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An anatomical update of the aortic plexus with clinical implications for retroperitoneal surgery (726.6)
Author(s) -
Beveridge Tyler,
Johnson Marjorie,
Power Adam,
Power Nicholas,
Allman Brian
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.28.1_supplement.726.6
Subject(s) - medicine , anatomy , plexus , splanchnic nerves , gross anatomy , lumbosacral plexus , stimulation
The aortic plexus is a sympathetic network of pre‐ and post‐ganglionic nerves overlying the abdominal aorta. The literature minimally describes the anatomy of this plexus and little research has been completed to anatomically define the nerves of this plexus. This study aimed to anatomically map the aortic plexus through dissection of fresh, frozen human cadavers (n=7). Using standard histochemical procedures, ganglia of the aortic plexus were verified with H&E staining and anti‐tyrosine hydroxylase staining confirmed the presence of sympathetic neurons. All specimens (100%) had 4 distinct ganglia that were supplied by right and left, L1 and L2 lumbar splanchnic nerves; 3 documented ganglia (right/left spermatic ganglia and inferior mesenteric ganglion), and 1 previously‐unidentified ganglion. Moreover, the prevalence of the accessory splanchnic nerves (right/left accessory L1 lumbar splanchnic 29%/29%; right/left accessory L2 lumbar splanchnic 14%/86%) and pre‐aortic nerves (inferior branch of right spermatic 86%; right/left intermesenteric nerve 29%/71%) were documented in each specimen to assess variability in the plexus. Clinically, our results could have implications for preserving fertility in men and sympathetic function to the hindgut and pelvis during retroperitoneal surgeries. Grant Funding Source : Supported by Canadian Urology Association Scholarship Foundation Grant