To generate a high-resolution map of periprostatic somatic nerves. Periprostatic nerves are at risk of injury during radical prostatectomy; this study aimed to establish the location of somatic nerves with respect to the prostate and the neurovascular bundle.

Hemiprostates from patients in whom a wide local excision was performed were evaluated. Representative sections from the base, midzone, and apex of the prostate were stained with Masson's trichrome and antineuronal nitric oxide synthase antibodies, to identify myelinated and parasympathetic nerves, respectively. Somatic nerves were identified as neuronal nitric oxide synthase negative myelinated nerves. Stained slides were scanned (40× objective) for digital analysis. Location of nerves was described with reference to 6 equal sectors per hemiprostate.

Somatic nerves account for almost 5% of all nerve fibers in the periprostatic tissue. This study found a mean somatic nerve count of 5.83, 5.25, and 3.67 at the level of the prostate base, midzone, and apex, respectively. These nerves are most frequently located either anteriorly or in the region of the neurovascular bundle (posterolateral).

Somatic nerves in the periprostatic region are at risk of injury during radical prostatectomy. Further research is required to clarify their functional relevance.