Neurolysis of the Dorsal Nerve to the Penis to Restore Function After Trauma

Kevin M. Klifto, A. Lee Dellon

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background Loss of penile sensation or development of a painful penis and erectile dysfunction can occur after injury to the dorsal branch of the pudendal nerve. Although recovery of genital sensibility has been discussed frequently in transmen, this subject has been reported rarely in cismen. The purpose of this report is to review our experience with recovery of sensation in men after decompression of the dorsal branch of the pudendal nerve after trauma. Methods A retrospective chart review of men who have had decompression of the dorsal branch of the pudendal nerve was carried out from 2014 to 2018. Patients were included in the cohort if they had a loss of penile sensation or the development of a painful penis after trauma. Primary outcomes measured were the change in penile symptoms, including erection, ejaculation, ejaculatory pain, erogenous sensation, numbness, and penile pain. Results For the 7 men included in this study, the mean follow-up time was 57 weeks (range, 28-85 weeks). Bilateral surgery was done in 71% (5/7). Of the 6 patients with loss of penile sensation, complete recovery of erogenous sensibility occurred in 5 (83%) patients, with partial relief in 1 (17%) patient. Of the 3 men who had erectile dysfunction, normal erections were restored in 2 (67%) patients. Of the 2 patients unable to ejaculate, 1 (50%) patient regained ejaculatory function. Of the 4 patients with ejaculatory pain, complete relief of pain occurred in 2 (50%) patients, with partial relief in 2 (50%) patients. Of the 6 patients with penile pain in the absence of ejaculation, complete relief of pain occurred in 3 (50%) patients, with partial relief in 3 (50%) patients. Conclusion Neurolysis of the dorsal nerve to the penis at the inferior pubic ramus canal can be successful in relieving pain, and restoring sensation and erectile function in men who sustained an injury along the inferior pubic ramus.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)307-311
Number of pages5
JournalAnnals of plastic surgery
Volume84
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 1 2020
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • erectile dysfunction
  • genital sensibility
  • inferior pubic ramus canal syndrome
  • male
  • neurolysis
  • pain
  • pain perception
  • penile erection
  • penile sensation
  • penis
  • pudendal nerve

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery

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