ASO Author Reflections: What Is the Future of Nerve-Sparing Radical Hysterectomy?

Excerpt

According to PubMed.gov, the number of reports on nerve-sparing radical hysterectomy (NSRH) published in English had reached 181 papers by 18 January 2019. Recently, a few clinical trials1^,2 and metaanalyses have been published,3^,4 but most of the evidence stems from plot studies.5‐7 A well-designed controlled study is needed to verify several aspects of NSRH, such as survival outcomes, sex and bowel function,8 the impact of energy utilization, and uniform surgical protocols. However, the recognition of pelvic nerves and examination of urodynamics present many difficulties, making it hard to organize such prospective controlled studies. Furthermore, evidence supporting the protection of bladder function with different NSRH techniques is scarce. …