title: Open retropubic nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy.
abstract: Retropubic radical prostatectomy is the most commonly used therapeutic option for the treatment of clinically localized prostate cancer. An ongoing stage migration toward organ-confined cancers allows performance of a nerve-sparing procedure in a growing number of patients. Key elements for achieving convincing functional results are a sphincter-preserving ligation of the distal part of the Santorini plexus and the subtle preparation of the neurovascular bundle. This article gives a detailed description of the operative technique, which is demonstrated in the attached DVD. Furthermore, indication, oncologic outcome, and functional results addressing postoperative urinary continence and potency are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, University Medical Center Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany. graefen@uke.uni-hamburg.de
authors.forename: Markus
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Graefen
authors.forename: Jochen
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Walz
authors.forename: Hartwig
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Huland
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D011467:Prostate / Q000294:innervation / Q000601:surgery; D011468:Prostatectomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*