Post Pelvic Radiotherapy Affectation of the Lower Urinary Tract Peripheral Innervation in Men.

Introduction: The periurethral electromyography (EMGs) alterations in men who underwent pelvic radiotherapy (RT), either isolated or combined with surgery, have not been frequently described in the literature.
Objective: The study aimed to compare the EMG's data in men undergoing RT versus the non-irradiated control group.
Material and Methods: The study included 61 consecutive males, who had undergone RT (27 of them had been operated) and 99 control consecutive patients who underwent a retrospective assessment. The EMGs were performed using a concentric electrode needle perineally, localizing the sphincter by visual and auditory signal (electromyograph MMS Solar Active).
Results: 14.8% denervation, 62.9% reinnervation, 14.9% denervation + reinnervation and 7.4% EMG normal. The age (p < 0.001) and neurogenic bladder data (p < 0.001) are risk factors. The smaller the prostate size (obtained by rectal examination) post-RT, the more the chance for an abnormal EMG (p < 0.001). The fact of having had received RT (p < 0.001) is the only risk factor.
Conclusion: RT produces lesions over the pudendal nerve, showing denervation even in late periods. The surgery did not behave as a risk factor.
(© 2016 S. Karger AG, Basel.)