RT Journal A1 BARNHOUSE DH T1 PReservation of erectile function JF Archives of Surgery JO Archives of Surgery YR 1979 FD February 1 VO 114 IS 2 SP 226 OP 226 DO 10.1001/archsurg.1979.01370260116023 UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/archsurg.1979.01370260116023 AB To the Editor.—Although agreeing with the authors of the article "Preservation of Erectile Function After Aortoiliac Reconstruction" in the August Archives (113:958-962, 1978), I question some of their anatomical conclusions. They emphasize the importance of nerve plexi around the inferior mesenteric artery in preserving erectile function.Retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for testicular tumor usually entails complete mobilization of the aorta and vena cava from the renal pedicles down to the bifurcation, clearing of one of the common iliacs, and ipsilateral sympathectomy. The inferior mesenteric artery is routinely divided. These patients rarely lose erectile ability unless the dissection is carried out down both common iliacs. They almost regularly lose emission, but do continue with both orgasm and spasmodic contraction of the urethral musculature at intercourse.This would emphasize that the pelvic nerve plexi and the hypogastric plexus are important in erectile function, but that the periaortic nerves and nerves around