Impotence Following Radical Prostatectomy: Insight into Etiology and Prevention

This study was undertaken to identify the cause of impotence in men undergoing radical prostatectomy, with the hope that this information may provide insight into the possible prevention of this complication. The autonomic innervation of the corpora cavernosa in the male fetus and newborn was traced to determine the topographical relationship between the pelvic nerve plexus, and the prostate, urethra and urogenital diaphragm. We have demonstrated that the branches of the pelvic plexus that innervate the corpora cavernosa are situated between the rectum and urethra, and penetrate the urogenital diaphragm near or in the muscular wall of the urethra. Injuries to the pelvic plexus can occur in 2 ways: 1) during…