Urology: nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy: practice question

A General Surgery question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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General Surgery · Urology: nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy

Sample item

A surgeon performs a nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy to try to preserve erectile function. Which structure is being preserved?

APudendal nerves in the Alcock canalBObturator nerves on the lateral pelvic wallCNeurovascular bundles carrying the cavernous nerves, on the posterolateral prostateDSuperior hypogastric plexus over the aortic bifurcation

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Neurovascular bundles carrying the cavernous nerves, on the posterolateral prostate

The cavernous nerves run in the neurovascular bundles posterolateral to the prostate and supply the erectile tissue. They are vulnerable during dissection of the prostate, so careful preservation, when oncologically safe, improves potency.

Option by option

A. Pudendal nerves in the Alcock canal
The pudendal nerve lies far from the prostate and is not part of the operative field.
B. Obturator nerves on the lateral pelvic wall
The obturator nerve supplies the thigh adductors and is not related to erection.
C. Neurovascular bundles carrying the cavernous nerves, on the posterolateral prostate (correct)
Correct. The cavernous nerves in the neurovascular bundles mediate erection.
D. Superior hypogastric plexus over the aortic bifurcation
The hypogastric plexus is involved in ejaculation and is damaged in retroperitoneal lymph node dissection.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

Questions about this General Surgery question

What is the answer to this General Surgery question?

The best answer is C, Neurovascular bundles carrying the cavernous nerves, on the posterolateral prostate. The cavernous nerves run in the neurovascular bundles posterolateral to the prostate and supply the erectile tissue.

Why is "Pudendal nerves in the Alcock canal" not the answer?

The pudendal nerve lies far from the prostate and is not part of the operative field.

Why is "Obturator nerves on the lateral pelvic wall" not the answer?

The obturator nerve supplies the thigh adductors and is not related to erection.

Why is "Superior hypogastric plexus over the aortic bifurcation" not the answer?

The hypogastric plexus is involved in ejaculation and is damaged in retroperitoneal lymph node dissection.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Urology: nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy in General Surgery. They are vulnerable during dissection of the prostate, so careful preservation, when oncologically safe, improves potency.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Urology: nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy?

Learn classic signs and eponyms alongside what they diagnose. Then use the flashcards and the other General Surgery questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.