Prevalence, assessment and surgical correction of penile curvature in hypospadias patients treated at one European Referral Center: description of the technique and surgical outcomes.

PURPOSE: Penile curvature (PC) is a common component of hypospadias, but its presence is inconstantly assessed. We aim to report prevalence of PC in hypospadias patients, as well as to report our method to assess and correct PC, with the associated postoperative outcomes. METHODS: We scrutinized 303 pediatric hypospadias patients operated (2013-2018) at our referral center. PC was routinely assessed and eventually corrected with dorsal plications (DP) as one-stage procedure, or ventral tunica attenuations ± DP as two-stage repair. PC severity and surgical treatment of PC were compared between primary and failed hypospadias. Finally, PC severity, failed repair and PC treatment were tested as predictors of perioperative complications. RESULTS: PC (> 10°) was identified in 274/303 (90.4%) patients, 86.1% with distal, 91.8% with midshaft, and 100% with proximal hypospadias, respectively. PC was found in 51/64 (79.7%) of failed hypospadias. One-stage and two-stage procedures were adopted in 211/274 (77%) and 63/274 (23%) children, respectively. PC severity (p = 0.1) and PC treatment (p = 0.4) did not differ between primary and failed hypospadias. PC severity (all p > 0.2), failed repair (p = 0.8), and PC treatment (all p > 0.09) were not predictors of perioperative complications. 95.6% of patients achieved a straight penis. CONCLUSION: Less than 1/10 patients did not require PC correction. High rate of residual PC in failed hypospadias and similar severity between failed and primary suggest that PC was usually under-corrected. It is possible to correct PC completely and the resulting complication would not be associated with PC severity, failed repair or treatment adopted.

Vacuum physiotherapy after first stage buccal mucosa graft (BMG) urethroplasty in children with proximal hypospadias.

INTRODUCTION: To assess the feasibility of vacuum physiotherapy meant to decrease graft contraction and recurrent penile curvature (PC), hence successful tubularization and a straight penis in patients underwent two-stage buccal mucosa graft (BMG) urethroplasty, in proximal hypospadias repair. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between January 2014 and July 2018, 59 two-stage BMG urethroplasties performed at our referral center, were included in the study. The parents were counseled to use the vacuum device between the two stages. An internal, self-administered, semiquantitative, non-validated questionnaire was designed to record parent and patient adherence to the vacuum physiotherapy and parent satisfaction. Success rate of graft tubularization, curvature correction rates, and status of early (4 months) postoperative urinary stream were evaluated. RESULTS: Of 45/59 (76.3%) who returned the questionnaire, 77.8% followed the recommended physiotherapy protocol using the vacuum device. 93.3% of parents replied that the use of the vacuum was easy or moderately easy. None of the parents interrupted the physiotherapy because of perceived difficulty or intolerability. 100% of parents would have repeated the physiotherapy, if they had to. Overall, success rate of tubularization was 98.3% (58/59), complete curvature correction was achieved in 88.2% (52/59) of patients, and 79.7% (47/59) of patients showed a straight and powerful early post-operative urinary stream. CONCLUSIONS: Physiotherapy with the vacuum device is safe, easy and practically feasible. Our vacuum physiotherapy protocol had high compliance rate. Vacuum physiotherapy should be considered for further assessment in patients undergoing two stage hypospadias repair using buccal mucosa.

[Penile prosthesis in the treatment of erectile dysfunction: updates in 2020]. / Place des implants péniens d'érection dans le traitement de la dysfonction érectile†: le point en 2020.

Penile erection implants are considered to be the «â€…Gold Standard ¼ for the treatment of erectile dysfunction with an organic component that escapes pharmacological and mechanical treatment. The place of preoperative information is fundamental. It is a simple and minimally invasive surgery. Penile Erection Implants are becoming more and more a full-fledged treatment line, which can be offered at the same time as other Erectile Dysfunction treatments. In this article, we will discuss the presentation of the different implants available, the elements underlying their indication, the place of preoperative information, the mains steps of the surgical procedure, the outcomes and satisfaction rates.

Les implants péniens d'érection (IPE) sont considérés comme le gold standard du traitement de la dysfonction érectile (DE) à composante organique échappant aux traitements pharmacologiques et au traitement mécanique. Ils sont très largement associés à des taux de satisfaction élevés, des taux de complication bas et à une fiabilité élevée. La place de l'information préopératoire est fondamentale. Il s'agit d'une chirurgie simple et peu invasive. Les IPE s'imposent de plus en plus comme une ligne de traitement à part entière. Dans cet article seront abordés la présentation des différents implants disponibles, les éléments sous-tendant leur indication, la place de l'information préopératoire, les grands principes de la chirurgie, les résultats postopératoires et les taux de satisfaction.

[Peyronie's Disease: update in 2020]. / Maladie de Lapeyronie†: le point en 2020.

Peyronie's disease (PD) is a relatively unknown cause of sexual dysfunction. Symptoms may include the appearance of an erectile deformity, pain in the penis and erectile dysfunction (ED). The etiology is most often unclear, and medical treatments are limited, although improvement is always possible. However, surgical treatment remains the only option when the disease has stabilized and in the event of significant erectile and sexual disability.

La maladie de Lapeyronie (MDL) est une cause relativement méconnue de dysfonction sexuelle. La symptomatologie peut associer l'apparition d'une déformation en érection, des douleurs de la verge et une dysfonction érectile (DE). L'étiologie est le plus souvent floue, et les traitements médicaux limités, même si une amélioration est toujours possible. Le traitement chirurgical reste cependant la seule solution lorsque la maladie est stabilisée et en cas de handicap érectile et sexuel important.

Prevalence and surgical management of pubic hypertrophy in hypospadias patients: results from a high-volume surgeon.

INTRODUCTION: Pubic hypertrophy, defined as an abnormal and abundant round mass of fatty tissue located over the pubic symphysis, is frequently underestimated in patients with hypospadias. We examined the prevalence of this condition, as well as the outcomes associated with its surgical treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Within 266 hypospadias patients treated at our clinic, we assessed the prevalence of pubic hypertrophy, and we schematically described the surgical steps of pubic lipectomy. Multivariable logistic regression (MLR) tested for predictors of pubic hypertrophy. Finally, separate MLRs tested for predictors of fistula and any complications after pubic lipectomy. RESULTS: Of 266 hypospadias patients, 100 (37.6%) presented pubic hypertrophy and underwent pubic lipectomy. Patients with pubic hypertrophy more frequently had proximal hypospadias (44 vs. 7.8%), disorders of sex development (DSD) (10 vs. 0.6%), cryptorchidism (12 vs. 2.4%), and moderate (30°-60°) or severe (>60°) penile curvature (33 vs. 4.2%). In MLR, the loca-tion of urethral meatus (proximal, Odds ratio [OR]: 10.1, p<0.001) was the only signifi cant pre-dictor of pubic hypertrophy. Finally, pubic lipectomy was not associated with increased risk of fi stula (OR: 1.12, p=0.7) or any complications (OR: 1.37, 95% CI: 0.64-2.88, p=0.4) after multi-variable adjustment. CONCLUSIONS: One out of three hypospadias patients, referred to our center, presented pubic hypertrophy and received pubic lipectomy. This rate was higher in patients with proximal hypospadias suggesting a correlation between pubic hypertrophy and severity of hypospadias. Noteworthy, pubic lipectomy was not associated with increased risk of fistula or any complications.

Recurrent hypospadias surgery.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the results of various reconstructive surgical procedures in patients with failed hypospadias repair. METHODS: We performed a retrospective, observational, descriptive chart analysis of patients treated for complications after primary hypospadias repair at two tertiary European centers from 1998 to 2007. Study inclusion criteria were: patients presenting urethral, glans or corpora cavernosa defects and/or penile and genital deformities. Exclusion criteria were: precancerous or malignant penile lesions, incomplete data on medical charts and any condition that would interfere with the patient's ability to provide an informed consent. Preoperative evaluation included urine culture, urethrography and urethroscopy. The patients were classified into four groups according to the type of surgery. Success was defined as a normal functional urethra with apical meatus, no residual chordee or cosmetic deformity of the genitalia. The need for meatal or urethral dilation, complications or poor cosmesis requiring revision was considered a failure. RESULTS: A total of 1.176 patients(mean age 31 years) were evaluated and treated. Nine hundred fifty-three patients (81% ) were treated in Serbia and 223 (19% ) in Italy. Mean follow-up was 60.4 months. Group 1 included 301 patients (25.6% ) who underwent urethroplasty. Group 2 included 60 patients (5.1% ) who underwent corporoplasty. Group 3 included 166 patients (14.1% ) who underwent urethroplasty and corporoplasty. Group 4 included 649 patients (55.2% ) requiring complex resurfacing of the genitalia. Evaluations were scheduled 3, 6 and 9 months postoperatively and annually thereafter. At follow-up, patients underwent a physical examination and uroflowmetry. Out of the 1.176 cases, 1.036 (88.1% ) were classified as successful and 140 (11.9% ) as failures. The success rate was 89.7% in Group 1, 96.7% in Group 2, 88.5% in Group 3, and 86.4% in Group 4, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Failed hypospadias presents a variety of surgical difficulties. Patients requiring complex repair should be referred to a specialized center of expertise.

The dire consequences of multiple failed hypospadias repairs: a case report of a cavernosal reconstruction with mesh and malleable prosthesis.

The management of hypospadias during the neonatal period should be carried out exclusively in specialized medical centers because of the potential dire complications that may arise. In this report, we present a case of a 22-year-old male who underwent thirteen unsuccessful surgical procedures for his penoscrotal hypospadias in various hospitals. The purpose of this case report is to describe the surgical correction of severe corporal fibrosis and penile curvature that ensued from the multiple failed hypospadias corrections. We implanted an extra cavernosal malleable penile prosthesis and reconstructed the tunica albuginea defect with surgical meshes used in hernia repairs.

The impact of surgical volume on perioperative safety after urethroplasty: a population-based study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to assess whether the risk of perioperative complications after urethroplasty was affected by hospital annual surgical volume (ASV). METHODS: In the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, we searched for patients who underwent urethroplasty between 2001 and 2015. Hospitals were categorized into empirically determined tertiles, according to ASV of performed urethroplasties and divided into low (<3) (LVC), intermediate (3-19) (IVC) and high (>20) volume centers (HVC). Multivariable logistic regression (MLR) analyses examined the effect of ASV on perioperative complications and on four specific sub-types of post-operative complications. RESULTS: A weighted estimate of 39 912 patients underwent urethroplasty in the US. 34.9% were operated in HVC, while the rate of performed urethroplasties increased in LVC and decreased in HVC. Overall, 1.1%, 18.8% and 2.1% patients respectively experienced intraoperative, post-operative, and transfusions complications. At MLR, IVC and LVC were associated with higher risk of both intraoperative (IVC: OR 2.65, P=0.0008; LVC: OR 4.98, P<0.0001), post-operative (IVC: OR 1.14, P=0.01; LVC: OR 1.26, P=0.001) and transfusions complications (IVC: OR 1.85, P<0.001; LVC: OR 3.03, P=0.01). LVC was also associated with higher risk of hematuria (OR 3.77), urinary infections (OR 1.60) and sepsis (OR 2.83) complications. CONCLUSIONS: Approximately 65% of patients were operated in IVC and LVC, and patients treated in IVC or LVC had higher risk of developing both intra and post-operative complications. These data provide important indicators for policy makers to categorize institution based on urethroplasty outcomes.

Simultaneous penile lengthening and penile prosthesis implantation in patients with Peyronie's disease, refractory erectile dysfunction, and severe penile shortening.

INTRODUCTION: Due to loss of length, patients who had penile prosthesis implantation for Peyronie's disease (PD) show a statistically significant reduction in their levels of satisfaction when compared with the general implant population. AIM: The aim of this study is to report our experience of penile lengthening with circumferential graft during penile prosthesis implantation in patients with PD and severe penile shortening. METHODS: Between March 2006 and February 2008, 23 patients with PD, refractory erectile dysfunction, and severe penile shortening underwent penile lengthening with circumferential graft and concomitant implantation of an inflatable penile prosthesis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Surgical outcome and complications have been recorded during postoperative follow-up. Patients' satisfaction has been assessed 6 months postoperatively with the administration of the modified Erectile Dysfunction Index of Treatment Satisfaction (EDITS) questionnaire. RESULTS: After an average follow-up of 22 months (range 6-36), 20 patients attended all the postoperative follow-up visits and returned the EDITS questionnaire. An average length gain of 2.8 cm (range 2.2-4.5) was recorded, and all patients were able to cycle the device and engage in penetrative sexual intercourse. Patient recorded complications included diminished glans sensitivity in four (20%) and persistent dorsal curvature of less than 15° in three (15%). Overall, 18 patients (90%) were satisfied with the cosmetic and functional result of surgery. CONCLUSION: Penile lengthening with circumferential graft during penile prosthesis implantation in patients with PD represents a safe and reproducible technique that yields higher satisfaction rates than penile prosthesis implantation alone in patients with severe penile shortening.

Simultaneous total corporal reconstruction and implantation of a penile prosthesis in patients with erectile dysfunction and severe fibrosis of the corpora cavernosa.

INTRODUCTION: Implantation of a penile prosthesis in severely scarred corporal bodies represents a great challenge as fibrosis can compromise dilatation and subsequent closure of the corpora cavernosa and limit size, type, and function of the device. AIM: The aim of this study is to report our experience of simultaneous corporeal reconstruction and penile prosthesis implantation in patients with severe penile contracture consequence of diffuse fibrosis. METHODS: Between March 2006 and February 2010, 18 patients with severe penile contracture and coporeal fibrosis underwent simultaneous corporeal reconstruction and placement of a penile prosthesis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Surgical outcome and complications have been recorded during postoperative follow-up. Patients' satisfaction has been assessed 6 months postoperatively with the administration of the modified erectile dysfunction index of treatment satisfaction questionnaire. RESULTS: Although the dilatation of the corpora was extremely difficult due to the severe fibrosis, a penile prosthesis has been implanted in all patients. A malleable penile prosthesis has been inserted in four patients and a three-piece inflatable device in the remainder. After an average follow-up of 26 months (range 6-36), revision surgery was required in four patients (elective exchange to three-piece inflatable device in three patients and upsizing of the implant in one patient). Although all patients were able to achieve penetrative sexual intercourse, four patients were partially dissatisfied because of significant penile shortening. CONCLUSION: In expert hands, simultaneous penile prosthesis implantation and corporal reconstruction of severely scarred corpora yield satisfactory results. Patients must be warned that complication rate in presence of severe fibrosis is significantly higher than in virgin cases and that downsized cylinders might be required due to the contracture of the tunica albuginea.

Cryopreserved penile tunica albuginea for allotransplantation: a morphological and ultrastructural investigation.

INTRODUCTION: Peyronie's disease, a connective tissue disorder of penile tunica albuginea (TA) associated with penile deformity, curvature, pain, and erectile dysfunction, is best managed surgically, but suitable graft biomaterials are not available. AIM: To establish whether cryopreservation affects human TA in view of its use in allotransplants. METHODS: The effects on TA samples of the two most widely used tissue cryopreservation methods were investigated using an ad hoc panel of histochemical, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural tests. Apoptotic cells were evaluated using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase method of end labeling (TUNEL) assay. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Assessment of tissue integrity and arrangement of collagen and elastic fibers in thawed TA. RESULTS: Both cryofixation methods provided TA tissue suitable for use as graft material. Significant ultrastructural changes, namely, a greater diameter of collagen fibrils, were detected in sections preserved in liquid nitrogen; nonetheless, such increase never exceeded the normal range. The comprehensive panel of assays used proved suitable to characterize the thawed tissue. CONCLUSION: Human TA is suitable for cryopreservation; freezing at -80 °C provides better results than preservation in liquid nitrogen.

Current controversies in reconstructive surgery of the anterior urethra: a clinical overview.

We performed an overview of the surgical techniques suggested for the treatment of anterior urethral strictures using MEDLINE. In applying the MEDLINE search, we used the ″MeSH″ (Medical Subject Heading) and "free text" protocols. The MeSH search was conducted by combining the following terms: "urethral stricture", "flap", "graft", "oral mucosa", "urethroplasty", "urethrotomy" and "failed hypospadias". Multiple "free text" searches were performed individually applying the following terms through all fields of the records: "reconstructive urethral surgery", "end-to-end anastomosis", "one-stage", "two stage". Descriptive statistics of the articles were provided. Meta-analyses were not employed. Seventy-eight articles were determined to be germane in this review. Six main topics were identified as controversial in anterior urethra surgery: the use of oral mucosa vs penile skin; the use of free grafts vs pedicled flaps in penile urethroplasty; the use of grafts vs anastomotic repair in bulbar urethral strictures; the use of dorsal vs ventral placement of the graft in bulbar urethroplasty; the use of definitive perineal urethrostomy vs one-stage repair in complex urethral strictures; the surgical options for patients with failed hypospadias repair. Different points of view are documented and presented in the literature by various authors from different countries. The aim of this clinical overview is to survey the main controversial issues in surgical reconstruction of the anterior urethra focusing on the use of flap or graft, substitute material, type of surgery and challenging situations, such as failed hypospadias or complex urethral stricture repair.

Penile girth enhancement procedures for aesthetic purposes.

The present study aimed to describe and critically discuss the current evidence regarding the penile girth enhancement procedures for aesthetic purposes. We designed a narrative review of the literature. A comprehensive search in the MEDLINE database was performed. Original articles in English-language, published until March 2021, were selected. A total of 29 studies were included (3 reporting non-invasive approaches, 11 injection therapies, and 15 surgical procedures). The vast majority of articles (26, 89.7%) were not randomized controlled trials, with overall low quality and limited level of evidence. Only 1 (33.3%) paper regarding non-invasive approaches reported a minimal (+0.03 cm) but a significant increase of penile girth (p = 0.034). A low rate (11.2-14.4%) of mild, temporary adverse events and poor-to-moderate patient satisfaction were found. Eight (72.7%) articles concerning injection therapies showed a significant increase in penile girth (p < 0.05). A low rate of mild complications, generally at the injection site, and a high patient satisfaction rate (75-100%) were highlighted. Nine (60%) papers on surgical treatments found a significant increase in penile girth (p < 0.05), while the other 6 (40%) studies reported a generic improvement in penile circumference. Skin necrosis or ulcers, wound infections, or need for reoperation were reported in 8 (53.3%) studies. A high patient satisfaction rate (60-100%) was reported. Our review highlighted the overall positive results of injection procedures, the poor outcomes associated with non-invasive techniques, and the good efficacy and satisfaction with a non-negligible risk of complications in patients undergoing surgical treatments. However, the adverse events are probably largely under-reported and these procedures should still be considered under investigation due to the limited evidence available and the lack of guidelines.

Is there a line between ethics and market competition? Lights and shades of the withdrawal of collagenase treatment for Peyronie's disease.

Peyronie's disease treatments is changing again due the interruption of Xiapex® distrubution in Europe. There are many reasons that can be referred to this event. In this editorial we would like to shed light on the current cost items relating to treatment with collagenase clostridium histolyticum (CCH). The inaccessibility of the drug has seen both an increase in surgery for the treatments of both PD and Dupuytren's disease and an interruption of therapies in patients who had not completed their therapeutic cycle. Considering the aforementioned concerns, we would like to invite researchers dealing with PD to conduct studies with the available CCH products in collaboration with the drug companies in order to give again an efficacious treatment for PD.

Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) and its death receptor (DR5) in Peyronie's disease. A biomolecular study of apoptosis activation.

INTRODUCTION: Peyronie's disease (PD) is a connective tissue disorder of tunica albuginea (TA), a thick fibrous sheath surrounding the corpora cavernosa of the penis. Relatively, little is known about the disease itself. AIM: To investigate whether the apoptosis cascade in degenerated and macroscopically deformed TA from men with PD is activated through the extrinsic pathway, by assessing the immunoexpression of tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) and its death receptor, DR5. METHODS: TA plaques from 15 men with PD and from four unaffected men were processed for TRAIL and DR5 immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: A greater understanding of the pathophysiology of PD through a molecular approach, to gain insights that may lead to novel forms of treatment. RESULTS: Activation of the apoptosis mechanisms through the extrinsic pathway was demonstrated by TRAIL and DR5 overexpression in fibroblasts and myofibroblasts from affected TA. CONCLUSION: The finding that apoptosis activation in TA plaques occurs, at least in part, via the extrinsic pathway may help devise novel therapeutic options for these patients.

Penile corporoplasty in Peyronie's disease: which technique, which graft?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Despite continuous efforts to find an ideal solution, standard surgical technique for Peyronie's disease treatment is still not established. To evaluate the current articles and assess the scientific validity of the recent literature (January 2010-June 2011) on Peyronie's disease surgery. RECENT FINDINGS: Corporal surgery is coped with high complication rate because of complexity of penile anatomy and healing mostly in flaccid state. Penile structures are elastic with significant size change in erection, in contrary to rigid, nonelastic scarring tissue. This has important impact on surgical results, quality of life and patients' satisfaction. In the last 18 months, there were several articles that deserve our attention. Two articles evaluate medium and long-term results on corporal grafting. There are some newly described, minimally invasive approaches to albuginea, and some are describing new techniques for plaque attenuation. One study is dealing with selective calcified plaque excision and contralateral plication, and another describes different modalities of accurate tunical incision(s) and grafting for complete re-establishment of predisease penile size. SUMMARY: In the last 18 months, there are few works that could have impact for clinical practice, while one proved poor long-term results of dermal flap grafting.

When Titans become weak: penile prosthesis cylinder aneurysm, a case report.

During the first 5 years after penile prosthesis implantation, complications such as malfunction requiring revision or replacement occur in only 7% of cases. We present a case of a 62-year-old patient who had a Coloplast Titan® prosthesis implanted while also undergoing girth enhancement corporoplasty. Shortly after, the patient noticed an increasing bulge on the side of his penis, which prevented total deflation. An aneurysm of the right cylinder was identified during reoperation; cylinders were replaced and the redundant tunica albuginea and septal defect were corrected by plication from inside the corpora cavernosa.

Surgical outcomes after collagenase Clostridium histolyticum failure in patients with Peyronie's disease in a multicenter clinical study.

In the present study we aimed to investigate the surgical outcomes of patients with persistent penile curvature (PC) after Collagenase Clostridium histolyticum (CCH) intraplaque injections. Data from 90 patients with persistent PC after CCH in a multicentre study from 6 andrological centres were retrospectively reviewed. Three standardized surgical techniques were performed. Group 1: plaque incision grafting (PIG) with penile prosthesis implant (PPI); Group 2: PIG without PPI; Group 3: Nesbit technique. Hospital stay, operative time, postoperative complications and PC persistency/recurrence (> 20°) were evaluated. Overall satisfaction and functional outcomes were assessed through International Index of Erectile Function-Erectile Function (IIEF-EF), Peyronie's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ), Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) administered pre and 3 months postoperatively. Of all, 25 (27.8%) patients received grafting procedure + PPI (Group 1), 18 (20.0%) patients belonged to Group 2, and 47 (52.2%) to Group 3. Bovine pericardium graft and collagen fleece have been used in in 22 (51.2%) and 21 (48.8%) patients, respectively. Median penile length after surgery was 13.0 cm (IQR 12.0-15.0). After surgery, Group 1 showed higher increase in penile length after surgery and better improvements in terms of PDQ-PS. In contrast, both IIEF-EF and FSFI scores did not differ among groups. Overall, 86 (95.6%) did not report any complication. 4 (4.4%) patients had PC recurrence; of those, 2 (8.0%), 1 (5.6%) and 1 (2.1%) cases were observed in Group 1, Group 2 and Group 3, respectively. In case of persistent PC after CCH, surgical correction by grafting with or without concomitant PPI or Nesbit technique emerged as a technically feasible, effective and safe procedure, with no significant postoperative complications.

Retrospective descriptive analysis of 1,176 patients with failed hypospadias repair.

PURPOSE: To our knowledge epidemiological data on the incidence of failed hypospadias repair and the number of patients seeking further surgical treatment remain unknown. We report an observational, descriptive survey of patients who were evaluated and treated for urethral stricture disease and/or penile defects after primary hypospadias repair. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective observational chart analysis of patients evaluated and treated for urethral stricture disease and/or penile defects at 2 tertiary European centers from January 1998 to December 2007. In each case we investigated the primary abnormal meatal site, the number of operations needed to repair primary hypospadias and complications of this primary repair. Patients were offered surgical repair for previous failed hypospadias treatment. After surgery evaluation was scheduled at 3, 6 and 9 months. Success was defined as a functional urethra without fistula, stricture or residual chordee and a cosmetically acceptable glanular meatus after the completion of all secondary procedures. RESULTS: A total of 1,176 patients with a mean age of 31 years were evaluated and treated. To treat failed hypospadias repair 760 (64.6%) and 416 patients (35.4%) underwent 1-stage and staged repair, respectively. Mean followup was 60.4 months. Of 1,176 cases 1,036 (88.1%) were classified as successful and 140 (11.9%) were considered failures. CONCLUSIONS: Failed hypospadias repair may be corrected by multiple and complex surgeries. Its effects are experienced during the lifetime of the patient and parents.

Penile enhancement using autologous tissue engineering with biodegradable scaffold: a clinical and histomorphometric study.

INTRODUCTION: Autologous tissue engineering with biodegradable scaffolds is a new treatment option for real penile girth enhancement. AIM: The aim of this article is to evaluate tissue remodeling after penile girth enhancement using this technique. METHODS: Between June 2005 and May 2007, a group of 12 patients underwent repeated penile widening using biodegradable scaffolds enriched with expanded autologous scrotal dartos cells. Clinical monitoring was parallel to histological investigation of tissue remodeling. During second surgical procedure, biopsies were obtained 10-14 months after first surgery (mean 12 months, N=6) and compared with those obtained after 22-24 months (mean 23 months, N=6), and control biopsies from patients who underwent circumcision (N=5). Blind evaluation of histomorphometrical and immunohistochemical finding was performed in paraffin sections. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Penile girth gain in a flaccid state ranged between 1.5 and 3.8 cm (mean 2.1 ± 0.28 cm) and in full erection between 1.2 and 4 cm (mean 1.9 ± 0.28 cm). Patients' satisfaction, defined by a questionnaire, was good (25%) and very good (75%). RESULTS: In biopsies obtained 10-14 months after first surgery, highly vascularized loose tissue with collagen deposition associated with small foci of mild chronic and granulomatous inflammation surrounding residual amorphous material was observed. Fibroblast-like hyperplasia and small vessel neoangiogenesis occurred intimately associated with the progressive growth of vascular-like structures from accumulation of CD34 and alpha-smooth muscle actin-positive cells surrounding residual scaffold-like amorphous material. Capillary neoangiogenesis occurred inside residual amorphous material. In biopsies obtained after 22-24 months, inflammation almost disappeared and tissue closely resembled that of the dartos fascia of control group. CONCLUSIONS: Autologous tissue engineering using expanded scrotal dartos cells with biodegradable scaffolds is a new and promising method for penile widening that generates progressive accumulation of stable collagen-rich, highly vascularized tissue matrix that closely resemble deep dartos fascia.