Neuropelveology Surgery

Understanding Neuropelveology Surgery

Neuropelveology surgery is an advanced surgical approach that focuses on diagnosing and treating problems related to the nerves in the pelvis. This relatively new field combines knowledge from neurology, gynaecology, and urology to address complex pelvic pain conditions that were previously difficult to treat.

About Pelvic Nerve Disorders

Pelvic nerve disorders can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

Chronic pelvic pain
Pain during sexual intercourse
Bladder or bowel dysfunction
Numbness or tingling in the pelvic area or legs
Pain that worsens with sitting

These symptoms can significantly impact a person’s quality of life and may be caused by conditions such as endometriosis, fibroids, or previous pelvic surgeries that have affected the nerves.

The Neuropelveology Surgery Procedure

The specific procedure can vary depending on the patient’s condition, but generally involves:

Detailed pre-operative imaging to map the pelvic nerves.
General anaesthesia to ensure patient comfort.
Laparoscopic (keyhole) approach using small incisions in the abdomen.
Careful identification and examination of the affected pelvic nerves.
Surgical intervention, which may include:
- Freeing nerves from surrounding scar tissue (neurolysis)
- Removing diseased tissue affecting the nerves
- In some cases, cutting specific nerves to relieve pain (neurectomy)
Closure of the small incisions.

Benefits of the Procedure

Neuropelveology surgery offers several potential benefits:

Targeted treatment of nerve-related pelvic pain
Minimally invasive approach with smaller incisions
Potential for significant pain relief
Improved quality of life
Better understanding of the cause of pain
Preservation of pelvic organ function where possible

Suitable Candidates

This procedure may be suitable for you if:

You have chronic pelvic pain that hasn’t responded to other treatments
Your pain is suspected to be nerve-related
Previous treatments or surgeries haven’t provided relief
You’re willing to undergo detailed diagnostic procedures

Your doctor will conduct a thorough assessment to determine if neuropelveology surgery is appropriate for your condition.

Recovery Process

Recovery from neuropelveology surgery can vary depending on the specific procedure:

Hospital stay is typically 1-3 days
Initial recovery at home usually takes 2-4 weeks
Full recovery and assessment of pain relief may take several months
Physical therapy may be recommended as part of your recovery

Important Considerations

Neuropelveology is a complex field, and results can vary between patients.
Some patients may experience temporary worsening of symptoms before improvement.
In some cases, multiple procedures may be necessary for optimal results.
As with any surgery, there are risks involved, which your surgeon will discuss with you in detail.

FAQs

Deeply Infiltrative Endometriosis (DIE): This is a severe form of endometriosis that can affect nerves and cause significant pain.
Sciatic Nerve Endometriosis: When endometriosis grows on or near the sciatic nerve, it can lead to debilitating pain.
Pelvic Nerve Injury: Nerve injuries that may occur from previous surgeries or trauma can be addressed through this surgical approach.
Vascular Entrapment Syndrome: This condition involves blood vessels compressing nerves, leading to pain and dysfunction.
Chronic Pelvic Pain (CPP): Neuropelveology surgery addresses various causes of CPP, particularly those related to nerve dysfunction or entrapment, often using minimally invasive surgical technique.

Most patients find that their symptoms improve significantly after surgery, but it’s essential to discuss your specific recovery plan with your healthcare provider for tailored guidance.

The success rate of neuropelveology surgery for treating endometriosis varies among studies, but several findings provide a general overview:
Success Rates
Neurectomy and Nerve Resection: In a systematic review, studies showed that the treatment success rate for neurectomy (removal of nerve tissue) was approximately 81%. This means that 81 out of 100 women reported significant pain relief after the procedure.
Pain Relief Statistics: A review indicated that in 18 out of 22 studies, the percentage of patients experiencing pain relief after various neuropelveology interventions ranged from 56% to 88%. This suggests that a significant number of women benefit from the surgery.
Long-Term Outcomes: Some studies reported improvements in pain scores and quality of life assessments lasting up to 5 years post-surgery, indicating that many women continue to experience relief from their symptoms long after the procedure.
Ref 1
Ref 2
Ref 3