NeuroSafe procedure boosts the likelihood of men preserving erectile health following prostate cancer surgery, according to new research.
A pioneering prostate cancer surgery technique has shown promising results in helping men retain erectile function after surgery, nearly doubling the success rate compared to traditional methods. The breakthrough, known as the NeuroSafe procedure, provides a more targeted approach that preserves vital nerve tissue around the prostate, significantly reducing the risk of erectile dysfunction after surgery.
The technique, trialled in five UK hospitals, involves real-time examination of the removed prostate tissue during surgery. This allows surgeons to determine whether the tumour has been fully excised, ensuring that the nerves responsible for erectile function can be spared when possible.
Professor Greg Shaw, the lead on the trial and a consultant urologist at University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, explained: “This innovative method gives surgeons immediate feedback during the operation, enabling them to safeguard as many nerves as possible, offering men a greater chance of maintaining their sexual function after treatment.”
Prostate cancer remains the most prevalent cancer among men in England, with over 50,000 new cases diagnosed annually. Globally, almost 1.5 million men are diagnosed, and 375,000 die from the disease each year. Often referred to as a silent killer, the disease typically shows no symptoms in its early stages, making early detection difficult.
Robotic surgery advancements have enabled more precise nerve-sparing operations in prostate cancer patients. By preserving the outer layers of the prostate and surrounding nerves, surgeons can help men avoid long-term erectile dysfunction. However, ensuring the complete removal of cancer cells remains a challenge. In more advanced cases, doctors may opt to remove the outer layers, including nerves, to prevent tumour cells from being left behind, thus reducing the risk of cancer recurrence.
The NeuroSafe procedure stands out by allowing surgeons to freeze, stain, and examine prostate tissue slices during surgery. If the tumour is detected near the outer layers, the nerves may need to be removed. However, if the tumour is contained, surgeons can avoid removing the nerve tissue, preserving erectile function.
In a study of 344 men, half of whom underwent NeuroSafe surgery and the other half receiving standard treatment, the results were striking. After one year, 56% of men who had traditional surgery experienced severe erectile dysfunction, while only 38% of those who had NeuroSafe surgery reported the same. Furthermore, 39% of those who underwent the innovative procedure experienced no erectile issues or only mild dysfunction, compared to just 23% in the standard surgery group.
The findings, presented at the 2025 European Association of Urology congress in Madrid and published in Lancet Oncology, offer hope for men facing prostate cancer surgery. Dr Matthew Hobbs, the director of research at Prostate Cancer UK, noted: “While this research is encouraging, further studies are needed to confirm whether NeuroSafe is as effective as traditional methods in achieving a complete cure. Additionally, it is important to determine which patients will benefit most from this technique and how it can be implemented across the NHS to ensure accessibility for men throughout the UK.”
