ABSTRACT

Iatrogenic damage to peripheral nerves of the bladder, urethra, and pelvic floor during the course of surgical endeavors or radiotherapy may result in significant patient morbidity in terms of resultant vesicourethral dysfunction. Iatrogenic damage to peripheral nerves of the bladder, urethra, and pelvic floor during the course of surgical endeavors or radiotherapy may result in significant patient morbidity in terms of resultant vesicourethral dysfunction. Both the autonomic and somatic nervous systems are integrally responsible for innervation of the lower urinary tract. In essence, the lower urinary tract is innervated by three sets of peripheral nerves, representing the parasympathetic, sympathetic, and somatic nervous systems. Although peripheral neuropathies affecting bladder and urethral function may result from a variety of causes including metabolic or infectious disease, degenerative disorders, systemic illnesses, or disc disease. Iatrogenic injury to peripheral nerves innervating the lower urinary tract during the course of pelvic surgery or radiotherapy may result in significant vesicourethral dysfunction.