P.J. Donker

Papers

Total Citations

1,438

H-Index

About

Pieter J. Donker is a foundational figure in urological surgery, best known for his landmark contributions to the understanding and preservation of erectile function following radical prostatectomy. His seminal 1982 paper, co-authored with Patrick C. Walsh, "Impotence Following Radical Prostatectomy: Insight Into Etiology and Prevention," has amassed over 1,400 citations and revolutionized the field. In this work, Donker provided the critical anatomical insight that the cavernous nerves responsible for erection run along the posterolateral surface of the prostate. This discovery directly enabled the development of the nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy technique, transforming prostate cancer surgery from a procedure with near-universal impotence to one where potency can often be preserved. Donker’s meticulous anatomical studies bridged the gap between basic science and clinical practice, establishing a new standard of care. His research remains a cornerstone of urologic oncology, cited for decades as the definitive description of periprostatic nerve anatomy. For any student or researcher in urology, Donker’s work exemplifies how a single, elegant anatomical observation can fundamentally alter surgical outcomes and improve millions of patients’ quality of life.