Prostate cancer surgery breakthrough offers hope for erectile function

Around 50,000 new cases of prostate cancer are detected in men in England each year. Most commonly diagnosed in the over 50s, it is often regarded as the “silent cancer” as it causes very few symptoms early on. If detected early, it can usually be cured with surgery to remove the prostate (robotic radical prostatectomy). Recent developments in urological robotic surgery have allowed doctors to perform precision “nerve-sparing” operations to preserve sexual function during surgery.

During the NeuroSAFE procedure– doctors can remove the prostate while preserving as much nerve tissue around it as possible. If on microscopic examination, the tumour has reached the surface of the prostate, the outer layers and nerves may need to be removed. But if the tumour stops short, the surgery is considered complete. In a recent clinical trial, published by Lancet Oncology, 12 months after surgery, 39% of men who had undergone NeuroSAFE surgery had no or mild erectile dysfunction only, compared with 23% of who had experienced standard surgery. NeuroSAFE also resulted in more rapid recovery from urinary incontinence, another common side effect.

Professor Greg Shaw, Consultant Urological Surgeon, led the published trial and performs the NeuroSAFE procedure at The Princess Grace Hospital, London, W1U 5NY and The Prostate Centre, 18 Devonshire Street, London, W1G 7AQ.