Current and future strategies for preventing and managing erectile dysfunction following radical prostatectomy

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: As radical prostatectomy remains a commonly used procedure in the treatment of clinically localized prostate cancer, we critically analyzed current and future strategies for preventing and managing postoperative erectile dysfunction. METHODS: Systematic literature review using Medline and CancerLit from January 1997 to June 2003. Abstracts published in the journals European Urology, The Journal of Urology and the International Journal of Impotence Research as official proceedings of internationally known scientific societies held in the same time period were also assessed. RESULTS: Patient selection and surgical technique are the major determinants of postoperative erectile function. Apoptosis of corporeal smooth muscle cells plays a role in the development of cavernous veno-occlusive dysfunction following radical prostatectomy. Pharmacological prophylaxis and treatment of postoperative erectile dysfunction is effective and safe. The concepts of cavernous nerve reconstruction and neuroprotection have been associated to promising results. CONCLUSIONS: In the hands of experienced surgeons, properly selected patients undergoing a nerve sparing radical prostatectomy should achieve unassisted or medically assisted erections postoperatively.