Microsurgical denervation of rat spermatic cord: safety and efficacy data.

TitleMicrosurgical denervation of rat spermatic cord: safety and efficacy data.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2014
AuthorsLaudano MA, E Osterberg C, Sheth S, Ramasamy R, Sterling J, Mukherjee S, Robinson BD, Parekattil S, Goldstein M, Li PS
JournalBJU Int
Volume113
Issue5
Pagination795-800
Date Published2014 May
ISSN1464-410X
KeywordsAnimals, Denervation, Disease Models, Animal, Laser-Doppler Flowmetry, Male, Microscopy, Confocal, Microsurgery, Pain, Pain Measurement, Rats, Rats, Sprague-Dawley, Regional Blood Flow, Spermatic Cord, Testicular Diseases, Treatment Outcome
Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To describe a microsurgical technique for denervation of the spermatic cord and use of multiphoton microscopy (MPM) laser to identify and ablate residual nerves after microsurgical denervation. To evaluate structural and functional changes in the rat testis and vas deferens after denervation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nine Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three experimental groups: sham, microsurgical denervation of the spermatic cord (MDSC), and MDSC immediately followed by laser ablation with MPM. At 2 months after surgery, we assessed testicular volume, functional circulation of the testicular artery with Doppler, patency of the vas deferens, and histology of the testis and vas deferens.

RESULTS: There was a significant decrease in the median number of nerves remaining around the vas deferens with MDSC alone (3.5 nerves) or MDSC with MPM (1.5 nerves) compared with sham rats (15.5 nerves) (P = 0.003). Although, MDSC with MPM resulted in the fewest remaining nerves, this result was similar to MDSC alone (P = 0.29). No deleterious effects on spermatogenesis or vas patency were seen in the experimental groups when compared with the sham rats.

CONCLUSION: A microsurgical approach can be used to effectively and safely denervate the rat spermatic cord with minimal changes to structure and function of the testis and vas deferens. MPM can be used as an adjunct to identify and ablate residual nerves after MDSC.

DOI10.1111/bju.12421
Alternate JournalBJU Int
PubMed ID24053156
Related Faculty: 
Brian Robinson, M.D.

Pathology & Laboratory Medicine 1300 York Avenue New York, NY 10065 Phone: (212) 746-6464
Surgical Pathology: (212) 746-2700