Extended Reality-Assisted Surgery as a Surgical Training Tool: Pilot Study Presenting First HoloLens-Assisted Complex Penile Revision Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Extended reality-assisted urologic surgery (XRAS) is a novel technology that superimposes a computer-generated image on the physician's field to integrate common elements of the surgical process in more advanced detail. An extended reality (XR) interface is generated using optical head-mounted display (OHMD) devices. AIM: To present the first case of HoloLens-assisted complex penile revision surgery. METHODS: We describe our pilot study of HoloLens-assisted penile revision surgery and present a thorough review of the literature regarding XRAS technology and innovative OHMD devices. OUTCOMES: The ability of XRAS technology to superimpose a computer-generated image of the patient and integrate common elements of the surgical planning process with long-distance experts. RESULTS: XRAS is a feasible technology for application in complex penile surgical planning processes. CLINICAL TRANSLATION: XRAS and OHMD devices are novel technologies applicable to urological surgical training and planning. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: Evidence suggests that the potential use of OHMD devices is safe and beneficial for surgeons. We intend to pioneer HoloLens technology in the surgical planning process of a malfunctioning penile implant due to herniation of the cylinder. This novel technology has not been used in prosthetic surgery, and current data about XRAS are limited. CONCLUSION: OHMD devices are effective in the operative setting. Herein, we successfully demonstrated the integration of Microsoft HoloLens 2 into a penile surgical planning process for the first time. Further development and studies for this technology are necessary to better characterize the XRAS as a training and surgical planning tool. Quesada-Olarte J, Carrion RE, Fernandez-Crespo R, et al. Extended Reality-Assisted Surgery as a Surgical Training Tool: Pilot Study Presenting First HoloLens-Assisted Complex Penile Revision Surgery. J Sex Med 2022;19:1580-1586.

Biomechanical Studies of the Inflatable Penile Prosthesis: A Review.

INTRODUCTION: The penile prosthesis remains the primary surgical treatment for refractory erectile dysfunction. Over the decades, inflatable penile prostheses' mechanical reliability, patient satisfaction, safety, and functional erectile restoration have greatly improved. During this time, many studies of biomechanical properties of the prosthesis have been conducted to better understand their biomimicry to the erect human phallus. AIM: To review all current literature on the biomechanical properties of the penile prosthesis, including prosthesis biomechanical function, and variability in model-related performance. METHODS: A Medline PubMed search was used to identify all articles of interest related to subjects involving the penile prosthesis and its related biomechanical properties. The following were included in the search for articles of interest: "biomechanics," "mechanics," "mechanical properties," "axial rigidity," "penile implant," and "penile prosthesis." Articles were further screened for content and English language. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Here we perform a literature review of the bio-mechenical function, performance, and patient satisfaction of penile implants. RESULTS: Axial rigidity helps determine the ability of an erect penis to complete vaginal intromission and pelvic thrusting without buckling. Recent cadaveric data show that at maximum inflation, Coloplast and American Medical Systems (AMS) implants had comparable performance. Variability was seen at various lower fill pressures, where more severe buckling was observed. Coloplast Titan showed a tendency toward better resistance to longitudinal and horizontal forces. The AMS CX device showed similar performance to the Titan, and the AMS LGX device was shown to be most sensitive to fill pressure variation. Additionally, rear tip extenders (RTEs) appear to negatively affect axial loading, especially in settings of larger implants. CONCLUSION: Current research suggests that circumferentially expanding devices, such as AMS CX and Coloplast Titan, show better resistance to longitudinal (penetration) and horizontal (gravity) forces and, unlike the AMS LGX device, are less sensitive to device fill pressure. Additionally, RTEs have been shown to negatively impact axial loading, especially in larger cylinder inflatable penile prostheses >20 cm in length. Madiraju SK, Wallen JJ, Rydelek SP, et al. Biomechanical Studies of the Inflatable Penile Prosthesis: A Review. Sex Med Rev 2019;7:369-375.

Placement of Inflatable Penile Implants in Patients With Prior Radical Pelvic Surgery: A Literature Review.

BACKGROUND: Penile prosthesis for erectile restoration remains the only surgical option for medical refractory erectile dysfunction. Many expert prosthetic surgeons recommend special care when placing a reservoir in a patient who has undergone prior radical pelvic surgery (PRPS) due to distortion of anatomy and obliteration of the dead space in the traditionally used space of Retzius. AIM: Review all the current literature on penile prosthesis implantation in patients with prior pelvic surgery, with an emphasis on tips and tricks for reservoir placement in this unique population. METHODS: A Medline PubMed search was used to identify articles of interest related to all topics surrounding pelvic surgery and penile prostheses. The following terms were included in the search for articles of interest: "bladder cancer," "prostate cancer," "rectal cancer," "colon cancer," "pelvic surgery," "penile implants," "penile implant reservoir," and "penile prosthesis." Articles were further screened for content and English language. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Outcomes and adverse event rates in this population. Review of options for reservoir placement. RESULTS: The outcomes, satisfaction, and adverse event profiles are similar between patients in the PRPS group and those who are not, regardless of the cause for pelvic surgery. For surgeons uncomfortable with placing a reservoir in the compromised pelvis, a 2-piece inflatable penile implant (AMS Ambicor) is a viable option. For surgeons who recommend 3-piece implants in this patient population, alternative positions for the reservoir have been developed in the hope of avoiding catastrophic bowel, bladder, and vascular injuries. CONCLUSION: In patients with PRPS, placing an inflatable penile prosthesis is not only feasible, it is definitive therapy with excellent patient satisfaction. Reservoir placement outside the space of Retzius or placing a 2-piece inflatable device can be easily performed with equivalent safety and efficacy. Madiraju SK, Hakky TS, Perito PE, et al. Placement of Inflatable Penile Implants in Patients With Prior Radical Pelvic Surgery: A Literature Review. Sex Med Rev 2019;7:189-197.

Biomechanical Comparison of Inflatable Penile Implants: A Cadaveric Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: Throughout the last decade there has been a growing interest in the biomechanical differences between inflatable penile prostheses (IPPs) and their significance with regard to the patient experience. AIM: To present our findings assessing the biomechanical properties of IPPs with and without rear tip extenders (RTEs). METHODS: This is a biomechanical study of the 3 most commonly used IPPs (AMS CX, AMS LGX, and Coloplast Titan) as assessed by column compression, modified cantilever deflection, and 3-point bending methods. The IPPs were surgically placed into 3 fresh cadavers via an infrapubic technique by a single large-volume implanter. A biomechanical evaluation of the properties of each IPP inside the fibroelastic tunica albuginea was assessed in blinded testing, and analyses were based on industry standard methods for assessment. OUTCOMES: Maximum axial load; kink formation; horizontal stiffness; and resistance to 3-point flexure testing were measured. RESULTS: At maximum inflation, all 3 implants had similar performance. Differences appear to be most affected by fill pressures. In fact, only the AMS LGX at less than maximum inflation (LTMI) was unable to consistently withstand the roughly 0.9 kg (2 lbs) of pressure for column load testing mimicking vaginal intromission. The Coloplast Titan showed slightly better rigidity than the AMS LGX and CX devices in horizontal load testing, and, with 3-point flexure testing, the CX showed the best rigidity in the shortest phallus (A). Overall, the Titan showed slightly better rigidity in the longest phallus (C) and the phallus with mild Peyronie's disease (B). CLINICAL TRANSLATIONS: Penile implants with circumferential expansion had higher rigidity on biomechanical testing and should be considered in a patient's decision during selection of a penile implant. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: Strengths include blinding of the biomechanical testing and analyses, surgical procedures performed by a highly experienced surgeon, and that this is the "closest to" in vivo evaluation (inside the tunica albuginea) of penile implant function and properties to date. Weaknesses are that this study was performed in cadavers and not in live patients. It also has a small sample size, including the use of only 3 cadavers, and there was no correlation of performance to patient satisfaction. CONCLUSION: The results of this study support the conclusion that all devices are capable of functionally restoring erectile capacity. However, we observed that, in general, the 2 circumferentially expanding penile prosthesis showed greater resistance in biomechanical testing when compared with longitudinal and circumferential expanding devices. This should be considered as a guide during device selection for a patient undergoing penile prosthesis. Wallen JJ, Barrera EV, Ge L, et al. Biomechanical Comparison of Inflatable Penile Implants: A Cadaveric Pilot Study. J Sex Med 2018;15:1034-1040.

Penile implants: a look into the future.

Inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) has been around since the 1970's as a durable and one-time cure for erectile dysfunction (ED). For the past 40 years, many changes have been made to make the device better and currently IPP boasts a high percentage of long-term patient satisfaction. The next paradigm shift in IPP treatment for ED is upon us. Funding for ED related medications and devices has been a hot topic in health policy over the last 10 years. This suggests that the device must improve and patient advocacy and education must increase for IPP to remain as a viable solution for ED. In this paper, we conduct a literature search for innovations in IPP and argue that IPP must constantly improve to compete with oral, injectable, shockwave, and potentially gene therapies.

Longitudinal and Horizontal Load Testing of Inflatable Penile Implant Cylinders of Two Manufacturers: An Ex Vivo Demonstration of Inflated Rigidity.

INTRODUCTION: Since the inception of the inflatable penile prosthesis, a new era has been ushered in for the management of erectile dysfunction. Despite multiple innovations to improve function and reliability, there are no current data comparing the biomechanical properties of these devices. AIM: To compare the resistance of the Coloplast Titan (Minneapolis, MN, USA) with that of the AMS 700 LGX (Minnetonka, MN, USA) penile prosthesis cylinders to longitudinal (penetration) and horizontal (gravity) forces. METHODS: We compared two cylinder sizes from each company: the Coloplast Titan (18 and 22 cm) and the AMS 700 LGX (18 and 21 cm). To evaluate axial rigidity, which simulates forces during penetration, we performed a longitudinal load compression test to determine the load required to cause the cylinder to kink. To test horizontal rigidity, which simulates the horizontal forces exerted by gravity, we performed a modified cantilever test and measured the degrees of bend for each device. All devices were tested at 10, 15, and 20 PSI to simulate in vivo pressures. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The main outcome measurement for the longitudinal load test (penetration) was the force required for the inflated cylinder to bend, thereby affecting its rigidity. The main outcome for the horizontal rigidity test (gravity) was the angle of displacement, in which a smaller angle represents a more horizontally rigid device. RESULTS: Longitudinal column testing (penetration) demonstrated that less force was required for the AMS device to kink compared with the Coloplast implant across all three fill pressures tested. The Coloplast Titan also had a smaller angle of displacement at the modified cantilever test (gravity) compared with the AMS implant across all fill pressures. CONCLUSION: The Coloplast Titan demonstrated greater resistance to longitudinal (penetration) and horizontal (gravity) forces in this study. The AMS device was very sensitive to fill pressures. In contrast, the Coloplast Titan's ability to resist these forces was less dependent on the device fill pressure.

Submuscular Abdominal Wall Placement of IPP Reservoir.

The Surgical Techniques Section is sponsored in part by Coloplast.

Varicocele management in the era of in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection.

Varicocele is the most common surgically treatable cause of male infertility, and often results in alterations in semen parameters, sperm DNA damage, and changes to the seminal milieu. Varicocele repair can result in improvement in these parameters in the majority of men with clinical varicocele; data supporting repair in men with subclinical varicocele are less definitive. In couples seeking fertility using assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs), varicocele repair may offer improvement in semen parameters and sperm health that can increase the likelihood of successful fertilization using techniques such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), or may decrease the level of ART needed to achieve successful pregnancy. Male infertility is an indicator of general male health, and evaluation of the infertile male with an eye toward future health can facilitate optimal screening and treatment of these men. Furthermore, varicocele may represent a progressive lesion, offering an argument for its repair, although this is currently unclear.

Augmented reality assisted surgery: a urologic training tool.

Augmented reality is widely used in aeronautics and is a developing concept within surgery. In this pilot study, we developed an application for use on Google Glass ® optical head-mounted display to train urology residents in how to place an inflatable penile prosthesis. We use the phrase Augmented Reality Assisted Surgery to describe this novel application of augmented reality in the setting of surgery. The application demonstrates the steps of the surgical procedure of inflatable penile prosthesis placement. It also contains software that allows for detection of interest points using a camera feed from the optical head-mounted display to enable faculty to interact with residents during placement of the penile prosthesis. Urology trainees and faculty who volunteered to take part in the study were given time to experience the technology in the operative or perioperative setting and asked to complete a feedback survey. From 30 total participants using a 10-point scale, educational usefulness was rated 8.6, ease of navigation was rated 7.6, likelihood to use was rated 7.4, and distraction in operating room was rated 4.9. When stratified between trainees and faculty, trainees found the technology more educationally useful, and less distracting. Overall, 81% of the participants want this technology in their residency program, and 93% see this technology in the operating room in the future. Further development of this technology is warranted before full release, and further studies are necessary to better characterize the effectiveness of Augmented Reality Assisted Surgery in urologic surgical training.

The Evolution of the Inflatable Penile Prosthesis Reservoir and Surgical Placement.

The traditional inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) reservoir placement is below the transversalis fascia in the space of Retzius. In 2002, Dr. Steve Wilson described ectopic reservoir placement, thereby providing a safe and effective alternative for implant surgeons. This new approach obviated the need for a second incision and decreased operative times during surgery. In the manuscript, he also described the introduction of a reservoir lock-out valve, which prevents autoinflation of the penile implant. The development of lockout valves and flat reservoirs has contributed to the early success and feasibility of submuscular placement techniques. Thirteen years after Dr. Wilson's pivotal study, this technique should be in the armamentarium of all urologic prosthetic surgeons. Accordingly, in certain subsets of patients, ectopic/ submuscular reservoir site placement should be considered a safe, effective alternative to standard reservoir placement in the space of Retzius.

Reproductive outcomes in men with karyotype abnormalities: Case report and review of the literature.

Reciprocal translocations of autosomal chromosomes are present in about 1/625 men, yet often there are no symptoms except primary infertility. Abnormal segregation during meiosis often produces sperm and subsequent embryos with unbalanced translocations that often ultimately result in spontaneous abortions. We report on a 37-year-old man and his 39-year-old wife who complained of primary infertility. Previous in vitro fertilization (IVF) had resulted in pregnancy, but two spontaneous abortions. Upon chromosomal testing, the man was diagnosed with a reciprocal translocation and his wife was diagnosed with mosaic Turner's syndrome. Through testicular sperm extraction (TESE) and IVF with preimplantation genetic screening (PGS), they succeeded in having two healthy children. Since men with different karyotype abnormalities can have male infertility, we reviewed the literature and summarized the reproductive outcomes for men with both autosome and sex chromosomal karyotype abnormalities.

Current use of phosphodiesterase inhibitors in urology.

The causes of male erectile dysfunction (ED) are quite variable and are now commonly divided into etiologies such as ischemia, smooth muscle damage, or altered blood flow. Although varying rates of ED have been reported in literature, the number of men with ED is projected to increase worldwide by 2025 to approximately 322 million. Since the introduction of phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, there has been a paradigm shift in the treatment of ED because PDE5 inhibitors address a broad spectrum of etiologies for ED. Today, the American Urological Association recommends the use of three PDE5 inhibitors (sildenafil, tadalafil, and vardenafil) as a first-line therapy for the treatment of ED. This review evaluates the pharmacological mechanism of PDE5 inhibitors along with the impact and use of sildenafil, vardenafil, tadalafil, and avanafil. By increasing intracellular cGMP levels, PDE5 inhibitors have been shown to be effective in the treatment of ED. Through their effects on other cellular signaling pathways, PDE5 inhibitors have the potential for treating other urologic conditions as well. The use of PDE5 inhibitors can also be combined to produce a synergistic effect in conditions such as male hypogonadism and benign prostatic hyperplasia in addition to ED.

Reduction corporoplasty.

OBJECTIVE: Here we present the first video demonstration of reduction corporoplasty in the management of phallic disfigurement in a 17 year old man with a history sickle cell disease and priapism. INTRODUCTION: Surgical management of aneurysmal dilation of the corpora has yet to be defined in the literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We preformed bilateral elliptical incisions over the lateral corpora as management of aneurysmal dilation of the corpora to correct phallic disfigurement. RESULTS: The patient tolerated the procedure well and has resolution of his corporal disfigurement. CONCLUSIONS: Reduction corporoplasty using bilateral lateral elliptical incisions in the management of aneurysmal dilation of the corpora is a safe an feasible operation in the management of phallic disfigurement.

The evolution of vasectomy reversal.

In the USA, about 500,000 vasectomies are performed each year, with up to 6% of men requesting reversal. The technique of vasectomy reversal has evolved from macrosurgical to the implementation of both microscopic and robotic technologies. The very earliest attempts at vasectomy reversal, the vasoepididymostomy and vasovasostomy, have remained central in the treatment of male infertility and will continue to be so for years to come. As seen throughout its history, urological microsurgery has consistently implemented advanced techniques and state-of-the art technology in its craft, and its continued refinement will allow for even more favorable outcomes in the lives of patients seeking restoration of fertility following vasectomy. Here, we review the evolution of vasectomy reversal and its current techniques.

Case Report: Persistent erectile dysfunction in a man with prolactinoma.

Erectile dysfunction has been explored as a condition secondary to elevated prolactin; however, the mechanisms by which elevated prolactin levels cause erectile dysfunction have not yet been clearly established. We here present a patient with a history of prolactinoma who suffered from persistent erectile dysfunction despite testosterone supplementation and pharmacological and surgical treatment for the prolactinoma.  Patients who have had both prolactinemia and erectile dysfunction have been reported in the literature, but we find no report of a patient with persistent erectile dysfunction in the setting of testosterone supplementation and persistent hyperprolactinemia refractory to treatment. This case provides evidence supporting the idea that suppression of erectile function occurs in both the central and peripheral nervous systems independent of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis.

Reduction Corporoplasty

Objective Here we present the first video demonstration of reduction corporoplasty in the management of phallic disfigurement in a 17 year old man with a history sickle cell disease and priapism. Introduction Surgical management of aneurysmal dilation of the corpora has yet to be defined in the literature. Materials and Methods: We preformed bilateral elliptical incisions over the lateral corpora as management of aneurysmal dilation of the corpora to correct phallic disfigurement. Results The patient tolerated the procedure well and has resolution of his corporal disfigurement. Conclusions Reduction corporoplasty using bilateral lateral elliptical incisions in the management of aneurysmal dilation of the corpora is a safe an feasible operation in the management of phallic disfigurement. .

The reduction corporoplasty: the answer to the improbable urologic question "can you make my penis smaller?".

INTRODUCTION: Aneurysmal dilatation of the corpora cavernosa can occur because of recurrent priapism in the setting of sickle cell disease. AIM: We present the first case of a successful implementation of the reduction corporoplasty technique for treatment of a phallus that was "too large for intercourse." METHODS: We describe the presentation of a 17-year-old male with a history of sickle cell disease with a phallus "too large for intercourse." Patient reported normal erectile function and response with masturbation but also reported inability to penetrate his partner due to the enlarged and disfigured morphology. He had three priapismic episodes since the age of 10 that progressively led to an aneurysmal morphologic deformity of his phallus. Evaluation included a magnetic resonance imaging, which revealed true aneurysmal dilatation of bilateral corpora cavernosa in the middle and distal portions, and diffusely hyperplastic tunica. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The main outcome measure is the successful management of phallic disfiguration. RESULTS: Reduction corporoplasty was performed, and the patient reported intact erectile function without aneurysmal recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with significant corporal aneurysmal defects secondary to recurrent priapism can be successfully managed with reduction corporoplasty.

Superficial dorsal vein injury/thrombosis presenting as false penile fracture requiring dorsal venous ligation.

INTRODUCTION: Conditions mimicking penile fracture are extremely rare and have been seldom described. AIM: To describe a patient with false penile fracture who presented with superficial dorsal vein injury/thrombosis managed with ligation. METHODS: A 33-year-old male presented with penile swelling and ecchymosis after intercourse. A penile ultrasound demonstrated a thrombosed superficial dorsal vein but also questionable fracture of the tunica albuginea. As the thrombus was expanding, he was emergently taken to the operating room for exploration and required only dorsal venous ligation. RESULTS: Postoperatively, patient's Sexual Health Inventory for Men score was 23, and he had no issues with erections or sexual intercourse. CONCLUSION: Early exploration of patients with suspected penile fracture provides excellent results with maintenance of erectile function. Also, in the setting of dorsal vein thrombosis, ligation preserves the integrity of the penile tissues and avoids unnecessary complications from conservative management. Rafiei A, Hakky TS, Martinez D, Parker J, and Carrion R. Superficial dorsal vein injury/thrombosis presenting as false penile fracture requiring dorsal venous ligation.