Pilot Study of a New Nerve Grafting Method During Bladder Cancer Surgery to Help Preserve Erections.

Pilot Study of Intraoperative Somatic-Autonomic Nerve Grafting Technique to Preserve Erectile Function in Patients With Bladder Cancer Undergoing Radical Cystectomy

This pilot study will evaluate the safety and 1-year erectile function recovery in 10 patients undergoing a novel Nerve Restoring Radical Cystectomy (NR-RC), which includes a genitofemoral nerve graft. Erectile function will be assessed using IIEF-5, SF-MPQ, and CEEF questionnaires at baseline and at multiple post-operative intervals (4 weeks, 3, 6, 12, and 18 months). Safety will be monitored through peri- and post-operative complications, and additional demographic and clinical data will be collected for analysis.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients undergoing standard of care radical cystectomy for bladder cancer
• Patients must have preoperative erectile function with a baseline IIEF score of ≥17

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with previous pelvic surgery
• Patients with previous pelvic radiotherapy
• Patients aged < 18 years at diagnosis
• Legally incapable patients
• Patients who are unable to complete questionnaires and have no companion to help complete them
• Patients undergoing a concomitant cancer surgery
• Patients with pre-existing neurologic disease