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Vanessa Palantrani
- Urology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria delle Marche, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Virgilio De Stefano
- Urology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria delle Marche, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Daniele Castellani
- Urology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria delle Marche, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Andrea Benedetto Galosi
- Urology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria delle Marche, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
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Giulioni C, Pirola GM, Maggi M, Pitoni L, Fuligni D, Beltrami M, Palantrani V, De Stefano V, Maurizi V, Castellani D, Galosi AB. Pudendal Nerve Neurolysis in Patients Afflicted With Pudendal Nerve Entrapment: A Systematic Review of Surgical Techniques and Their Efficacy. Int Neurourol J 2024; 28:11-21. [PMID: 38569616 PMCID: PMC10990758 DOI: 10.5213/inj.2448010.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
To assess the effectiveness and safety of various techniques of pudendal nerve neurolysis (PNN) in patients with pudendal nerve entrapment (PNE). A comprehensive literature search was conducted on May 20th, 2023, using Scopus, PubMed, and Embase databases. Only studies in English involving adults were accepted, while meeting abstracts and preclinical studies were excluded. A total of 34 papers were included. Transperineal PNN emerged as a promising technique, demonstrating significant potential in alleviating pain, restoring erectile function in males, and improving the resolution of urinary stress incontinence in females. Furthermore, the bilateral approach consistently yielded positive outcomes in addressing urinary symptoms. The transgluteal technique appeared particularly suitable for cases of posterior PNE, situated between the sacrospinous ligament and the lesser sciatic foramen. A progressive amelioration of painful symptoms was observed during follow-up. Minimally invasive PNN is evolving and enables decompression along the entire proximal tract up to the Alcock canal, minimizing the risk of comorbidities. In addition to reducing pudendal neuralgia, robot-assisted and laparoscopic approaches determined a reduction in lower urinary tract symptoms and an improvement in erectile function, though further studies are required to corroborate these findings. PNN emerges as an effective treatment for PNE with minimal morbidity. Therefore, PNN should be tailored according to the site of PNE to enhance functional outcomes and improve patient quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Giulioni
- Urology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria delle Marche, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | | | - Martina Maggi
- Department of Maternal-Infant and Urological Sciences, Umberto I Polyclinic Hospital, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Pitoni
- Urology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria delle Marche, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Demetra Fuligni
- Urology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria delle Marche, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Mattia Beltrami
- Urology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria delle Marche, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Vanessa Palantrani
- Urology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria delle Marche, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Virgilio De Stefano
- Urology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria delle Marche, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Valentina Maurizi
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Ospedaliero-Universitaria delle Marche, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Daniele Castellani
- Urology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria delle Marche, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Andrea Benedetto Galosi
- Urology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria delle Marche, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
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Murer S, Polidori G, Beaumont F, Bogard F, Polidori É, Kinne M. Advances in the therapeutic approach of pudendal neuralgia: a systematic review. J Osteopath Med 2021; 122:1-13. [PMID: 34800013 DOI: 10.1515/jom-2021-0119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Although pudendal neuralgia (PN) has received growing interest over the last few years, diagnosis remains difficult, and many different therapeutic approaches can be considered. OBJECTIVES This article aims to provide an overview of the possible treatments of PN and investigate their efficacies. METHODS Utilizing PubMed and ScienceDirect databases, a systematic review was carried out and allowed identification of studies involving patients with PN, as defined by Nantes criteria, and their associated treatments. Relevant data were manually reported. RESULTS Twenty-eight articles were selected, totaling 1,013 patients (mean age, 49 years) and six different types of interventions. Clinical outcomes, most frequently quantified utilizing the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), vary greatly with both the therapy and time after intervention (from 100 to <10%). However, neither peri nor postoperative serious complications (grade > II of Clavien-Dindo classification) are reported. Although surgery seems to provide a higher proportion of long-term benefits, identifying the most efficient therapeutic approach is made impossible by the multitude of outcome measurements and follow-up frequencies. It should also be noted that literature is sparse regarding randomized controlled trials with long-term follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Although there are a number of modalities utilized for the treatment of PN, there are no current recommendations based on treatment efficacies. This seems to be largely in part caused by the lack of standardization in outcome quantification. Future research in this field should focus on prospective cohort studies with high levels of evidence, aimed at assessing the long-term, if not permanent, benefits of available therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sébastien Murer
- MATIM, UFR Sciences Exactes et Naturelles, Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, Campus Moulin de la Housse, Reims, France
| | | | | | - Fabien Bogard
- MATIM, Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, Reims, France
| | - Élisa Polidori
- ESO Paris SUPOSTEO, Higher School of Osteopathy, Paris, France
| | - Marion Kinne
- ESO Paris SUPOSTEO, Higher School of Osteopathy, Paris, France
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Aoun F, Alkassis M, Tayeh GA, Chebel JA, Semaan A, Sarkis J, Mansour R, Mjaess G, Albisinni S, Absil F, Bollens R, Roumeguère T. Sexual dysfunction due to pudendal neuralgia: a systematic review. Transl Androl Urol 2021; 10:2500-2511. [PMID: 34295736 PMCID: PMC8261452 DOI: 10.21037/tau-21-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The pudendal nerve is considered as the main nerve of sexuality. Pudendal neuralgia is an underdiagnosed disease in clinical practice. The aim of this systematic review is to highlight the role of pudendal neuralgia on sexual dysfunction in both sexes. Methods A PubMed search was performed using the following keywords: “Pudendal” AND “Sexual dysfunction” or “Erectile dysfunction” or “Ejaculation” or “Persistent sexual arousal” or “Dyspareunia” or “Vulvodynia”. The search involved patients having sexual dysfunction due to pudendal neuralgia. Treatment received was also reported. Results Five case series, seven cohort studies, two pilot studies, and three randomized clinical trials were included in this systematic review. Pudendal nerve and/or artery entrapment, or pudendal neuralgia, is a reversible cause of multiple sexual dysfunctions. Interventions such as anesthetic injections, neurolysis, and decompression are reported as potential treatment modalities. There are no studies describing the role of pudendal canal syndrome in the pathophysiology or treatment of delayed ejaculation or penile shortening. Discussion Pudendal neuralgia is an underestimated yet important cause of persistent genital arousal, erectile dysfunction (ED), premature ejaculation (PE), ejaculation pain, and vulvodynia. Physicians should be aware of this entity and examine the pudendal canal in such patients before concluding an idiopathic cause of sexual dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fouad Aoun
- Urology Department, Hôtel Dieu de France, Université Saint Joseph, Beirut, Lebanon.,Urology Department, Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marwan Alkassis
- Urology Department, Hôtel Dieu de France, Université Saint Joseph, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Georges Abi Tayeh
- Urology Department, Hôtel Dieu de France, Université Saint Joseph, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Josselin Abi Chebel
- Urology Department, Hôtel Dieu de France, Université Saint Joseph, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Albert Semaan
- Urology Department, Hôtel Dieu de France, Université Saint Joseph, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Julien Sarkis
- Urology Department, Hôtel Dieu de France, Université Saint Joseph, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Raymond Mansour
- Urology Department, Hôtel Dieu de France, Université Saint Joseph, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Georges Mjaess
- Urology Department, Hôtel Dieu de France, Université Saint Joseph, Beirut, Lebanon.,Urology Department, Cliniques Universitaires de Bruxelles, Hôpital Erasme, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Simone Albisinni
- Urology Department, Cliniques Universitaires de Bruxelles, Hôpital Erasme, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Fabienne Absil
- Urology department, Centre Hospitalier EpiCURA, Site de Ath, Ath, Belgium
| | - Renaud Bollens
- Urology department, Centre Hospitalier de Wallonie Picarde, Tournai, Belgium
| | - Thierry Roumeguère
- Urology Department, Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium.,Urology Department, Cliniques Universitaires de Bruxelles, Hôpital Erasme, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
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Maggi M, Pirola GM, Absil F, De Plaen E, Mosca A, Salciccia S, Sciarra A, Bollens R. Erectile function recovery after laparoscopic decompression of pudendal artery and nerve: a documented case report. Cent European J Urol 2020; 73:569-571. [PMID: 33552586 PMCID: PMC7848823 DOI: 10.5173/ceju.2020.0088.r1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2019] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this article is to report the effectiveness of laparoscopic decompression of pudendal artery (PA) and nerve for erectile dysfunction (ED) restoration. A 32-year-old man presented with a long-term complaint of ED not responsive to medical therapy. Endocrine screening and neurological evaluation did not show any abnormalities. Color Doppler ultrasound revealed the absence of blood flow in the right PA. After failure of conservative treatments and in accordance to the patient's desire, laparoscopic pudendal artery decompression was performed. The patient reported significant amelioration of ED one month after surgery. At 8-months follow-up, Doppler ultrasound showed complete revascularization of the right PA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Maggi
- Department of Urology, Sapienza Rome University, Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Fabienne Absil
- Department of Gynecology, Epicura Ath Hospital, Ath, Belgium
| | - Elea De Plaen
- Department of Urology, Wallonie Picarde Hospital, Tournai, Belgium
| | - Augusto Mosca
- Department of Urology, Frascati Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Salciccia
- Department of Urology, Sapienza Rome University, Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Sciarra
- Department of Urology, Sapienza Rome University, Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy
| | - Renaud Bollens
- Department of Urology, Wallonie Picarde Hospital, Tournai, Belgium.,Department of Urology, Université Nord de France, St. Phillibert Hospital, GHICL, Lille, France
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6
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Aoun F, Mjaess G, Assaf J, Chemaly AK, Younan T, Albisinni S, Absil F, Roumeguère T, Bollens R. Clinical effect of computed guided pudendal nerve block for patients with premature ejaculation: a pilot study. Scand J Urol 2020; 54:258-262. [PMID: 32476566 DOI: 10.1080/21681805.2020.1770855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Background: Premature ejaculation has a complex etiology, and its pathophysiology is still unclear, with penile hypersensitivity being the most accepted hypothesis. The aim was to investigate the efficacy and safety of a computed tomography-guided pudendal nerve block at the level of the sacrospinous ligament and the Alcock's canal in patients with premature ejaculation refractory to conventional pharmacological treatment.Methods: This is a prospective pilot study involving five patients suffering from premature ejaculation refractory to standard treatment and clinical features of pudendal nerve entrapment. A CT-guided infiltration of ropivacaine and methylprednisone was done at the levels of sacrospinous ligament and Alcock's canal. Intra-vaginal ejaculatory latency time (IELT) was recorded several times for each patient before and after infiltration. International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5), Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PEDT) and Sexual Quality of Life-Male version (SQoL-M) questionnaire were also evaluated before and after infiltration.Results: Overall IELT differed significantly before and after treatment (21.94 vs 215.42 s; p = 0.039). IIEF-5, PEDT and SQoL-M also differed significantly before and after treatment. No complications for the CT-guided infiltration were recorded.Conclusion: CT-guided pudendal nerve block at the sacrospinous ligament and the Alcock's canal was effective in improving premature ejaculation. Therefore, pudendal nerve entrapment may be a curable cause of sensory premature ejaculation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fouad Aoun
- Urology Department, Institut Jules Bordet, Brussels, Belgium.,Hotel-Dieu de France, Université Saint Joseph, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Georges Mjaess
- Hotel-Dieu de France, Université Saint Joseph, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Joseph Assaf
- Hotel-Dieu de France, Université Saint Joseph, Beirut, Lebanon
| | | | - Tonine Younan
- Hotel-Dieu de France, Université Saint Joseph, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Simone Albisinni
- Urology Department, University Clinics of Brussels, Hôpital Erasme, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Thierry Roumeguère
- Urology Department, University Clinics of Brussels, Hôpital Erasme, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Renaud Bollens
- Department of Urology, St Phillibert Hospital, GHICL, Université Nord de France, Lille, France.,Wallonie Picarde Hospital, Tournai, Belgium
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7
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Aoun F, Mjaess G, Daher K, Sakr G, Chemaly AK, Salameh M, Albisinni S, Absil F, Roumeguere T, Bollens R. Laparoscopic treatment of pudendal nerve and artery entrapment improves erectile dysfunction in healthy young males. Int J Impot Res 2020; 33:1-5. [PMID: 32366984 DOI: 10.1038/s41443-020-0287-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is increasingly becoming more common in young healthy males and is attributed mainly to psychogenic causes in these patients. Recent studies have reported that ED could be secondary to pudendal nerve or artery entrapment. This perspective assessed the efficacy of laparoscopic pudendal nerve and artery decompression in young patients suffering from refractory ED, associated to a pudendal nerve entrapment syndrome. After excluding patients with psychological ED and venous leakage, five young male patients with a history of both ED and pudendal nerve entrapment syndrome diagnosed based on the Nantes criteria were recruited. Pudendal nerve and artery release was performed using a laparoscopic transperitoneal approach. International Index for Erectile Function (IIEF-5) and erectile hardness score (EHS) improved significantly in all patients, 3 months after surgery. Pudendal nerve and artery entrapment could be therefore a reversible cause of ED in young healthy males, and its treatment by laparoscopic pudendal nerve and artery decompression seems to be safe and effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fouad Aoun
- Urology Department, Institut Jules Bordet, Brussels, Belgium. .,Hotel-Dieu de France, Université Saint Joseph, Beirut, Lebanon. .,Mount Lebanon Hospital, Beirut, Lebanon.
| | - Georges Mjaess
- Hotel-Dieu de France, Université Saint Joseph, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Karim Daher
- Rizk Hospital (LAU Medical Center), Beirut, Lebanon
| | | | - Anthony Kallas Chemaly
- Hotel-Dieu de France, Université Saint Joseph, Beirut, Lebanon.,Mount Lebanon Hospital, Beirut, Lebanon
| | | | - Simone Albisinni
- Urology Department, University Clinics of Brussels, Hôpital Erasme, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Thierry Roumeguere
- Urology Department, University Clinics of Brussels, Hôpital Erasme, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Renaud Bollens
- Department of Urology, Université Nord de France, St Phillibert Hospital, GHICL, Lille, France.,Wallonie Picarde Hospital, Tournai, Belgium
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