The Journal of Urology
Volume 181, Issue 2 , Pages 462-471 , February 2009

Defining and Reporting Erectile Function Outcomes After Radical Prostatectomy: Challenges and Misconceptions

  • John P. Mulhall

      Affiliations

    • Corresponding Author InformationCorrespondence: 353 E 68th St., New York, New York 10021
    • Nothing to disclose.

Received 10 June 2008

References 

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 Editor's Note: This article is the first of 5 published in this issue for which category 1 CME credits can be earned. Instructions for obtaining credits are given with the questions on pages 928 and 929.

PII: S0022-5347(08)02734-1

doi: 10.1016/j.juro.2008.10.047

The Journal of Urology
Volume 181, Issue 2 , Pages 462-471 , February 2009