Improving Erectile Function After Prostate Cancer Surgery

Preserving Erectile Function by Quantifying the Nerve-Sparing step of the Robotic Prostatectomy

NIH-funded research Cedars-Sinai Medical Center · NIH-11123096

This project aims to help surgeons better protect nerves during prostate cancer surgery, which can lead to better recovery of erectile function for patients.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionCedars-Sinai Medical Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Los Angeles, United States)
Project IDNIH-11123096 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

When men have prostate cancer surgery, their ability to have erections can be affected, and this varies greatly among patients. This project focuses on how surgeons perform the delicate nerve-sparing part of the operation. By carefully looking at surgical videos and patient results, researchers want to find the best ways to protect these nerves. The goal is to create new tools, including a virtual reality simulator, to help surgeons learn and improve their technique, ultimately leading to more men recovering their erectile function.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This research is relevant for men who are undergoing or considering robot-assisted radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer.

Not a fit: Patients not undergoing prostate cancer surgery or those for whom erectile function recovery is not a primary concern may not directly benefit from this specific research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could significantly improve the chances of men recovering their erectile function after prostate cancer surgery.

How similar studies have performed: While the need for improved outcomes is recognized, this specific approach of quantifying nerve-sparing techniques through video analysis and developing a skills feedback tool is a novel method.

Where this research is happening

Los Angeles, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Cancers
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.