RESTORATION OF EXTERNAL URETHRAL SPHINCTER FUNCTION AFTER PUDENDAL NERVE END-TO-END ANASTOMOSIS IN THE MALE RABBIT

ABSTRACTPurpose: In this study we rehabilitated external urethral sphincter function by pudendal nerve end-to-end anastomosis after experimental pudendal nerve axotomy in male rabbits.Materials and Methods: A total of 17 animals were included in this study, including group 1—a control group of 5 (29.4%), group 2—6 (35.3%) and group 3—6 (35.3%). Animals from group 2 underwent bilateral axotomy and group 3 underwent pudendal nerve end-to-end anastomosis. In all groups we performed urodynamic investigations prior to axotomy, after axotomy or anastomosis, and 14, 42 and 90 days after axotomy or nerve anastomosis.Results: In untreated group 1 control sphincter pressure was 28.5 cm H2O. In group 2 average urethral sphincter pressure was 5.6 cm H2O 14 days after axotomy with only a slight increase to 11.05 cm H2O by day 90. In group 3 external urethral pressure increased to 8.26 cm H2O after 14 days and to 21.32 cm H2O by postoperative day 90.Conclusions: External urethral sphincter deficiency after bilateral pu...