Pilot study suggests laser may reduce prostate surgery’s sexual side effects
August 5th, 2010 Posted in prostatectomyThe procedure of removing the cancer-affected gland is estimated to cause long-term sexual dysfunction in half of men. Therefore, one of the challenges of prostatectomy is removing the cancer-affected gland without side effects.
A new research by urologic surgeons at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center presents evidence that a new laser technology used with robotic prostate cancer surgery may reduce the risk of damaging the crucial nerves necessary for erections and urinary continence.
The research conclusion is published in the July online issue of the Journal of Endourology, the pilot study is the first to evaluate the CO2 laser for prostate cancer. The research was also presented recently at the American Urological Association annual meeting in San Francisco.