Recruiting

Blood vessel anatomy and erectile recovery after prostate cancer surgery

Plain-English translation of NCT07597798 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated May 2026 · Translation generated July 2026 · How we translate trials

What is this trial?

This trial is studying why erectile function recovery is unpredictable after prostate cancer surgery, even when surgeons use modern techniques designed to protect the nerves and blood vessels involved in erections. Researchers believe that variations in pelvic blood vessel anatomy—specifically, different locations of arteries that supply the penis—may explain why some men recover sexual function better than others after surgery. The study will use special MRI scans to map these blood vessels before surgery and then track erectile function recovery over time.

Erectile dysfunction is one of the most common side effects after prostate cancer surgery, affecting many men's quality of life. While surgeons have improved techniques to protect nerves during surgery, recovery remains unpredictable, and doctors don't fully understand whether the problem is nerve damage, blood vessel damage, or both. This study exists to investigate whether individual differences in blood vessel anatomy might be a key factor that has been overlooked.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you have been diagnosed with localized prostate cancer (stages T2–T3a) that has not spread
you are between 18 and 79 years old
you had an MRI scan of your prostate before your biopsy
you have normal or mild erectile function at baseline (able to have erections for intercourse)
you are sexually active and want to preserve your ability to have erections
you are medically fit to undergo robotic-assisted prostate surgery and your surgical team recommends nerve-sparing surgery

You likely don't qualify if…

you have moderate or severe erectile dysfunction before surgery
you have had previous treatment for prostate cancer (radiation, chemotherapy, or other therapies)
you have had previous pelvic surgery, penile fracture, or surgery for benign prostate enlargement
you have established heart disease, stroke, or peripheral vascular disease
you have poor quality MRI images that cannot guide surgical planning

What participation looks like

You would undergo your planned robotic prostate surgery with a nerve-sparing technique performed by your surgical team. Before and after surgery, you would complete questionnaires and possibly imaging scans to assess your erectile function and pelvic blood vessel anatomy. Follow-up would likely involve periodic surveys and assessments over several months to track your recovery—the exact schedule will be explained by the research team during enrollment.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jul 9, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(1 site)

United Kingdom

University College London Hospitals NHS foundation trust, London

View full record on ClinicalTrials.gov