Transischiorectal fossa approach for resection of pudendal nerve schwannoma: case report

J Neurosurg Spine. 2016 Nov;25(5):636-639. doi: 10.3171/2016.4.SPINE151449. Epub 2016 Jun 17.

Abstract

Pudendal nerve schwannomas are very rare, with only two cases reported in the English-language literature. The surgical approaches described in these two case reports are the transgluteal approach and the laparoscopic approach. The authors present the case of a patient with progressive pelvic pain radiating ipsilaterally into her groin, vagina, and rectum, who was subsequently found to have a pudendal schwannoma. The authors used a transischiorectal fossa approach and intraoperative electrophysiological monitoring and successfully excised the tumor. This approach has the advantage of direct access to Alcock's canal with minimal disruption of the pelvic muscles and ligaments. The patient experienced complete relief of her pelvic pain after the procedure.

Keywords: EMG = electromyography; ischiorectal; pudendal nerve; schwannoma; technique.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cancer Pain / diagnostic imaging
  • Cancer Pain / surgery
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Neurilemmoma / diagnostic imaging
  • Neurilemmoma / physiopathology
  • Neurilemmoma / surgery*
  • Neurosurgical Procedures / methods*
  • Peripheral Nervous System Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Peripheral Nervous System Neoplasms / physiopathology
  • Peripheral Nervous System Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Pudendal Nerve / diagnostic imaging
  • Pudendal Nerve / physiopathology
  • Pudendal Nerve / surgery*
  • Surgery, Computer-Assisted / methods