Intra-abdominal laparoscopic pudendal canal decompression - A feasibility study

Background Pudendal canal syndrome (PCS) is induced by the compression or the stretching of the pudendal nerve within Alcock's canal. Methods Considering the difficulty and possible complications involved in exposing the pudendal canal and nerve by either transperineal, transgluteal or transischiorectal approaches, an intra-abdominal laparoscopic pudendal canal decompression (ILPCD) was employed. For this technique, 30 male adult human cadavers were examined. Results Measurements revealed an adequate working space in 16 (80%) of the 20 cadavers, while in four specimens the ischiococcygeus muscle was too large to be mobilized sufficiently. The mean working space was 24 mm with a range of 18 to 31 mm. It was considered that a working space of less than 20 mm would not be sufficient for manipulation of the instruments. With regards to pudendal nerve compression, it was observed that 7 (35%) of the 20 cadavers exhibited anatomic signs of PCS. In five (25%) specimens, the compression was observed between the sacrospinous and sacrotuberous ligaments, while the other two (10%) exhibited a broader compression, by the falciform portion of the sacrotuberous ligament. Under the guidance of a laparoscope, the peritoneum was cut laterally to the bladder, and fascia pelvis was identified. The latter was split and the internal iliac vein was traced to the opening of the pudendal canal allowing clear visualization of its contents. Subsequently, either the sacrospinous or sacrotuberous ligament was cut. Conclusions Considering that none of the surgical procedures currently used are known to completely improve all the symptoms of PCS, ILPCD could theoretically reduce stretching of the pudendal nerve.