title: Intraoperative electrostimulation of the cavernous nerve: technique, results and limitations.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We studied the feasibility of inducing penile erection intraoperatively by stimulation of the cavernous nerves.
  
  
  METHODS
  In 16 men undergoing retropubic radical prostatectomy and 6 undergoing penile surgery for venous leakage electrostimulation was applied to both sides of the prostatic apex (prostatectomy group) or the hilum of the penis (venous surgery group).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Electrostimulation produced visible erection in 8 of the 16 prostatectomy patients and an increase in intracavernous pressure in 5 of the 6 venous surgery patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Electrostimulation of the cavernous nerves intraoperatively to produce penile erection is feasible. However, the technique must be further refined to be clinically useful, that is to localize the neurovascular bundle in men undergoing prostatectomy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, University of California School of Medicine, San Francisco 94143-0738, USA.
authors.forename: T F
authors.initials: TF
authors.lastname: Lue
authors.forename: C A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Gleason
authors.forename: G B
authors.initials: GB
authors.lastname: Brock
authors.forename: P R
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: Carroll
authors.forename: E A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Tanagho
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction; D006801:Humans; D007430:Intraoperative Care; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010410:Penile Erection; D010413:Penis / Q000294:innervation* / Q000502:physiology / Q000601:surgery*; D011468:Prostatectomy