Patients and the ProPep AdvantageSexual dysfunction and urinary incontinence are both common side effects following prostate cancer surgery. Inadvertent nerve injury occurring during the surgery is believed to be one of the primary causes.Using nerve monitoring technology that has been the Standard of Care in multiple surgical procedures for over 20 years, the ProPep® Nerve Monitoring System brings the same instant and accurate information regarding nerve location and function to laparoscopic and robotic prostatectomy surgery for the first time ever.
For patients, this means that surgeons using nerve monitoring have additional information during the operation that may help them reduce inadvertent damage to these critical nerves and in doing so, potentially reduce the sexual dysfunction and urinary incontinence that are common side effects.
Surgeon Survey
Better Sexual Function: 75% of patients achieve better sexual function as measured by standard health metrics (IIEF– International Index of Erectile Function and SHIM– Sexual Health Inventory for Men)
Better Continence: 100% of surgeons report better patient continence as measured by standard health metrics (EPIC– Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite)
Better Surgeon: 100% of surgeons report that using ProPep® Nerve Monitoring System changes the way they handle tissue during surgery and makes them more confident of nerve location.
The ProPep® Experience
“Optimal outcomes require surgeon experience of hundreds if not thousands of cases,” according to Dr. Kella. “The ProPep Nerve Monitoring System is a tool that could help in cases where the anatomical cues are sometimes unclear in regard to nerve location. Preserving nerves can potentially help our patients better regain urinary and sexual function. I am grateful to be involved with this innovative technology.”
Dr. Naveen Kella
Dr. Kella has performed over 2,500 da Vinci prostatectomies, making him the most experienced in Texas and one of the most experienced robotic surgeons in the nation. Over 350 of his surgeries have been performed using the ProPep® Nerve Monitoring System.