Nerve-sparing grade

This is an assessment of the quality of the nerve-sparing. The surgeon scores the left and the right side of the prostate, based on how well the nerves have been spared, or to what degree they have been damaged.

The nerves are visually assessed during surgery. The best nerve-sparing is given a 5, almost perfect a 4, through to 0 for no nerve sparing possible at all. The patient has a score for each side of the prostate, as there may be variation between the two.

The data shows that in order to achieve early recovery of erections, the patient must have a nerve-sparing grade of at least 4 on one side of the prostate. This is achieved for 81 per cent of patients.

If nerve-sparing is less than optimal, this is due to proximity of blood vessels, scarring or the size of the prostate. Mr Doherty will always consider safety above all other objectives.

Nerve-sparing grades in the index group

Nerve-sparing grades among index patients (Group: 43 patients).