A Prospective Trial on Nerve Sparing Techniques Performed in Radical Prostatectomy

A Prospective Trial on Nerve Sparing Techniques Performed in Radical Prostatectomy

The investigators propose a prospective study to assess recovery of urinary and sexual function by nerve sparing techniques after radical prostatectomy.

Subjects will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to Retzius nerve sparing versus non-Retzius nerve sparing to compare cancer outcomes and urinary/sexual outcomes following radical prostatectomy. Using the Retzius technique, the surgeon will remove the prostate in a way that preserves a portion of the nerves and tissue structures that are typically removed during the conventional technique.

The investigators will assess recovery of urinary and sexual function of patients through questionnaires at 1 week, 1 month, 6 months, 12 months, and 24 months after surgery.

Inclusion Criteria:

• clinically localized prostate cancer
• able to read and speak English or Spanish
• no previous history of head injury, dementia or psychiatric illness
• no other concurrent cancer
• estimated life expectancy of 10 years or more
• biopsy proven prostate cancer

Exclusion Criteria:

• evidence of metastases
• Prostate specific antigen (PSA) greater than 30 ng/mL
• previous major pelvic surgery
• diagnosis of another malignancy within the past 5 years, with the exception of non-melanoma skin cancer