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ELife Mar 2024The pelvic organs (bladder, rectum, and sex organs) have been represented for a century as receiving autonomic innervation from two pathways - lumbar sympathetic and...
The pelvic organs (bladder, rectum, and sex organs) have been represented for a century as receiving autonomic innervation from two pathways - lumbar sympathetic and sacral parasympathetic - by way of a shared relay, the pelvic ganglion, conceived as an assemblage of sympathetic and parasympathetic neurons. Using single-cell RNA sequencing, we find that the mouse pelvic ganglion is made of four classes of neurons, distinct from both sympathetic and parasympathetic ones, albeit with a kinship to the former, but not the latter, through a complex genetic signature. We also show that spinal lumbar preganglionic neurons synapse in the pelvic ganglion onto equal numbers of noradrenergic and cholinergic cells, both of which therefore serve as sympathetic relays. Thus, the pelvic viscera receive no innervation from parasympathetic or typical sympathetic neurons, but instead from a divergent tail end of the sympathetic chains, in charge of its idiosyncratic functions.
Topics: Mice; Animals; Viscera; Neurons; Autonomic Nervous System; Sympathetic Nervous System; Pelvis
PubMed: 38488657
DOI: 10.7554/eLife.91576 -
American Journal of Physiology. Heart... Nov 2022The cisterna chyli is a lymphatic structure found at the caudal end of the thoracic duct that receives lymph draining from the abdominal and pelvic viscera and lower... (Review)
Review
The cisterna chyli is a lymphatic structure found at the caudal end of the thoracic duct that receives lymph draining from the abdominal and pelvic viscera and lower limbs. In addition to being an important landmark in retroperitoneal surgery, it is the key gateway for interventional radiology procedures targeting the thoracic duct. A detailed understanding of its anatomy is required to facilitate more accurate intervention, but an exhaustive summary is lacking. A systematic review was conducted, and 49 published human studies met the inclusion criteria. Studies included both healthy volunteers and patients and were not restricted by language or date. The detectability of the cisterna chyli is highly variable, ranging from 1.7 to 98%, depending on the study method and criteria used. Its anatomy is variable in terms of location (vertebral level of T10 to L3), size (ranging 2-32 mm in maximum diameter and 13-80 mm in maximum length), morphology, and tributaries. The size of the cisterna chyli increases in some disease states, though its utility as a marker of disease is uncertain. The anatomy of the cisterna chyli is highly variable, and it appears to increase in size in some disease states. The lack of well-defined criteria for the structure and the wide variation in reported detection rates prevent accurate estimation of its natural prevalence in humans.
Topics: Humans; Thoracic Duct; Prevalence
PubMed: 36206050
DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00375.2022 -
International Urogynecology Journal Jul 2015The presacral space contains a dense and complex network of nerves that have significant effects on the innervation of the pelvic viscera and support structures. The... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS
The presacral space contains a dense and complex network of nerves that have significant effects on the innervation of the pelvic viscera and support structures. The proximity of this space to the bony promontory of the sacrum has lead to its involvement in an array of corrective surgical procedures for pelvic floor disorders including sacrocolpopexy and rectopexy. Other procedures involving the same space include presacral neurectomy which involves intentional transection of the contained neural plexus to relieve refractory pelvic pain and resection of retrorectal or presacral tumors. Potential complications of these procedures are postoperative constipation and voiding dysfunction.
METHODS
Our aim was to review the current published literature on outcomes following a variety of procedures involving the presacral space and review postoperative bowel and urinary function. We also include an overview of the functional and structural anatomy of the presacral space and its corresponding neural plexi.
RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS
We conclude that quality data are lacking on the short-term and long-term rates for bowel and bladder dysfunction following surgical procedures involving the presacral space.
Topics: Dissection; Female; Gynecologic Surgical Procedures; Humans; Pelvis; Postoperative Complications; Rectal Diseases; Urinary Bladder, Neurogenic
PubMed: 25410373
DOI: 10.1007/s00192-014-2572-x -
International Journal of Surgery Case... Jul 2022Aggressive Angiomyxoma (AA) is an uncommon, locally infiltrative mesenchymal tumor that primarily originates from perineal and pelvic sites of women, particularly in the...
INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE
Aggressive Angiomyxoma (AA) is an uncommon, locally infiltrative mesenchymal tumor that primarily originates from perineal and pelvic sites of women, particularly in the 4th decade of life with having an emphasized tendency for local recurrence, whereas it has a low tendency to metastasize. Patients often present with nonspecific symptoms such as painless visible mass that might be misdiagnosed with every mass in genital and pelvic sites in reproductive-age women.
CASE PRESENTATION
We describe a 31-year-old female presenting with an enlargement on the right labia majora. Ultrasound and magnetic resonance were carried out, and the mass was surgically excised completely and without complication. The diagnosis of AA was made based on characteristic histopathological features. The postoperative follow-up for recurrence is currently being continued.
CLINICAL DISCUSSION
Due to its rarity and lack of specificity in clinical and radiological examinations, the pre-operative misdiagnosis rate of AA is rather high. Hence, most cases are diagnosed on histology after initial surgical excision. Surgical management is the gold standard treatment for primary tumors; however, in case of local recurrences, treatment choices range from surgical resection to gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist for tumors positive for estrogen and progesterone receptors.
CONCLUSION
Wide surgical resection is the gold standard treatment of AA; however, exceptions might occur due to the depth of tumor infiltration to adjacent viscera. Therefore, adjunct medical therapies can play a crucial role in treatment. In addition, long-term follow-up is necessary due to the high rate of local recurrences.
PubMed: 35716621
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2022.107313 -
Journal of the American College of... Nov 2018The range of pathology in adults that can produce abdominal pain is broad and necessitates an imaging approach to evaluate many different organ systems. Although...
The range of pathology in adults that can produce abdominal pain is broad and necessitates an imaging approach to evaluate many different organ systems. Although localizing pain prompts directed imaging/management, clinical presentations may vary and result in nonlocalized symptoms. This review focuses on imaging the adult population with nonlocalized abdominal pain, including patients with fever, recent abdominal surgery, or neutropenia. Imaging of the entire abdomen and pelvis to evaluate for infectious or inflammatory processes of the abdominal viscera and solid organs, abdominal and pelvic neoplasms, and screen for ischemic or vascular etiologies is essential for prompt diagnosis and treatment. Often the first-line modality, CT quickly evaluates the abdomen/pelvis, providing for accurate diagnoses and management of patients with abdominal pain. Ultrasound and tailored MRI protocols may be useful as first-line imaging studies, especially in pregnant patients. In the postoperative abdomen, fluoroscopy may help detect anastomotic leaks/abscesses. While often performed, abdominal radiographs may not alter management. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.
Topics: Abdomen, Acute; Contrast Media; Diagnosis, Differential; Evidence-Based Medicine; Fluoroscopy; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Societies, Medical; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Ultrasonography
PubMed: 30392591
DOI: 10.1016/j.jacr.2018.09.010 -
Quantifying the effect of an endo-vaginal probe on position of the pelvic floor viscera and muscles.International Urogynecology Journal Oct 2023Endovaginal ultrasound has long been hypothesized to have a significant effect on locations of what it visualizes. However, little work has directly quantified its...
INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS
Endovaginal ultrasound has long been hypothesized to have a significant effect on locations of what it visualizes. However, little work has directly quantified its effect. This study aimed to quantify it.
METHODS
This cross-sectional study consisted of 20 healthy asymptomatic volunteers who underwent both endovaginal ultrasound and MRI. The urethra, vagina, rectum, pelvic floor, and pubic bone were segmented in both ultrasound and MRI using 3DSlicer. Then, using 3DSlicer's transform tool the volumes were rigidly aligned based on the posterior curvature of the pubic bone. The organs were then split into thirds along their long axis to compare their distal, middle, and proximal sections. Using Houdini, we compared the location of the centroid of each of the urethra, vagina, and rectum and the surface-to-surface difference of the urethra and rectum. The anterior curvature of the pelvic floor was also compared. Normality of all variables was assessed by Shapiro-Wilk test.
RESULTS
The largest amount of surface-to-surface distance was observed in the proximal region for the urethra and rectum. Across all three organs, the majority of the deviation was in the anterior direction for geometries obtained from ultrasound versus those from MRI. For each subject, the trace defining the midline of the levator plate was more anterior for ultrasound compared to MRI.
CONCLUSIONS
While it has often been assumed that placing a probe in the vagina probably distorts the anatomy, this study quantified the distortion and displacement of the pelvic viscera. This allows for better interpretation of clinical and research findings based on this modality.
PubMed: 37145123
DOI: 10.1007/s00192-023-05557-7 -
Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology Jan 2020To illustrate the key steps involved in performing a supralevator pelvic exenteration robotically.
STUDY OBJECTIVE
To illustrate the key steps involved in performing a supralevator pelvic exenteration robotically.
DESIGN
Presentation of the steps involved in excising the pelvic viscera during robotic-assisted supralevator pelvic exenteration.
SETTING
Tertiary care academic center.
PATIENTS
A patient undergoing pelvic exenteration for uterine leiomyosarcoma.
INTERVENTIONS
Robotic total supralevator pelvic exenteration.
MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS
In this woman undergoing pelvic exenteration for uterine leiomyosarcoma, the paravesical and pararectal spaces are shown, along with important pelvic landmarks, such as the major vessels and the ureters. Once the pararectal and paravesical spaces are identified, the parametrium in between is resected. The posterior dissection is then performed along the filmy presacral space to the level of the coccyx and levator muscles. Anteriorly, the bladder is dissected along the space of Retzius, and the urethra is transected. Once the pelvic organs are separated, the specimen is removed, and reconstruction of the pelvic floor is performed. The ileal conduit is created from a segment of small bowel approximately 20 cm from the terminal ileum measuring 15 cm long. The 2 ureters are spatulated and attached to the ileal conduit, and a stoma is created. The descending segment of colon is brought up through a separate stoma site on the other side of the abdomen to create the colostomy. The total operating time, including reconstruction with the ileal conduit, was 480 minutes, and the estimated blood loss was 250 mL.
CONCLUSION
Total pelvic exenteration can be safely performed robotically with appropriate understanding of the key steps and anatomic landmarks.
Topics: Dissection; Female; Gynecologic Surgical Procedures; Humans; Laparoscopy; Leiomyosarcoma; Pelvic Exenteration; Plastic Surgery Procedures; Robotic Surgical Procedures; Uterine Neoplasms; Viscera
PubMed: 31146031
DOI: 10.1016/j.jmig.2019.05.012 -
Military Medicine Sep 2018Although there are multiple studies regarding the management and outcomes of colonic injuries incurred in combat, the literature is limited with regard to small bowel...
INTRODUCTION
Although there are multiple studies regarding the management and outcomes of colonic injuries incurred in combat, the literature is limited with regard to small bowel injuries. This study seeks to provide the largest reported review of the characteristics of combat-associated small bowel injuries.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The Department of Defense Trauma Registry was queried for U.S. Armed Forces members who sustained hollow viscus injuries in the years 2007-2012 during Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, and New Dawn. Concomitant injuries, procedures, and complications were delineated. Fisher's exact test was used to analyze the relationship of bowel injury pattern to rates of repeat laparotomy, fecal diversion, and complications.
RESULTS
One hundred seventy-one service members had small bowel injuries. The mean age was 25.8 ± 6.6 yr with a mean injury severity score of 27.9 ± 12.4. The majority of injuries were penetrating (94.2%, n = 161) as a result of explosive devices (61.4%, n = 105). The median blood transfusion requirement in the first 24 h was 6.0 units (interquartile range 1.0-17.3 units). The most frequent concomitant injuries were large bowel (64.3%, n = 110), pelvic fracture (35.7%, n = 61), and perineal (26.3%, n = 45). Fifty patients (29.2%) had a colostomy, and nine patients (5.3%) had an ileostomy; 62.6% (n = 107) of soldiers underwent more than one laparotomy. The mortality rate was 1.8% (n = 3). The most common complications were pneumonia (15.2%, n = 26), deep vein thrombosis (14.6%, n = 25), and wound infection (14.6%, n = 25). The need for repeat laparotomy and fecal diversion was found to be significantly associated with injury pattern (p = 0.00052 and p < 0.0001, respectively).
CONCLUSION
We found that two-thirds of service members with small bowel injuries also had a large bowel injury. One-third of the patients required diversion and two-thirds had more than one laparotomy. The pattern of bowel injury significantly affected the need for repeat laparotomy and fecal diversion.
Topics: Adult; Afghan Campaign 2001-; Colon; Digestive System Surgical Procedures; Female; Humans; Iraq War, 2003-2011; Male; Military Personnel; Registries; Wounds and Injuries
PubMed: 29546406
DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usy009 -
Anatomy of the vesicovaginal fascia and its relation to branches of the inferior hypogastric plexus.Clinical Anatomy (New York, N.Y.) Oct 2022The inferior hypogastric plexus (IHP) lies in the extraperitoneal pelvis, and supplies branches to pelvic and perineal viscera. In men, the rectoprostatic fascia...
The inferior hypogastric plexus (IHP) lies in the extraperitoneal pelvis, and supplies branches to pelvic and perineal viscera. In men, the rectoprostatic fascia (Denonvillier's fascia) forms a distinct double fascial layer between the seminal glands and the rectum. The hypogastric nerve projections to the prostate and seminal glands run anterior to this. An analagous fascial layer in women between the vagina and cervix posteriorly and the urinary bladder anteriorly has recently been described. The purpose of this study was to examine the anatomy of the vesicovaginal fascia (VVF) and to determine its relationship to the anterior branches of the IHP. This dissection study examined the fascial layers between the posterior urinary bladder and anterior vagina/cervix (VVF) in 15 female embalmed cadavers and three fresh specimens. Anterior branches of the IHP were identified and followed distally. The relationship between these nerve projections and the VVF was examined. In 16 dissection, the VVF was identified as a complete fascial plane extending beneath the vesicouterine pouch to the neck of the bladder inferiorly and to the endopelvic fascia laterally. Anterior projections from the hypogastric nerves and IHP maintained an extraperitoneal course passing anteriorly to the VVF towards the urinary bladder The VVF is a distinct fascial structure and projections of the hypogastric nerves pass anterior to this. This may have implications for nerve sparing hysterectomy.
Topics: Fascia; Female; Humans; Hypogastric Plexus; Male; Pelvis; Rectum; Urinary Bladder
PubMed: 35333406
DOI: 10.1002/ca.23858