Histological alterations in cavernous tissues after radical prostatectomy

Radical prostatectomy often results in erectile dysfunction because of lesions to the erectile nerves. In this study we evaluated histomorphological alterations in cavernous smooth muscleandcollagencontentafterradicalprostatectomy.Progressive fibrosis in the corpora cavernosa after radical prostatectomy probably results from denervation and/or an ischemic process, which is caused in turn by the ligation of anomalous pudendal artery branches or of venous plexuses that drain to or from the corpora cavernosa.Fibrosis and the subsequent loss in elasticity and function of erectile tissue probably together cause erectile dysfunction.