Nerve-sparing in Gynecologic Surgery: A Perspective

J Minim Invasive Gynecol. 2021 Mar;28(3):475-480. doi: 10.1016/j.jmig.2020.07.009. Epub 2020 Jul 20.

Abstract

Objective: To provide a perspective on nerve-sparing (NS) surgery in gynecology.

Data sources: Literature review, English language.

Methods of study selection: Systematic reviews and meta-analyses studies were selected for review for oncology; comparative studies were selected for endometriosis, and 1 comparative and 1 prospective study were chosen for sacrocolpopexy.

Tabulation, integration, and results: Two tables summarize the results of systematic reviews and meta-analyses in oncology. Oncology, endometriosis, and urogynecology sections. Primary benefit of NS technique is decreased bladder dysfunction, and, to a lesser degree, vaginal and rectal dysfunc.

Conclusion: NS is preferable to conventional surgery for benign and malignant conditions to reduce postoperative bladder, rectal, and vaginal dysfunction.

Keywords: Endometriosis; Pelvic autonomic nerves; Radical hysterectomy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Endometriosis / epidemiology
  • Endometriosis / pathology
  • Endometriosis / surgery
  • Female
  • Female Urogenital Diseases / epidemiology
  • Female Urogenital Diseases / pathology
  • Female Urogenital Diseases / surgery
  • Genital Neoplasms, Female / epidemiology
  • Genital Neoplasms, Female / pathology
  • Genital Neoplasms, Female / surgery
  • Gynecologic Surgical Procedures / adverse effects
  • Gynecologic Surgical Procedures / methods*
  • Gynecologic Surgical Procedures / statistics & numerical data
  • Humans
  • Hysterectomy / methods
  • Meta-Analysis as Topic
  • Nerve Tissue / pathology
  • Nerve Tissue / surgery*
  • Organ Sparing Treatments / adverse effects
  • Organ Sparing Treatments / methods*
  • Organ Sparing Treatments / statistics & numerical data
  • Postoperative Period
  • Prospective Studies
  • Systematic Reviews as Topic