Are the nerves responsible for sexual function being spared during laparoscopic and robotic prostatectomy?
If the cancer has not yet spread to the adjacent nerves, an experienced surgeon will make every effort to spare these nerves that are responsible for sexual function. The structures are magnified with laparoscopic and robotic surgeries, an advantage when nerve sparing. However, satisfactory erectile function is not guaranteed by nerve sparing, since it is also influenced by many factors such as your age, sexual function prior to the operation, concurrent illnesses, medications, the presence of emotional and psychological stress, the extent of your cancer and the level of current sexual activity.
