Transfer of normal S1 nerve root to reinnervate atonic bladder due to conus medullaris injury. Issue 2 (21st November 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lin, Haodong; Hou, Chunlin
• Is Part Of: Muscle & nerve. Volume 47:Issue 2(2013:Feb.)
• Page Start: 241
• Page End: 245
• Publication Date: 2012-11-21
• Subjects: Neuromuscular diseases -- Periodicals; Muscles -- Periodicals; Nerves -- Periodicals; 616.74
• DOI: 10.1002/mus.23507
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0148-639X

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" xml:lang="en"> <title>Abstract</title> <p> <italic>Introduction:</italic> Neurogenic bladder dysfunction after spinal cord injury (SCI) is a major medical and social problem. In this study we assessed the effectiveness of neurogenic bladder reinnervation in patients with SCI using a normal S1 nerve root. <italic>Methods:</italic> Nine patients with bladder dysfunction caused by injury to the low conus medullaris (S2–S5) underwent a novel surgical procedure in which the unilateral proximal end of the S1 ventral root (VR) was anastomosed to the distal end of the S2 and S3 VRs. <italic>Results:</italic> Seven patients regained satisfactory bladder control within 8–12 months after VR microanastomosis. The average residual urine volume decreased from 186.0 ± 35.0 ml to 43.0 ± 10.0 ml, and no urinary infections occurred. <italic>Conclusions:</italic> These results suggest the effectiveness of bladder innervation by S1 nerve transfer, which could provide a new approach for the reconstruction of atonic bladder function caused by low conus medullaris injuries. Muscle Nerve, 2013</p> </abstract>