Anatomical and Electrophysiological Assessment of the Canine Periprostatic Neurovascular Anatomy: Perspectives as a Nerve Sparing Radical Prostatectomy Model

No AccessJournal of UrologyInvestigative Urology1 May 2008Anatomical and Electrophysiological Assessment of the Canine Periprostatic Neurovascular Anatomy: Perspectives as a Nerve Sparing Radical Prostatectomy Model Troy Richard John Gianduzzo, Jose R. Colombo, Ehab El-Gabry, Georges-Pascal Haber, and Inderbir S. Gill Troy Richard John GianduzzoTroy Richard John Gianduzzo More articles by this author , Jose R. ColomboJose R. Colombo More articles by this author , Ehab El-GabryEhab El-Gabry More articles by this author , Georges-Pascal HaberGeorges-Pascal Haber More articles by this author , and Inderbir S. GillInderbir S. Gill More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2007.12.041AboutFull TextPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract Purpose: Although the dog is often used as a radical prostatectomy model, precise descriptions of canine prostate and neurovascular bundle anatomy are lacking. We describe canine prostate and neurovascular bundle anatomical and electrophysiological characteristics. Materials and Methods: The canine prostate and pelvic neurovascular structures were dissected in 6 canine cadavers and 12 anesthetized dogs. Pelvic plexus branches were stimulated using a CaverMap® probe and peak intracavernous pressure responses were recorded as a percent of mean arterial pressure. Results: The canine pelvic plexus lies 5 to 10 mm lateral to the prostate. It is supplied by the hypogastric nerve cranially and the pelvic nerve laterally. The neurovascular bundles course distal from the pelvic plexus along the posterolateral aspect of the prostate, including a dominant cavernous nerve along its lateral aspect. CaverMap stimulation of the efferent branches of the pelvic plexus confirmed their roles in tumescence. Histology revealed extensive neurovascular tissue along the posterolateral aspect of the prostate beneath the periprostatic fascia. Notable differences to human anatomy were the absence of seminal vesicles, the lateral positions of the pelvic plexus, the dominant cavernous nerve and the circumferential urethral distribution of the cavernous nerves. Conclusions: Canine neurovascular anatomy resembles that of humans and it is a suitable model in which to assess prostatectomy related erectile dysfunction. However, there are key differences in neurovascular relationships that must be considered when the canine prostate is used as a radical prostatectomy model. References 1 : Impotence following radical prostatectomy: insight into etiology and prevention. J Urol1982; 128: 492. Link, Google Scholar 2 : Vesicourethral anastomosis with 2-octyl cyanoacrylate adhesive in an in vivo canine model. Urology2002; 60: 935. Google Scholar 3 : Laser welded vesicourethral anastomosis in an in vivo canine model: a pilot study. J Urol2002; 168: 281. Link, Google Scholar 4 : The effects of cavernous nerve grafting following surgically induced loss of erectile function in a large-animal model. Plast Reconstr Surg2006; 118: 69. Google Scholar 5 : Potential preservation of potency after radical prostatectomy. Urology1983; 22: 165. Google Scholar 6 : Nerve sparing radical prostatectomy: effects of hemostatic energy sources on the recovery of cavernous nerve function in a canine model. J Urol2004; 172: 1318. Link, Google Scholar 7 : Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy in the canine model. J Laparoendosc Surg1996; 6: 405. Google Scholar 8 : Innervation of the striated muscle of the membranous urethra of the male dog. J Urol1998; 159: 1712. Link, Google Scholar 9 : Autonomic control of penile erection in the dog. J Physiol1987; 384: 525. Google Scholar 10 : Reconstruction of the sympathetic pathway projecting to the prostate, by nerve grafting in the dog. BJU Int2004; 94: 147. Google Scholar 11 : Campbell-Walsh Urology. Philadelphia: WB Saunders2006. Google Scholar 12 : An operative and anatomic study to help in nerve sparing during laparoscopic and robotic radical prostatectomy. Eur Urol2003; 43: 444. Google Scholar Section of Laparoscopic and Robotic Surgery, Glickman Urological Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio© 2008 by American Urological AssociationFiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 179Issue 5May 2008Page: 2025-2029 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2008 by American Urological AssociationKeywordsprostatectomyprostatemodels, animaldogsanatomyMetricsAuthor Information Troy Richard John Gianduzzo More articles by this author Jose R. Colombo More articles by this author Ehab El-Gabry More articles by this author Georges-Pascal Haber More articles by this author Inderbir S. Gill More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...