Work

Cavernous nerve visual imaging technologies: translational potential for radical prostatectomy

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Various technologies have been applied during nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy to visualize cavernous nerves involved in penile erection for the purpose of executing pelvic surgeries proficiently while maximizing erection preservation postoperatively. However, these technologies failed to identify the cavernous nerves reliably and guide surgical procedures for improving surgical outcomes. The development of new approaches that accurately and rapidly identify cavernous nerves relevant for penile erection (erectogenic cavernous nerves) in real time during surgery is warranted. In this review, we describe technologies for cavernous nerve visualization, which have been investigated mostly in small rodent animal models. We further discuss recent technological advancements for peripheral nerve localization generally, which may be transferable to cavernous nerve localization. While many of these innovative approaches remain under investigation in preclinical studies, they may serve as a foundation for designing and developing strategies in this arena clinically. Future research should aim to target novel molecular targets and apply these to existing and novel technologies for erectogenic cavernous nerve intraoperative visual imaging.

Source: Asian Journal of Andrology

DOI: 10.4103/aja202642

Authors: Biljana Musicki, Arthur L Burnett

Institutions: Johns Hopkins University, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Johns Hopkins Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Prostate Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $711