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

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.

The study aimed to compare the EMG's data in men undergoing RT versus the non-irradiated control group.

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).

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.

RT produces lesions over the pudendal nerve, showing denervation even in late periods. The surgery did not behave as a risk factor.