Potential preservation of potency after radical prostatectomy.

Radical prostatectomy often is followed by erectile dysfunction. Various etiologies have been postulated--vascular, psychologic, or neurologic. Recently, we were able to isolate the cavernous nerves of the prostatic plexus, which innervate the erectile tissue of the corpora cavernosa, for electroerection in dogs. Acute and chronic experiments were then performed to examine the relationship between erectile impotence and radical prostatectomy. We conclude that erectile impotence after total prostatectomy is a result of injury to the cavernous nerves and that potency can be preserved if these nerves are identified and salvaged during surgery.