Potency after unilateral nerve sparing surgery: a report on functional and oncological results of unilateral nerve sparing surgery

Prostate Cancer Prostatic Dis. 2003;6(1):61-5. doi: 10.1038/sj.pcan.4500626.

Abstract

The objective of the study was to evaluate unilateral nerve sparing prostate surgery. Patient files of men who underwent unilateral nerve sparing radical prostatectomy were analyzed retrospectively after a minimum follow-up period of 18 months. Of 46 patients who received unilateral nerve sparing surgery, 14 (30.4%) regained full potency after surgery. In 92.9% of these patients, recovery occurred within a period of 18 months. Age is the single most important factor in the recuperation of potency after unilateral nerve sparing surgery. Most of the patients (84.8%) reported the ability to achieve orgasm. Of eight patients with positive section margins, two had positive section margins at the spared side only. Unilateral nerve sparing surgery remains a feasible treatment option for prostate cancer.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Erectile Dysfunction / etiology
  • Erectile Dysfunction / therapy
  • Functional Laterality
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Penile Erection*
  • Penis / innervation*
  • Prostatectomy / adverse effects*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Recovery of Function
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Risk Factors
  • Urologic Surgical Procedures, Male / adverse effects