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Kheir GB, Verbakel I, Wyndaele M, Monaghan TF, Sinha S, Larsen TH, Van Laecke E, Birder L, Hervé F, Everaert K. Lifelong LUTS: Understanding the bladder's role and implications across transition phases, a comprehensive review. Neurourol Urodyn 2024; 43:1066-1074. [PMID: 38289317 DOI: 10.1002/nau.25304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTSs) are a diverse array of urinary and pelvic dysfunctions that can emerge from childhood, extend through adulthood, and persist into older age. This narrative review aims to provide a comprehensive perspective on the continuum of LUTS and shed light on the underlying mechanisms and clinical implications that span across the lower urinary tract. METHODS A panel of five experts from Belgium, the Netherlands, India, Denmark, and the United States participated in an intensive research to explore and pinpoint existing insights into the lifelong concept of LUTS, particularly at the pelvic level. The experts reviewed the existing literature and held a webinar to discuss their findings. RESULTS Childhood LUTS can persist, resolve, or progress into bladder underactivity, dysfunctional voiding, or pain syndromes. The Lifelong character can be explained by pelvic organ cross-talk facilitated through complex neurological and nonneurological interactions. At the molecular level, the role of vasopressin receptors in the bladder's modulation and their potential relevance to therapeutic strategies for LUTS are explored. Frailty emerges as a parallel concept to lifelong LUTS, with a complex and synergistic relationship. Frailty, not solely an age-related condition, accentuates LUTS severity with insufficient evidence regarding the effectiveness and safety profile of the available therapeutic modalities. CONCLUSION Understanding lifelong LUTSs offers insights into genetic, anatomical, neurological, and molecular mechanisms. Further research could identify predictive biomarkers, elucidate the role of clinically translatable elements in pelvic cross-talk, and uncover molecular signatures for personalized management.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Bou Kheir
- Department of Urology, ERN Accredited Centrum, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Irina Verbakel
- Department of Urology, ERN Accredited Centrum, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Michel Wyndaele
- Department of Urology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Thomas F Monaghan
- Department of Urology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Sanjay Sinha
- Department of Urology, Apollo Hospital, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Tove Holm Larsen
- Department of Urology, ERN Accredited Centrum, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Erik Van Laecke
- Department of Urology, ERN Accredited Centrum, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lori Birder
- Departments of Medicine and Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - François Hervé
- Department of Urology, ERN Accredited Centrum, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Karel Everaert
- Department of Urology, ERN Accredited Centrum, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
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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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Aoun F, Mjaess G, Lilly E, Khalil N, Tayeh GA, Sarkis J, Mansour R, Alkassis M, Chebel R, Absil F, Bollens R. Is pudendal nerve entrapment a potential cause for weak ejaculation? Int J Impot Res 2021; 34:520-523. [PMID: 33972715 DOI: 10.1038/s41443-021-00443-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Ejaculatory dysfunction is one of the most common complaints of patients with sexual disorders. While it encompasses several ejaculatory disorders, weak ejaculation is seldom described in the literature. Since the pudendal nerve is the main nerve of ejaculation, we aim to hypothesize that pudendal nerve entrapment could be a cause of weak ejaculation, and that pudendal nerve release could contribute to the improvement of the ejaculatory stream. We presented two cases suffering from a weak ejaculatory stream and sensation of incomplete semen emptying, accompanied with clinical features of pudendal nerve entrapment. Both cases improved after pudendal nerve block and then laparoscopic transperitoneal pudendal release, with a sustained amelioration of the ejaculatory stream after 3 weeks of surgery. Pudendal canal entrapment is therefore a potentially curable cause for weak ejaculation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fouad Aoun
- Department of Urology, Hotel-Dieu de France, Beirut, Lebanon. .,Department of Urology, Institut Jules Bordet, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Georges Mjaess
- Department of Urology, Hotel-Dieu de France, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Eddy Lilly
- Department of Urology, Hotel-Dieu de France, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Nour Khalil
- Department of Urology, Hotel-Dieu de France, Beirut, Lebanon
| | | | - Julien Sarkis
- Department of Urology, Hotel-Dieu de France, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Raymond Mansour
- Department of Urology, Hotel-Dieu de France, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Marwan Alkassis
- Department of Urology, Hotel-Dieu de France, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Roy Chebel
- Department of Urology, Hotel-Dieu de France, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Fabienne Absil
- Department of Gynecology, EpiCura Hospital, Ath, Belgium
| | - Renaud Bollens
- Department of Urology, Wallonie Picarde Hospital, Tournai, Belgium
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