Current strategies to improve erectile function in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy - preoperative scenario

Abstract

Radical prostatectomy (RP) is a common procedure for localized and locally advanced prostate cancer (PCa). Despite advances in the technique with the introduction of robotic surgery, erectile dysfunction (ED) remains a major drawback. Therefore, a personalized evaluation that considers the patient's expectations and cultural background, baseline erectile function (EF), health status, and tumoral extension is important to optimize outcomes. Since EF has a tremendous impact on the quality of life of the patient and the intimate partner, it is timely to review multidisciplinary approaches to be implemented in the preoperative setting. Here we propose various strategies divided into two main categories, namely, comprehensive preoperative planning and prehabilitation (Figure 1.).

Keywords: Erectile dysfunction; Penile rehabilitation; Prostate cancer; Radical prostatectomy; Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy.