Nerve grafting technique to help preserve erectile function after prostate surgery

Phase I Clinical Trial: Pilot Study of Intraoperative Somatic-Autonomic Nerve Grafting Technique to Preserve Erectile Function in Patients With High Grade Prostate Cancer Undergoing Robotic Assisted Radical Prostatectomy

Not applicable Interventional Sir Mortimer B. Davis - Jewish General Hospital · NCT06521710

This study is testing a new nerve grafting technique during prostate surgery to see if it can help men keep their erectile function after the operation.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment10 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexMale
SponsorSir Mortimer B. Davis - Jewish General Hospital Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Montreal, Quebec and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06521710 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot trial evaluates the safety and effectiveness of a novel nerve grafting technique during robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy in patients with high-risk localized prostate cancer. A total of 10 patients will undergo surgery using the nerve restoring approach, which incorporates a genitofemoral nerve graft aimed at improving erectile function recovery post-surgery. Patients will be assessed for erectile function and pain using standardized questionnaires at multiple follow-up points over 18 months. The study aims to minimize complications while enhancing recovery outcomes for erectile function.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are men with high-risk localized prostate cancer who have a baseline erectile function score of 17 or higher.

Not a fit: Patients with previous pelvic surgeries, radiotherapy, or those with pre-existing neurologic diseases may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this technique could significantly improve erectile function recovery in men undergoing prostate cancer surgery.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is novel, similar nerve grafting techniques have shown promise in other surgical contexts, suggesting potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patients undergoing standard of care robotic radical prostatectomy for high-risk localized prostate cancer as defined by any of:

   1. Gleason grade ≥8
   2. PSA ≥20
   3. \>pT2 on preoperative MRI imaging
2. Patients must have preoperative erectile function with a baseline IIEF score of ≥17

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients with previous pelvic surgery
2. Patients with previous pelvic radiotherapy
3. Patient with previous focal therapy for prostate cancer
4. Patients aged \< 18 years at diagnosis
5. Legally incapable patients
6. Patients who are unable to complete questionnaires and have no companion to help complete them
7. Patients undergoing a concomitant cancer surgery
8. Patients with pre-existing neurologic disease

Where this trial is running

Montreal, Quebec and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Prostate CancerErectile Dysfunction
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.