4 - Reevaluation of the Pathway of the Cavernous Nerve in Male

Poster Board Number: 4
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Abstract Body : The cavernous nerve is the main autonomic nerve regulating erectile function in both male and female. Its location in relation to the prostate has previously been described as it is important to avoid damaging this nerve in radical prostatectomy procedures. While the classical pathway of the cavernous nerve in male around the lateral aspect of the prostate is known, different variations in the nerve’s pathway around and distal to the prostate have not been clearly delineated. This study was performed in order to more precisely identify the different courses the cavernous nerve can take in male around and distal to the prostate. Dissections were performed on ten preserved adult male cadavers. Midline incisions were made to expose the pelvis, and the bladder was cut and reflected to visualize the prostate. Each cadaver was carefully quartered to preserve body structure integrity and aid in visualization. We confirmed previous findings of the lateral course that the cavernous nerve takes around the prostate at the 3 and 9 o’clock positions, and found variation in whether the nerve was coursing through or superficial to the veil of Aphrodite. Additionally we found that the distal course of the cavernous nerve remained superficial to the perineal membrane until it descended inferiorly through the anterior hiatus to innervate erectile tissue. Connections between the cavernous nerve and the dorsal nerve of penis were also observed. Knowing a more precise location for the cavernous nerve can improve the preservation of erectile function during pelvic, urethral, and penile surgery.