Application of Evicel to Cavernous Nerves of the Rat Does Not Influence Erectile Function In Vivo

OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effect of the fibrin sealant, Evicel, on the neuroregulatory control of penile erections in an experimental rat model. METHODS Two groups of rats were used: sham-operated rats with exposure of the bilateral cavernous nerves (CNs) and application of saline vehicle (500 mu L), and rats treated with direct application of Evicel (500 mu L) bilaterally to the CNs. At 14 and 45 days after application of Evicel to the CNs, the CNs were stimulated to measure the in vivo erectile responses. Additionally, we evaluated the neuronal nitric oxide synthase immunoreactivity in the dorsal CNs of the penis and changes in the smooth muscle and collagen deposition in the penis using a trichrome stain. RESULTS Evicel application to the CNs did not have any detrimental effect on the neurogenic erectile responses in vivo at 14 or 45 days after application. The neuronal nitric oxide synthase expression in the dorsal CNs of the penis was unchanged after Evicel application at all points studied, and we saw no change in the histomorphometric analysis findings of smooth muscle and collagen deposition in the penis. CONCLUSION These data suggest that the hemostatic agent, Evicel, is safe in an experimental rat model of erection physiology, with no detrimental effects on neuroregutatory control of erection. UROLOGY 72: 1169-1173, 2008. (C) 2008 Elsevier Inc.