Chinese Journal Of Clinical Anatomy ›› 2012, Vol. 30 ›› Issue (2): 157-160.

Previous Articles     Next Articles

Quantitative analysis of the periprostatic nerve distribution and the improvement of prostatectomy

LUO Xiang-ning1, CHEN Ling-wu1,GUAN Wei-ming2   

  1. 1.Department of Urology, 2.Department of  Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of SUN Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
  • Received:2011-08-11 Online:2012-03-25 Published:2012-04-17

Abstract:

Objectives To determine the typical pattern of nerve distribution along the prostatic capsule by counting in each sector. Methods Serial sections of 15 normal prostate specimens were investigated. A total of 90 slides taken from the apex, mid-part, and base of the prostate were analyzed under microscopy. Before microscopic observation, slides were divided into 12 sectors. Every single nerve and ganglion between the prostatic capsule and the periprostatic tissue was counted in each sector. Results The majority of nerves found in the sectors corresponded to the typical location of the NVB at the rectolateral sides of the prostate (4/5 or 8/9 o'clock sectors). In these two sectors, a median of 64.4~75.7% of counted nerves per slide was found. However, a signifcant amount of nerves (24.3%~30.5%) was detected above the horizontal line. Conclusions We conclude that 1/4-1/3 of nerves can be found along the ventral circumference of the prostatic capsule. To preserve a maximum number of nerves, we therefore recommend a modifcation of the surgical technique for nerve sparing on the ventral parts of the prostate.

Key words: Prostate, Cavernosal nerve, Surgery

CLC Number: