Novel method for restoration of anorectal function following spinal cord injury via nerve transfer in rats

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2020 · DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2018.1444542 · Published: January 1, 2020

Spinal Cord Injury Neurology Gastroenterology

Simple Explanation

This study explores a novel surgical technique to restore bowel function after spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats. The method involves creating a new nerve pathway to control the anorectal muscles. Researchers rewired nerves in the rats' spines, connecting nerves that control leg movement to the nerves that control bowel function, creating an artificial reflex arc. This aims to bypass the damaged spinal cord area. The goal is to improve bowel control in SCI patients, who often experience incontinence. This preclinical study seeks to demonstrate that nerve transfer can effectively restore anorectal function.

Study Duration

12 weeks

Participants

Sixty 8-week-old adult Sprague-Dawley female rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The study found that the new nerve pathway connecting the spine to the anorectal muscles was successfully established in rats with SCI.
2
Examination of the rewired nerves showed that they appeared normal and were able to regenerate, indicating successful nerve reconnection.
3
Anorectal manometry revealed significant improvement in anorectal function in the rats that underwent nerve transfer compared to controls, suggesting the new nerve pathway was functional.

Research Summary

This study introduces a novel nerve transfer technique to restore anorectal function in rats after spinal cord injury (SCI). The procedure involves creating an artificial reflex arc by anastomosing L5 and S1 nerve roots. The anatomical integrity of the new nerve pathway was confirmed using retrograde nerve tracing and neurohistomorphological analysis. Functional recovery was assessed via anorectal manometry. Results indicate that the nerve transfer model is feasible and effective in restoring anorectal function in SCI rats, suggesting a potential clinical approach for treating bowel dysfunction in SCI patients.

Practical Implications

Restoration of Bowel Function

This method could provide a new surgical option for individuals with SCI who suffer from neurogenic bowel dysfunction, potentially improving their quality of life.

Alternative Reflex Pathway

The successful creation of an artificial defecation reflex arc offers a novel strategy for bypassing damaged neural pathways after SCI.

Minimizing Collateral Damage

By carefully selecting nerve roots for anastomosis, the approach aims to maximize anorectal function restoration while minimizing impact on lower extremity function.

Study Limitations

1
The complexity of physical defecation remains unclear.
2
The study did not address how the brain and spinal cord interacts with the artificial defecation reflex arc.
3
Experimental evidence on restoration of anorectal function and CNS control of bowel function is limited.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Spinal Cord Injury