Significance of nerve sparing radical prostatectomy

Nerve sparing radical prostatectomy was performed in 79 patients with prostate cancer. Surgical complications were minimal including 14 of stress incontinence and 2 of total incontinence, 56 patients were evaluated for the postoperative erectile function by means of the patient's statement or Rigiscan. 41 (73%) showed complete or partial erection after this procedure. In order to clarify the efficacy of this operation, a pathological study was carried out with regard to the positive dorsolateral surgical margin. In comparison to standard non-nerve sparing cases, there was no difference in the positive ratio between nerve sparing and non-nerve sparing groups. Therefore, nerve sparing radical prostatectomy is considered to be a significant method for the treatment of prostate cancer.