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A Simple Technique for Identification and Preservation of the Hypogastric Nerves During Rectal Surgery
Emilio Morpurgo, MD;
Monica Combs Hall, MD;
Susan Galandiuk, MD
Arch Surg. 2004;139:1106-1109.
Hypothesis Rectal resection is associated with a risk of sexual dysfunction even when performed for benign disease, with the most frequent type resulting in retrograde ejaculation due to injury to the hypogastric nerves.
Design A simple technique to identify and protect these nerves during rectal mobilization.
Setting Exposure of the hypogastric plexus during rectal resection.
Conclusion Careful identification of the hypogastric nerves during rectal mobilization using the described technique may reduce injury to these nerves and related sexual dysfunction.
From the Department of Surgery, Section of Colon and Rectal Surgery, University of Louisville, Ky (Drs Combs and Galandiuk); the Digestive Health Center, University of Louisville Hospital, Ky (Dr Galandiuk); and the Department of Surgery, Hospital of Camposampiero (Padova), Italy (Dr Morpurgo).
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