One of the hallmarks in the pathology of multiple system atrophy (MSA) is neuronal loss in the sacral Onuf’s nucleus11,33,37. Onuf’s nucleus plays a key role in urinary and fecal continence12. Neurons in this nucleus receive not only cortical inputs, but also noradrenergic and serotonergic facilitatory inputs via interneurons from various brainstem structures, including the pontine urine-storag...

pattern flap that consists of perforators of three arteries: the external pudendal, superficial femoral, and medial circumflex femoral arteries. The presence of axial vessels from the medial femoral circumflex artery and vein has been demonstrated by transillumination at the time of surgery and by cadaveric study [2,3,5]. Because of the longitudinal axial interconnections of these three vessels...

OBJECTIVE To report the surgical anatomy of the penis in hypospadias with study of vessels in relation to fascial planes, glans, corpora cavernosa, and corpus spongiosum using magnetic resonance imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twelve hypospadias presenting at older age (8-20 years) were studied with 1.5-T magnetic resonance imaging scanner and a 3-inch surface coil. Precontrast and postcontras...

Activation of pudendal afferents can evoke bladder contraction or relaxation dependent on the frequency of stimulation, but the mechanisms of reflex bladder excitation evoked by pudendal afferent stimulation are unknown. The objective of this study was to determine the contributions of sympathetic and parasympathetic mechanisms to bladder contractions evoked by stimulation of the dorsal nerve o...

Colostomy is conventionally the only treatment for anal dysfunction. Recently, a few trials of anorectal transplantation in animals have been published; however, further development of this technique is required. Moreover, it is crucial to perform this research in dogs, which resemble humans in anorectal anatomy and biology. We designed a canine anorectal transplantation model, wherein anorecta...

The association of faecal incontinence with constipation and confusion in the elderly is well recognised but the anal function of faecally incontinent geriatric patients is poorly understood. Anal studies were therefore performed on 99 geriatric patients (49 with faecal incontinence, 19 continent patients with faecal impaction and 31 geriatric control patients with normal bowel habit) and 57 yo...