Precise localization of the autonomic nerves from the pelvic plexus to the corpora cavernosa: a detailed anatomical study of the adult male pelvis.

The anatomical location of the branches of the pelvic plexus that innervate the corpora cavernosa has been identified previously in stillborn male neonates and fetuses. Based upon these observations, the techniques of radical retropubic prostatectomy and cystectomy have been modified to avoid injury to the autonomic innervation of the corpora cavernosa. However, the exact anatomical relationships of these nerves to the prostate, urethra and other pelvic structures in adults are unclear, since the initial anatomical studies of the pelvic plexus were performed in stillborn neonates in whom the accompanying vessels and fascia had been removed. Because these nerves are microscopic in size and can only be identified by their association with other pelvic structures, it was believed that a more refined understanding of the anatomy was necessary. In an effort to identify precisely the relationship of the cavernous branches of the pelvic plexus to the lateral pelvic fascia and the branches of the prostatovesicular arteries and veins, the following study was performed. Shortly after death a 60-year-old man was perfused completely with Bouin's fixative solution. The entire bladder, prostate, urethra, penis, corpora cavernosa, rectum, and pelvic sidewall fascia and musculature were removed en bloc. The specimen was serially sectioned transversely at 10 mu thickness, and every tenth section was stained with hematoxylin and eosin. An anatomical reconstruction in 3 dimensions was performed and illustrated. Thus, the specific location of the nerves that innervate the corpora cavernosa and their important relationships to the urethra, prostatic capsule, Denonvilliers' fascia and pelvic floor vasculature have been identified.