title: Reconstruction of anorectal function through end-to-side neurorrhaphy by autonomic nerves and somatic nerve in rats.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  End-to-side nerve repair is a new tool in managing certain nerve injuries. In previous studies, it was limited to somatic nerves. Herein, we evaluate the feasibility of anorectal reinnervation after end-to-side coaptation of autonomic nerve to somatic nerve.
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups: end-to-side coaptation group (n = 16), the left L6 and S1 spinal nerves were transected, and the distal stump of L6 ventral root (L6VR) was sutured to L4VR (L4VR) through end-to-side neurorrhaphy; no coaptation group (n = 12), rats received the same operation as the end-to-side coaptation group but without coaptation; and control group (n = 12), rats received the same operation as the end-to-side coaptation group but the L6VR was preserved. At 16 wk, using double retrograde tracing and histomorphological technique and anorectal manometry, morphological and functional properties of regenerated nerve were investigated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Retrograde tracing indicated that the new neural pathway was established and the main nerve regeneration mechanism was axon collateral sprouting. Histology showed good axonal regeneration with end-to-side neurorrhaphy. The wet weight and morphology of left tibialis anterior muscles appeared no detrimental effect on donor nerve. Anorectal manometry showed good anorectal functional recovery.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These results suggest that the somatic motor axon ingrowth into autonomic nerve could be through collateral sprouting after end-to-side coaptation of autonomic nerve to somatic nerve. Our innovative technique of end-to-side coaptation may be of great value in anorectal reinnervation without functional impairment of the donor somatic nerve.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277, Jiefang Road, Wuhan 430022, China.
authors.forename: Chuanjiang
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Dong
authors.forename: Wansheng
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Gao
authors.forename: Renfeng
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Jia
authors.forename: Shuqiang
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Zhou
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Shen
authors.forename: Bing
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Li
mesh_terms: D001003:Anal Canal / Q000294:innervation*; D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical / Q000379:methods*; D000818:Animals; D017776:Autonomic Pathways / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008365:Manometry; D016067:Nerve Transfer / Q000379:methods*; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures; D012007:Rectum / Q000294:innervation*