Exposure of the Lumbosacral Plexus by Using the Pararectus Approach: A Technical Note

BACKGROUND:Surgical exploration of the lumbosacral plexus is challenging. Previously described approaches reach from invasive open techniques with osteotomy of the ilium to laparoscopic techniques.OBJECTIVE:To describe a novel surgical technique to explore lumbosacral plexopathies such as benign nerve tumors or iatrogenic lesions of the lumbosacral plexus in 4 case examples.METHODS:We retrospectively evaluated 4 patients suffering from pathologies or injuries of the lumbosacral plexus between 2017 and 2019. The mean follow-up period after surgery was 23.5 (range 11-52) months. All patients underwent neurolysis of the lumbosacral plexus using the single incision, intrapelvic, extraperitoneal pararectus approach.RESULTS:In all patients, the pathology of the lumbosacral plexus was successfully visualized, proving feasibility of the extraperitoneal pararectus approach for this indication. There were no major complications, and all patients recovered well.CONCLUSION:The pararectus approach allows excellent visualization of the lumbar plexus and intrapelvic lesions of the femoral and sciatic nerves.

Automated summary

This study describes a novel surgical technique for exploring lumbosacral plexopathies using the extraperitoneal pararectus approach. The feasibility and success of the approach were demonstrated in 4 patients with pathologies or injuries of the lumbosacral plexus. The technique allowed excellent visualization of the plexus and intrapelvic lesions of the femoral and sciatic nerves, with no major complications and good patient recovery.