How does the nerve sparing procedure work?
Ultrasound imaging allows visualization of the neurovascular bundles (blood vessels and nerves) which run immediately adjacent to the prostate. The nerves in these bundles are what control erections. Precise localization of these bundles allows treatment to within 2 to 3 mm of them. This technique is designed to preserve potency with still a high probability of eliminating all cancer. The nerve sparing procedure is done only on prostates which have biopsies that are negative for cancer in the lobe of the gland where the nerve sparing procedure is performed. Only one neurovascular bundle needs to be preserved.
Related Questions
- Is the type of prostatectomy procedure (laparoscopic, robotic, nerve sparing, perineal or abdominal) of significance when considering ProACT?
- In the biopsy report it was mentioned that there could be perineural invasion. Does this affect the HIFU procedure and nerve sparing?
- Who is a good candidate for nerve sparing radical prostatecomy?
