A possible complication of radical prostatectomy is?

Prepare for the Surgical Technology Certification Exam. Utilize flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Ace your exam!

A radical prostatectomy involves the surgical removal of the prostate gland and some of the surrounding tissue, which can significantly impact the surrounding nerve structures that are responsible for erectile function. Impotence, or erectile dysfunction, is a well-documented complication following this type of surgery because of potential nerve damage or disruption during the procedure. Surgeons may attempt to preserve the neurovascular bundles near the prostate to reduce the risk of this complication, but in many cases, patients may experience some level of erectile dysfunction postoperatively.

The other options are less relevant in the context of complications directly related to a radical prostatectomy. Testicular torsion relates to the twisting of the spermatic cord and is not linked to prostate surgery. Uremia, a condition stemming from kidney failure, does not specifically arise from prostate surgery. Kidney stones involve a separate pathophysiological process unrelated to the surgical removal of the prostate gland. Therefore, impotence is indeed the most notable potential complication following a radical prostatectomy, making it the correct answer.

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