Preoperative MRI may reduce prostate cancer surgery nerve damage
25/1/2012
Performing a preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan could help to reduce nerve damage incidents among patients undergoing prostate cancer surgery, it has been reported.
MRIs may hold the key to allowing surgeons to make more informed decisions about nerve-sparing procedures, researchers at the University of California claim.
Currently, radical prostatectomy - the removal of the prostate - is a common treatment for the problem, but it has substantial risks, including incontinence and impotence.
After surgery, up to 80 per cent of men will become impotent because of damage to a critical nerve that runs along the prostate.
Dr Daniel J A Margolis, researcher on the study, explained: "I think preoperative MRI will be useful for surgeons who are uncertain whether to spare or resect the nerves.
"Our surgeons feel that, compared with clinical information alone, MRI is worthwhile for all patients."
Researchers found that MRI scans can identify vital information that will help to form surgical plans and avoid nerve damage in almost a third of patients.