Impact of an accessory pudendal artery on erection recovery after nerve-sparing prostate surgery

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates whether identifying and preserving the accessory pudendal artery during robotic radical prostatectomy with nerve-sparing techniques improves erectile function recovery. It uses penile Doppler ultrasound as part of the assessment to understand blood flow changes associated with recovery. Included participants are men with localized prostate cancer who are planning nerve-sparing procedures and have relatively good erectile function at baseline. The study builds on existing knowledge that preserving penile blood supply may support functional outcomes after surgery.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Men diagnosed with cT2-T3a N0 M0 PCa aged between 18 and 79 from all ethnic backgrounds.
* Patients who underwent a prostate mpMRI before prostate biopsy.
* Medically fit to undergo RARP.
* Diagnostic quality prostate biopsies concordant with a diagnostic quality prostate mpMRI adequate to provide a surgical plan.
* Scheduled for RARP with a recommendation of NVB spare based on multidisciplinary meetings informed by mpMRI, biopsy result and clinical factors.
* Sexually active men with no to mild ED at baseline based on IIEF-EFD (\>=24) questionnaire.
* Preference to preserve erectile function for sexual intercourse.
* Ability to read English sufficiently to understand PIS and able to give informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Established moderate/ severe ED (IIEF-EFD \<24)
* Patients who received neo-adjuvant androgen deprivation therapy.
* Patients with previous surgery for benign prostatic enlargement
* Patients who received previous treatment for prostate cancer: External beam radiotherapy, brachytherapy, focal therapy, chemotherapy.
* Previous pelvic or penile fracture
* Previous surgery for ED
* Poor quality prostate mpMRI or biparametric MRI (no contrast)
* Established vascular disease (ischaemic heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, peripheral vascular disease)

Where it's running

• University College London Hospitals NHS foundation trust
  London, United Kingdom Recruiting

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.