How potent is potent before nerve sparing radical retropubic prostatectomy?

Abstract

We objectively evaluated potency before nerve sparing radical retropubic prostatectomy. A total of 45 consecutive potent, neurologically normal and sexually active candidates 47 to 70 years old (mean age 62) completed a detailed questionnaire (separate from their partner), and underwent penile biothesiometry, RigiScan* testing for 3 nights, and duplex Doppler scanning of the cavernous arteries before and after prostaglandin E1 injection. Of the patients 8 noted moderate and the remainder normal erections on the questionnaire. RigiScan testing and penile biothesiometry correlated poorly with potency status. Duplex scanning demonstrated excellent peak velocities in 93% of the patients. This well studied prospective series underscores the importance of careful objective assessment of potent surgical candidates, and underlines a strong correlation between preoperative potency status and duplex Doppler scanning.