Nerve sacrifice and what it costs you | CION Cancer Clinics

It means some of the nerves leaving the sacrum are cut and removed with the tumour, because they run through it or are wrapped in it. What you lose depends on which nerves go, and whether they go on one side or both.

Why a surgeon would cut a working nerve

Tumours such as chordoma come back where even a thin layer is left behind. If a nerve runs through the tumour, peeling the tumour off it usually leaves cells behind. So the team weighs the nerve against the chance of the tumour returning, and sometimes the nerve has to go.

What the sacral nerves control

The nerves are labelled from the top, S1 downwards. The upper ones help the calf muscles push the foot down, which you use to walk and climb stairs. The middle ones carry most of the signals for the bladder, the bowel and sexual function. The lowest ones give feeling around the back passage and fine control of the muscle that holds stool in.

Why one side or both matters

Each nerve comes in a pair, one on the left and one on the right. The bladder and bowel can often manage on the signals from one side. When the matching nerves on both sides are removed, that backup is gone, and function changes much more. So when your surgeon talks about nerves, ask not only which level, but whether it is one side or both.

What this page cannot tell you

It cannot tell you which of your nerves are at risk. That depends on the height of your tumour on the MRI, and your surgeon can only say it after reading your own scans.

The bill for the operation is only the start. Nerve loss brings running costs that continue at home, and families are rarely told about them in advance.

Supplies that continue

Catheters, gloves, bowel medicines, suppositories, washout kits and pressure cushions are bought month after month. If a stoma is made, bags and skin care follow. Ask the team for a written list, so you can check prices and stock before discharge.

Time and care

Someone usually needs to help at home for the first months, with catheter care, bowel routines and trips to physiotherapy. For a working son or daughter, that means planning leave. Travel from a district town for follow-up adds to it.

What schemes may cover

Aarogyasri, CGHS, ECHS, EHS and cashless insurance usually cover the operation and the hospital stay. Supplies after discharge are often outside the package. Check with your scheme desk or insurer which items are included, and keep every bill.