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Nerve Sparing

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Posted 2/27/2008 2:14 PM (GMT 0)
Can anyone enlighten me regarding nerve sparing, I have just come from a consultation with my surgeon that carried out the rrp and he says he managed to save the nerves on the right side which control continence and erections, is this the case or have I misunderstood. I always thought that the nerves that control erection were on the opposite side to the nerves that control continence.
Posted 2/27/2008 3:24 PM (GMT 0)
landcrab,

I have not heard before your post any mention of nerves that control continence. My understanding is the nerves on both sides of the prostate are for erections. I have always assumed that the control of continence is a muscular control not associated with the bilateral nerves of the prostate.

Tamu
Posted 2/27/2008 4:14 PM (GMT 0)
I obviously got something very wrong, but if as in my case the nerves were spared on one side only does that mean I cannot have erections ?.
Posted 2/27/2008 5:50 PM (GMT 0)
Hi landcrab,
There are many here who are able to function well with one side removed. Many do so with medicinal assistance. Incontinance can be an issue when nerves are removed but that is very rare. The usual cause of incontinance is the stretching on tissue after the prostate is removed and the urethra is reattached. There are other physiological changes that can cause incontinance but when all is said and done it won't likely be the nerves. I wish you good luck though. My nerves were spared even though the cancer had left the prostate.  So keep doing the exercises and walk a lot.  I have had almost no issues with incontinance and I attribute that to a committed walking schedule since surgery.

Tony
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