Purpose: A sural nerve graft may replace a killed cavernosal nerve. The effect of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) on function of the graft has not been reported.
Materials and methods: Between 1998 and 2001, 8 patients (9 nerve grafts) were treated with postoperative IMRT (mean dose, 70 Gy). Two patients had neoadjuvant Lupron 30 mg 2 months prior to radiation. Potency was defined as ability to achieve spontaneous erection sufficient for vaginal penetration. Median follow-up was 31.6 months.
Results: Five patients (62.5%) who had erectile function after prostatectomy preserved spontaneous erectile function after radiation. Of these, 3 patients had both nerves resected (two receiving unilateral grafts and one receiving bilateral grafts) and 2 others had one graft and one nerve preserved. The impotent patients were impotent after surgery.
Conclusion: High-dose postprostatectomy IMRT does not place sural nerve grafts at greater risk for failure. Larger numbers of patients are needed to confirm these encouraging, preliminary findings.