Hope springs eternal: cavernosal nerve regeneration.
Erectile dysfunction after radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer remains a significant morbidity for a large group of patients. A large body of work suggests that disrupting the cavernosal nerves is central as a causative factor. Extensive research has focused on ways to increase potency rates after surgery, either by preserving neuro-integrity, or attempting to restore it using various approaches. Herein we discuss the neurophysiology of nerve injury and regeneration, and review the work to date on cavernosal nerve regeneration.
Syme
David B Y
DB
Department of Urology, The Royal Melbourne Hospital and Department of Surgery, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia. david.syme@mh.org.au
Corcoran
Niall M
NM
Bouchier-Hayes
David M
DM
Costello
Anthony J
AJ
D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009416:Nerve Regeneration / Q000502:physiology*; D010413:Penis / Q000294:innervation* / Q000503:physiopathology; D011468:Prostatectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*