Led by Kelvin Davies, PhD, and Sylvia Suadicani, PhD, Professors of Urology and Molecular Pharmacology at Montefiore Einstein, our basic science research team at Montefiore Einstein Urology is collaborating to better understand the fundamental mechanisms that underlie simultaneous erectile and bladder dysfunction following pelvic surgeries. The investigators will be exploring the main hypothesis that an abnormal inflammatory response within the major pelvic ganglia (MPG) serves as a mediator for pelvic organ cross-communication, leading to the coordinated development of bladder and erectile dysfunction. The goal is to uncover potential interventions, such as anti-inflammatory drugs, that can modulate this inflammatory response and potentially enhance post-operative functional outcomes.

Despite the utilization of nerve-sparing techniques, there remains a considerable risk for the development of both bladder and erectile dysfunction after pelvic surgeries, such as radical prostatectomy, radical cystectomy and rectal surgery. Our findings from a rat study, recently published in Andrologia, suggests the possibility that the development of erectile dysfunction following nerve-sparing pelvic surgery may involve a systemic inflammatory response resulting in indirect cavernous nerve injury.  

As leaders in basic and translational research in erectile and bladder physiology, Montefiore Einstein Urology continues to make significant contributions to the field of urology. Over the past two years, we have secured more than $10 million in grants funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), enabling us to pioneer innovative research that directly addresses clinically relevant benign urologic conditions. We are actively studying ways to preserve erectile and bladder function following pelvic surgery and to identify potential therapeutic targets and novel strategies to prevent and treat erectile and bladder dysfunction. 

This study further highlights our commitment to innovation in urology research and improving outcomes and quality of life for individuals with or at risk for erectile and bladder dysfunction after pelvic surgery. We’re ranked in the top 1% of all hospitals in the nation for urology according to U.S. News & World Report, and we are a referral site for the most complex cases.

The $3.4 million five-year grant, “Pelvic ganglia inflammation as a factor leading to organ crosstalk and coordinated development of bladder and erectile dysfunction following pelvic surgery,” is funded by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), part of the NIH (Project Number: 1R01DK139328-01)