Although oncologic efficacy is the primary goal of radical prostatectomy, preserving potency and continence is also important, given the indolent clinical course of most prostate cancers. In order to preserve and recover postoperative potency and continence after radical prostatectomy, a detailed understanding of the pelvic anatomy is necessary to recognize the optimal nerve-sparing plane and to minimize injury to the neurovascular bundles. Therefore, we reviewed the most recent findings from neuroanatomic studies of the prostate and adjacent tissues, some of which are contrary to the established consensus on pelvic anatomy. We also described the functional outcomes of radical prostatectomies following improved anatomical understanding and development of surgical techniques for preserving the neurovascular bundles.
Written by:
Park YH, Jeong CW, Lee SE Are you the author?
Department of Urology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
Reference: Prostate Int. 2013;1(4):139-145. (Epub 2013 Dec 30)
doi: 10.12954/PI.13020
PubMed Abstract
PMID: 24392437
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