title: A simple technique for identification and preservation of the hypogastric nerves during rectal surgery.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Rectal resection is associated with a risk of sexual dysfunction even when performed for benign disease, with the most frequent type resulting in retrograde ejaculation due to injury to the hypogastric nerves.
  
  
  METHODS
  A simple technique to identify and protect these nerves during rectal mobilization.
  
  
  METHODS
  Exposure of the hypogastric plexus during rectal resection.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Careful identification of the hypogastric nerves during rectal mobilization using the described technique may reduce injury to these nerves and related sexual dysfunction.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Hospital of Camposampiero (Padova), Italy.
authors.forename: Emilio
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Morpurgo
authors.forename: Monica Combs
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Hall
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Galandiuk
mesh_terms: D013505:Digestive System Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007001:Hypogastric Plexus / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D012007:Rectum / Q000601:surgery*