Sexual Function

The prostate is surrounded by a delicate layer of nerves that support erectile function. Many patients are candidates for a nerve-sparing prostatectomy, where the prostate gland is removed but the surgeon maximizes preservation of these nerves.

Several studies have shown that patients potent prior to surgery have experienced a high level of recovery of sexual function (defined as an erection sufficient for intercourse) within a year following da Vinci Surgery. Talk to your surgeon about reasonable expectations for recovery of sexual function and ask about a rehabilitation program that may include exercises and drug therapy.

Radiation can cause long-term damage to the nerves and important structures involved in sexual function. Many patients undergoing brachytherapy or external beam radiation treatment develop erectile dysfunction (as many as 50% in several studies.)5,6 Many radiation patients are also placed on hormone therapy, which can have an immediate negative impact on sexual function.7

1Badani KK, Kaul S, Menon M. Evolution of robotic radical prostatectomy: assessment after 2766 procedures. Cancer. 2007 Sep; 24;110(9):1951-1958.
2Mottrie A, Van MP, De NG, Schatteman P, Carpentier P, et al. Robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: oncologic and functional results of 184 cases. Eur Urol. 2007; 52:746–51.
3Mikhail A, et al. Robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy in overweight and obese patients. Urology. 2006; 67(4): 774-9.
4Kaul S, Savera A, Badani K, Fumo M, Bhandari A, Menon M. Functional outcomes and oncological efficacy of Vattikuti Institute prostatectomy with Veil of Aphrodite nerve-sparing: an analysis of 154 consecutive patients. BJU Int. 2006; 97:467-72.
5Zelefsky M, Chan H, Hunt M, Yamada Y, Shippy A, Amols H. Long-term outcome of high dose intensity modulated radiation therapy for patients with clinically localized prostate cancer. journal of urology.2006; 176 (4): 1415-1419 .
6Merrick G. Erectile function after prostate brachytherapy. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys. 2005 Jun; 62(2): 437-47.
7Sharifi N, Gulley J, and Dahut W. Androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer. JAMA. 2005 Jul; 294(2): 238 - 244.
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Detailed Treatment Comparison

Find out how the clinical outcomes of da Vinci Surgery and prostatectomy compare with radiation therapy and open surgery.

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