Hofmann M, Huang E, My Huynh L, et al. - The results showed that touch cautery (TC) did not impact erectile function (EF) recovery significantly, compared with an athermal technique (AT) during transection of the prostatic vascular pedicles (PVPs) and dissection of the neurovascular bundles (NVBs). Researchers conducted a retrospective concomitant nonrandomized study of AT vs TC in 733 men.

• Preoperative International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5), age, body mass index (BMI), and prostate weight were significant predictors of potency recovery in an unadjusted analysis.

• In this study, follow-up was similar (AT 52.7 mo vs TC 54.6 mo, p = 0.534).

• Logistic regression demonstrated that preoperative IIEF-5, age, and BMI were significant predictors of EF recovery, characterized as IIEF-5 scores 15–25, erections sufficient for intercourse, and percent fullness >75%.

• They found similar outcomes when IIEF-5 and percent fullness were assessed continuously.