Neurostimulation during radical prostatectomy: improving nerve-sparing techniques.
Considerable variation exists in the reported results of nerve-sparing prostatectomy with respect to potency preservation. This may reflect differences in surgical technique. The Cavermap is a device that uses intraoperative nerve stimulation with real time tumescence monitoring to permit identification of the course of the cavernous nerve fibers during radical prostatectomy. Results of a single center phase 2 and a blinded multicenter phase 3 study have demonstrated an improved outcome compared with conventional nerve sparing with respect to Rigiscan-measured nocturnal erection at 1 year after prostatectomy. The device permits evaluation of the success of nerve-sparing during surgery. Further studies of the effectiveness of the Cavermap device are warranted.
Klotz
L
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University of Toronto, Sunnybrook & Women's College Health Science Center, Ontario, Canada.
D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016343:Monitoring, Intraoperative / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D015337:Multicenter Studies as Topic; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011467:Prostate / Q000294:innervation*; D011468:Prostatectomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*