Sacral Stimulator question

This is a hypothetical, but please answer it seriously and to the best of your ability. Imagine nerve stimulating implants similar to sacral stimulators were installed on the sacral nerve and also connected to the nerves in the penis through the urethra. The stimulators were used to numb the nerves to make erection and ejaculation dependent on them. This was non-consensual and the patient in question has no documentation of this and is only aware of this through the impairment of function and pain from the stimulators. Would a standard nerve study used by urologists be able to detect this? If not, how could something like this be detected and proven? What kind of damage would this cause and what options would be available for reconstruction and repair? What physician or law enforcement organizations would have the jurisdiction and expertise to investigate this type of incident? Again, please answer seriously. Thanks in advance.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

To answer your questions:
1) Electrodiagnosic testing (done via a neurologist) would be able to detect any nerve conduction abnormalities.

2) If there was compression on the nerve, you may want to consider an MRI to evaluate for any structural abnormality.

3) I cannot comment on what kind of repair that would be needed since I won't know the extent or type of damage done.

4) I cannot comment on what kind of law enforcement is needed - but if this is a concern, I would start with a neurologist.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b