Purpose: Pudendal neuropathy is an uncommon condition that exhibits several symptoms depending on the site of nerve entrapment. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of pudendal nerve neurolysis (PNN) in improving lower urinary tract symptoms, anal and/or urinary incontinence, and sexual dysfunctions. Materials and Methods: A systematic literature search was performed on 20 May 2023 using Scopus, PubMed, and Embase. Only English and adult papers were included. Meeting abstracts and preclinical studies were excluded. Results: Twenty-one papers were accepted, revealing significant findings in the field. The study identified four primary sites of pudendal nerve entrapment (PNE), with the most prevalent location likely being at the level of the Alcock canal. Voiding symptoms are commonly exhibited in patients with PNE. PNN improved both urgency and voiding symptoms, and urinary and anal incontinence but is less effective in cases of long-standing entrapment. Regarding sexual function, the recovery of the somatic afferent pathway results in an improvement in erectile function early after neurolysis. Complete relief of persistent genital arousal disorder occurs in women, although bilateral PNN is necessary to achieve the efficacy. PNN is associated with low-grade complications. Conclusions PNN emerges as a viable option for addressing urinary symptoms, fecal incontinence, erectile dysfunction, and female sexual arousal in patients suffering from PNE with minimal postoperative morbidity.

Purpose: Pudendal neuropathy is an uncommon condition that exhibits several symptoms depending on the site of nerve entrapment. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of pudendal nerve neurolysis (PNN) in improving lower urinary tract symptoms, anal and/or urinary incontinence, and sexual dysfunctions. Materials and Methods: A systematic literature search was performed on 20 May 2023 using Scopus, PubMed, and Embase. Only English and adult papers were included. Meeting abstracts and preclinical studies were excluded. Results: Twenty-one papers were accepted, revealing significant findings in the field. The study identified four primary sites of pudendal nerve entrapment (PNE), with the most prevalent location likely being at the level of the Alcock canal. Voiding symptoms are commonly exhibited in patients with PNE. PNN improved both urgency and voiding symptoms, and urinary and anal incontinence but is less effective in cases of long-standing entrapment. Regarding sexual function, the recovery of the somatic afferent pathway results in an improvement in erectile function early after neurolysis. Complete relief of persistent genital arousal disorder occurs in women, although bilateral PNN is necessary to achieve the efficacy. PNN is associated with low-grade complications. Conclusions PNN emerges as a viable option for addressing urinary symptoms, fecal incontinence, erectile dysfunction, and female sexual arousal in patients suffering from PNE with minimal postoperative morbidity.

Purpose: Pudendal neuropathy is an uncommon condition that exhibits several symptoms depending on the site of nerve entrapment. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of pudendal nerve neurolysis (PNN) in improving lower urinary tract symptoms, anal and/or urinary incontinence, and sexual dysfunctions. Materials and Methods: A systematic literature search was performed on 20 May 2023 using Scopus, PubMed, and Embase. Only English and adult papers were included. Meeting abstracts and preclinical studies were excluded. Results: Twenty-one papers were accepted, revealing significant findings in the field. The study identified four primary sites of pudendal nerve entrapment (PNE), with the most prevalent location likely being at the level of the Alcock canal. Voiding symptoms are commonly exhibited in patients with PNE. PNN improved both urgency and voiding symptoms, and urinary and anal incontinence but is less effective in cases of long-standing entrapment. Regarding sexual function, the recovery of the somatic afferent pathway results in an improvement in erectile function early after neurolysis. Complete relief of persistent genital arousal disorder occurs in women, although bilateral PNN is necessary to achieve the efficacy. PNN is associated with low-grade complications. Conclusions PNN emerges as a viable option for addressing urinary symptoms, fecal incontinence, erectile dysfunction, and female sexual arousal in patients suffering from PNE with minimal postoperative morbidity.

To assess the effectiveness and safety of various techniques of pudendal nerve neurolysis (PNN) in patients with pudendal nerve entrapment (PNE). A comprehensive literature search was conducted on May 20th, 2023, using Scopus, PubMed, and Embase databases. Only studies in English involving adults were accepted, while meeting abstracts and preclinical studies were excluded. A total of 34 papers were included. Transperineal PNN emerged as a promising technique, demonstrating significant potential in alleviating pain, restoring erectile function in males, and improving the resolution of urinary stress incontinence in females. Furthermore, the bilateral approach consistently yielded positive outcomes in addressing urinary symptoms. The transgluteal technique appeared particularly suitable for cases of posterior PNE, situated between the sacrospinous ligament and the lesser sciatic foramen. A progressive amelioration of painful symptoms was observed during follow-up. Minimally invasive PNN is evolving and enables decompression along the entire proximal tract up to the Alcock canal, minimizing the risk of comorbidities. In addition to reducing pudendal neuralgia, robot-assisted and laparoscopic approaches determined a reduction in lower urinary tract symptoms and an improvement in erectile function, though further studies are required to corroborate these findings. PNN emerges as an effective treatment for PNE with minimal morbidity. Therefore, PNN should be tailored according to the site of PNE to enhance functional outcomes and improve patient quality of life.

Purpose: Pudendal neuropathy is an uncommon condition that exhibits several symptoms depending on the site of nerve entrapment. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of pudendal nerve neurolysis (PNN) in improving lower urinary tract symptoms, anal and/or urinary incontinence, and sexual dysfunctions. Materials and Methods: A systematic literature search was performed on 20 May 2023 using Scopus, PubMed, and Embase. Only English and adult papers were included. Meeting abstracts and preclinical studies were excluded. Results: Twenty-one papers were accepted, revealing significant findings in the field. The study identified four primary sites of pudendal nerve entrapment (PNE), with the most prevalent location likely being at the level of the Alcock canal. Voiding symptoms are commonly exhibited in patients with PNE. PNN improved both urgency and voiding symptoms, and urinary and anal incontinence but is less effective in cases of long-standing entrapment. Regarding sexual function, the recovery of the somatic afferent pathway results in an improvement in erectile function early after neurolysis. Complete relief of persistent genital arousal disorder occurs in women, although bilateral PNN is necessary to achieve the efficacy. PNN is associated with low-grade complications. Conclusions PNN emerges as a viable option for addressing urinary symptoms, fecal incontinence, erectile dysfunction, and female sexual arousal in patients suffering from PNE with minimal postoperative morbidity.

Purpose: Varicocele is a common problem among infertile men. Varicocele repair (VR) is frequently performed to improve semen parameters and the chances of pregnancy. However, there is a lack of consensus about the diagnosis, indications for VR and its outcomes. The aim of this study was to explore global practice patterns on the management of varicocele in the context of male infertility. Materials and Methods: Sixty practicing urologists/andrologists from 23 countries contributed 382 multiple-choice-questions pertaining to varicocele management. These were condensed into an online questionnaire that was forwarded to clinicians involved in male infertility management through direct invitation. The results were analyzed for disagreement and agreement in practice patterns and, compared with the latest guidelines of international professional societies (American Urological Association [AUA], American Society for Reproductive Medicine [ASRM], and European Association of Urology [EAU]), and with evidence emerging from recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Additionally, an expert opinion on each topic was provided based on the consensus of 16 experts in the field. Results: The questionnaire was answered by 574 clinicians from 59 countries. The majority of respondents were urologists/ uro-andrologists. A wide diversity of opinion was seen in every aspect of varicocele diagnosis, indications for repair, choice of technique, management of sub-clinical varicocele and the role of VR in azoospermia. A significant proportion of the responses were at odds with the recommendations of AUA, ASRM, and EAU. A large number of clinical situations were identified where no guidelines are available. Conclusions This study is the largest global survey performed to date on the clinical management of varicocele for male infertility. It demonstrates: 1) a wide disagreement in the approach to varicocele management, 2) large gaps in the clinical practice guidelines from professional societies, and 3) the need for further studies on several aspects of varicocele management in infertile men.