PROSTATE
SURGERY AND IMPOTENCE
Sexual impotence after undergoing prostate cancer surgery is an
unwanted but common side effect. Surgical removal of the prostate,
known as radical prostatectomy, is probably the most effective
treatments for early-stage cancer which is confined to the prostate
gland.
To help overcome this problem some New York hospitals are testing
a new device that helps preserve sexual potency , by helping surgeons
locate and protect the nerves responsible for erectile function.
A loss of potency after surgery is a major side effect as the
complex network of microscopic nerves responsible for erectile
function run alongside the prostate and urethra and are notoriously
difficult to locate. The new device called CaverMap Surgical Aid,
(made by UroMed Corp.), helps surgeons locate and ultimately avoid
the cavernous nerves responsible for erections.
According to Dr. Herbert Lepor, Chairman of the
Department of Urology at NYU School of Medicine, "This device
is an especially useful addition to surgery, enabling surgeons
to better preserve
sexual potency in some cases. The loss of potency has deterred
many men from seeking surgical treatment for early-stage, localized
prostate cancer, a remedy that would help most of them survive
their cancer for many years. Now, with this device, more men will
feel secure selecting this type of treatment. This is especially
important in light of the fact that more men are being diagnosed
with early prostate cancer as a consequence of PSA testing."
At this time the results of using CaverMap are not clear as it
takes up to a year to regain potency after surgery, however the
initial results are encouraging. A preliminary Canadian study indicated
that more than 90% patients regained erections within a year following
CaverMap, compared to about 30% of those who underwent the operation
without the device.
CaverMap consists of an electronic probe that stimulates nerves
and a gauge which measures the rigidity of the penis. The device
aids the surgeon's effort to spare nerves by identifying those
nerves which stimulate erections during surgery to remove the prostate.
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