PD20-03 FEMALE PERIURETHRAL TISSUE INNERVATION STUDIES: MID-URETHRAL SLING SURGERIES MAY RESULT IN SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES:The female periurethral tissue (FPT) contains numerous glands staining positive for prostate specific acid. These glands are surrounded by neuronal and vascular structures, and may have physiologic contribution to sexual function. The PFT is located adjacent to the anterior vaginal wall epithelium and surrounds the urethra passing distally from the bladder neck to the meatus. Decreased sexual function, especially lowered orgasm satisfaction has been reported following mid-urethral sling procedures to treat stress urinary incontinence, and requires further investigation of this possible iatrogenic effect. Cadaver studies have shown the mid-urethral sling transects through the glandular, neuronal, and vascular structures of the PFT. The goal of this new research is to further histologically characterize the PFT and examine patterns of innervation in relation to its specific morphological features.METHODS:Histologic and immunohistochemical investigations of glandular, vascular, an...