Prevalence of accessory pudendal artery.

This study investigated the frequency of an accessory pudendal artery in 15 adult cadavers fixed with formaldehyde solution. The prevalence of accessory pudendal artery varies between 7 and 75% according to the method of identification (imaging studies, microstereoscopic cadaveric dissection, and open and laparoscopic surgeries). Currently, under discussion is the role of this artery in postprostatectomy erectile dysfunction. Accordingly, it is important to know the true prevalence to appreciate its clinical significance. The internal pudendal system was examined through direct dissection, and findings were compared with the different methods of identification published.