Dipping Titan implants in Irrisept solution (0.05% chlorhexidine gluconate) and exposure to various aerobic, anaerobic, and fungal species.

BACKGROUND: The organisms causing penile implant infections are changing from predominantly indolent gram-positive infections to more aggressive gram-negative and fungal infections because of antibiotic selection pressures based on novel next-generation sequencing DNA data. AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness of Irrisept solution (0.05% chlorhexidine gluconate) in decreasing isolate colony counts from a Titan implant by using a novel kill time washout methodology to mirror real-world usage. METHODS: Sterilized Titan discs were dipped in Irrisept or saline. An inoculum of 109 organisms of a single bacterial or fungal species was placed on the discs. Bacterial and fungal strains were tested: Bacteroides fragilis, Candida albicans, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Staphylococcus epidermidis. The discs were then irrigated 3 times with Irrisept or saline. Microorganisms were sonicated off the discs and placed on appropriate agar and conditions for each species. The plates were incubated for 48 to 72 hours at the temperature and under the conditions appropriate for each species. Colonies on the plates were hand counted. OUTCOMES: Irrisept effectively decreased microbial colony counts in all the species tested. RESULTS: Irrisept was shown to effectively decrease microbial colony counts from 3 to 6 log10 in all species tested. A 3-log10 reduction is considered the target level of performance that would indicate that a compound or product has effective killing activity against an organism of interest. The saline control with bulb syringe irrigation did not demonstrate reduction of microbial colony counts in any of the species tested. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Irrisept is effective against all of the organisms causing modern-day infections with penile implant surgery and may decrease clinical infection rates to lower levels. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: The strength of this study is that we used quantitative microbial reduction counting and the largest array of bacterial and fungal species causing modern-day penile implant infections. The limitation is that this is an in vitro study and the clinical implications of our findings are not yet known. CONCLUSION: Quantitative microbial reduction counting shows that Irrisept is effective against the most commonly known modern-day organisms causing penile implant infections.

Microorganism Profiles of Penile Prosthesis Removed for Infection, Erosion, and Mechanical Malfunction Based on Next-Generation Sequencing.

BACKGROUND: Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is an emerging technology that may allow for more sensitive and sophisticated microbial testing of the microbiota of penile prostheses (PP). AIM: To describe the microorganism profiles of PP explanted for infection, erosion, and mechanical malfunction using NGS. METHODS: All patients who underwent PP removal by two physicians at two institutions were identified. Differences in alpha diversity (ie, number of species detected, species diversity across samples) and microbiome compositional profiles (Bray-Curtis community dissimilarities) across samples were assessed using ANOVA and PERMANOVA, respectively. OUTCOMES: Number of species detected, species diversity across samples, and microbiome compositional profiles. RESULTS: A total of 83 patients who underwent device removal for infection (n = 8, 10%), erosion (n = 5, 6%), and mechanical malfunction (n = 70, 84%) were included. When considering all devices, 56% (n = 48) of NGS and 29% (n = 24) of standard cultures resulted positive for presence of microorganisms. Culture only detected the most abundant NGS species in 62.5% (n = 5) of infected devices. Species richness and microbiome compositional profiles varied by surgical indication, but not by age, race, diabetes status, or implant duration. Most frequent organisms by surgical indication were Pseudomonas aeruginosa (infection), Staphylococcus epidermidis (erosion), and Escherichia coli (mechanical malfunction). The highest relative abundance organisms were P aeruginosa (infection), Corynebacterium jeikeium (erosion), and E coli (mechanical malfunction). CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Identifying microbiome profiles of PP removed for infection, erosion, and mechanical malfunction may guide the selection of peri-operative antibiotics and PP antibiotic coatings or hydrophilic dip solutions for each individual scenario. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: While this is the first study to utilize next-generation sequencing to evaluate penile prosthesis biofilm, the clinical significance of these findings has yet to be determined. A prospective, randomized trial aimed at evaluating the clinical significance of NGS in patients with PP infection is currently underway. CONCLUSION: NGS testing identified distinct microbiome profiles of PP removed for infection, erosion, and mechanical malfunction. Chung PH, Leong JY, Phillips CD, Henry GD. Microorganism Profiles of Penile Prosthesis Removed for Infection, Erosion, and Mechanical Malfunction Based on Next-Generation Sequencing. J Sex Med 2022;19:356-363.

Prevention of Penile Prosthesis Infection.

INTRODUCTION: Management protocols for treatment of severe erectile dysfunction have changed little in the last 20 years. Most algorithms consider penile prostheses as the last option of treatment in patients who have failed medical management. Despite multiple advances in current devices, prosthetic infection remains the most feared complication by implanting surgeons and patients. This report tries to make a compilation of the factors that can be impacted to prevent penile implant infections, and to make penile implantation a safer and more reliable way to solve an erection deficit. PURPOSE OF REVIEW: List events related to the surgical act (pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative) that are related to the risk of infection to contextualize possible actions/measures used to avoid prosthetic infection. RECENT FINDINGS: The impact of coated implants on reduction of infection rates. The recommendation to use chlorhexidine-based solutions over iodine solution for preoperative skin preps. Appears to be no difference in infection rates according to the approach chosen by the surgeon (infrapubic vs penoscrotal). The change in the microbial colonies that are colonizing implants in recent years are dramatic. Lack of evidence of which solutions to use for salvage or revision washout surgery: Chemical eradication or mechanical lavage cleansing?. Despite the importance of metabolic control in the literature, there is a disparity in exact glycemic values ​prior to the intervention in our literature. Factors such as preparation of the operative site, presence of comorbidities or previous surgeries, surgical time, or additional maneuvers during surgery can negatively impact the final result of penile prosthetic surgery.

Molecular testing with next-generation sequencing appears to identify biofilm on penile prostheses better than traditional cultures: The new gold standard?

INTRODUCTION: Traditional culture is the current standard-of-care to determine therapeutic antibiotics for patients suffering from penile prostheses (PP) infections. However, approximately 50% of PPs removed for infection are culture negative. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) compares DNA sequences to reference sequences with known microbial taxonomies to identify isolates and report relative abundances. We aim to compare the ability for standard culture and NGS techniques to identify microorganisms and biofilm composition on PPs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-one PPs explanted for mechanical malfunction were included in this study. Devices removed for infection or erosion were excluded. During revision surgery, two specimens were collected and sent for culture testing at institutional laboratory and for NGS testing (MicroGenDx, Lubbock, TX, USA). Species' relative abundances, sample diversity and richness, and compositional differences among samples were analyzed. RESULTS: NGS had a higher rate of microbial detection (n = 72, 79.1%) compared to culture results (n = 3, 3.3%). Some of the bacteria identified using both methods were known prosthetic infectious pathogens, with NGS producing more isolates (mean: 11) than culture (mean: 1). Escherichia coli was the most abundant and most frequently occurring bacteria detected on NGS. Coagulase-negative Staphylococci were the most common bacteria detected on traditional culture. CONCLUSIONS: NGS appears to be beneficial in its thorough analysis of PP biofilm composition when compared to culture methods. We hope that further research will be able to demonstrate a clinical benefit of NGS in characterizing distinct microbiomes and biofilms of infected PP, which can aid in tailoring antimicrobial therapy and improving patient outcomes.

A Multicenter Investigation Examining American Urological Association Recommended Antibiotic Prophylaxis vs Nonstandard Prophylaxis in Preventing Device Infections in Penile Prosthesis Surgery in Diabetic Patients.

PURPOSE: American Urological Association (AUA) antibiotic prophylaxis recommendations may be insufficient for covering organisms commonly found in penile prosthesis infections. In this study we assess the difference between AUA recommended antibiotic prophylaxis and nonstandard prophylaxis in preventing device infections in penile prosthesis surgery performed in diabetic patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A multicenter, retrospective cohort study of diabetic patients undergoing primary penile prosthesis surgery was performed between April 2003 and August 2018. Eighteen institutions from the United States, Europe and Korea contributed. The association between antibiotic prophylaxis type and postoperative penile prosthesis infections, device explantations and revision surgeries was assessed. RESULTS: Standard AUA antibiotic prophylaxis was followed in 48.6% (391) of cases while nonstandard prophylaxis was used in 51.4% (413). Common nonstandard antibiotic prophylaxis included vancomycin-gentamycin-fluoroquinolone, clindamycin-fluoroquinolone, and vancomycin-fluoroquinolone among other combinations. Patients who received AUA prophylaxis had significantly more postoperative device infections (5.6% vs 1.9%, p <0.01) and explantations (8.3% vs 2.0%, p <0.001) compared to those who received nonstandard prophylaxis. Patients who received AUA prophylaxis had significantly higher odds of a postoperative device infection (OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.1-7.3) and explantation (OR 3.6, 95% CI 1.4-9.1) compared to those who received nonstandard prophylaxis. CONCLUSIONS: Diabetic men with erectile dysfunction who received standard AUA prophylaxis for penile prosthesis surgery had significantly greater odds of experiencing a postoperative device infection and device explantation compared to patients who received nonstandard prophylaxis. Our study provides a strong rationale for a prospective investigation to establish the most appropriate prophylaxis strategy in penile prosthesis surgery.

Impact of Antimicrobial Dipping Solutions on Postoperative Infection Rates in Patients With Diabetes Undergoing Primary Insertion of a Coloplast Titan Inflatable Penile Prosthesis.

BACKGROUND: Modern-day penile prostheses use infection retardant coating to decrease rates of postoperative infection, subsequently reducing explantation and revision rates as well. The Coloplast Titan models are dipped into antimicrobial solutions right before implantation, and the components used for dipping can be tailored toward the patient. AIM: To compare infection, explantation, and revision rates among different dipping solutions used before implantation for patients with diabetes receiving a Coloplast Titan implant. METHODS: We systematically reviewed 932 patients with diabetes receiving a primary penile implant across 18 different centers from the period April 2003 to August 2018. Of those patients, 473 received a Coloplast device, whereas 459 received an AMS device. Data regarding the type of antimicrobial solution used before implantation were recorded for 468 patients receiving a Coloplast Titan, including whether or not they suffered a postoperative infection and if they underwent explantation and/or revision. Outcome rates were compared using Fisher's exact and Pearson's chi-square tests, and logistic regression modeling was performed to account for covariates. OUTCOMES: The main outcome measures of this study were postoperative infection, explantation, and revision rates. RESULTS: Of the total 932 patients reviewed, 33 suffered a postoperative infection. Of 468 patients receiving Coloplast implants, there was a 3.4% infection rate. The most commonly used antibiotic combination before dipping was vancomycin + gentamicin (59.0%). There was a significantly lower rate of postoperative infection, explantation, and revision when vancomycin + gentamicin was used than those associated with the use of all other dipping solutions ([1.4% vs 6.4%; P = .004], [1.1% vs 8.3%; P < .001], and [2.5% vs 12.5; P < .001], respectively). After adjusting for age, body mass index, preoperative blood glucose level, and hemoglobin A1c, the use of other dips was an independent predictor of postoperative infection (odds ratio: 0.191; P = .049). The inclusion of rifampin in the dipping solution trended toward being a significant risk factor for infection (P = .057). Including antifungals in the dipping solution did not affect infection (P = .414), explantation (P = .421), or revision (P = .328) rates. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Vancomycin + gentamicin was the most efficacious combination of antibiotics used for dipping in terms of preventing postoperative infection and subsequent explantation and revision. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: Data were sampled across multiple institutions providing a large sample that may be more representative of the population of interest. A key limitation of the study was its retrospective nature, which prevented us from controlling certain variables. CONCLUSION: The use of rifampin did not provide the same type of protection, possibly representing a shift in resistance patterns of common bacteria responsible for device infection. Towe M, Huynh LM, Osman MM, et al. Impact of Antimicrobial Dipping Solutions on Postoperative Infection Rates in Patients With Diabetes Undergoing Primary Insertion of a Coloplast Titan Inflatable Penile Prosthesis. J Sex Med 2020;17:2077-2083.

Suprapubic Fat Pad Excision with Simultaneous Placement of Inflatable Penile Prosthesis.

INTRODUCTION: Many men suffering from erectile dysfunction are overweight with generous suprapubic fat pads, which often contribute to a decrease in visible exophytic phallic length. AIM: To present a novel surgical concept of suprapubic fat pad excision with a concomitant placement of inflatable penile prosthesis. METHODS: A transverse incision begins slightly medial to the anterior superior iliac spine, with the superior edge crossing transversely to the contralateral anterior superior iliac spine. The inferior border is incised in a curvilinear fashion, with the medial apex being approximately 1 cm above the base of the penis. Dissection is carried down to the lower abdominal anterior fascia, which leads to excision of the suprapubic fat pad. Using this same exposure, the inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) is placed via an infrapubic approach. The wound is reapproximated in multiple layers, and 2 drains are placed, 1 subcutaneous in the area of the fat pad excision and the other in the scrotum around the pump. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcomes included penile implant functionality, ability to engage in sexual activity, and cosmetic satisfaction. RESULTS: A total of 8 patients have undergone suprapubic fat pad excision with simultaneous placement of IPP at our institution. Average body mass index of our patient cohort was 36.6. 1 patient developed prosthetic infection after inadvertent removal of his drains in the immediate postoperative period. At last follow-up, all other patients have excellent cosmetic and functional outcomes. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: This technique can lead to higher patient satisfaction with their penile implant, enhanced sexual performance, and improved quality of life for patients with concurrent erectile dysfunction and significant suprapubic fat pad. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS: This unique technique has never been previously described. It allows placement of IPP in the setting of fat pad excision without any additional incisions. Limitations include the small patient population and relatively short follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Suprapubic fat pad excision is a safe and reproducible technique that can be performed simultaneously with the placement of an IPP in appropriately selected patients. Patients must be counseled appropriately on the expectations of surgeries and the theoretical increased risk of postoperative complications, such as infection. Baumgarten AS, Beilan JA, Shah BB, et al. Suprapubic Fat Pad Excision with Simultaneous Placement of Inflatable Penile Prosthesis J Sex Med 2019;16:333-337.

Multicenter Investigation of Fungal Infections of Inflatable Penile Prostheses.

BACKGROUND: Fungal infections of inflatable penile prostheses (IPPs) are inadequately understood in the literature. AIM: To review a multi-institution database of IPP infections to examine for common patient and surgical factors related to IPP fungal infections. METHODS: This is a retrospective Institutional Review Board-approved analysis of 217 patients at 26 institutions who underwent salvage or device explant between 2001 and 2018. Patient data were compiled after an extensive record review. OUTCOMES: 26 patients (12%) with fungal infections were identified. RESULTS: 23 of 26 patients (83%) with a fungal IPP infection were either diabetic or overweight. 15 patients had undergone primary IPP implantation, and the other 11 had previously undergone an average of 1.7 IPP-related surgeries (range 1-3; median 2). The average age at implantation was 63 years (range 31-92; median 63). 18 of the 26 patients with fungal infection had diabetes (69%), with a mean hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) value of 8.4 (range 5.8-13.3; median 7.5). Twenty-two patients (85%) were overweight or obese. The mean body mass index for all patients was 30.1 kg/m2 (range 23.7-45 kg/m2; median 28.4 kg/m2), and that for diabetic patients was 30.8 kg/m2 (range 24.1-45 kg/m2, median 29.7 kg/m2). Ninety-one percent of implants were placed with intravenous antibiotics, consistent with current American Urological Association guidelines: an aminoglycoside plus first- or second-generation cephalosporin or vancomycin or ampicillin/sulbactam or piperacillin/tazobactam. 65% (17 of 26) of infected IPPs had only fungal growth in culture. No patient had concomitant immunosuppressive disease or recent antibiotic exposure before IPP implantation. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: More than two-thirds of the fungal infections occurred in diabetic patients and 85% occurred in overweight or obese patients, suggesting that antifungal prophylaxis may be appropriate in these patients. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS: This is the largest series of fungal infections reported to date in the penile prosthesis literature. The overall number of such cases, however, remains small. CONCLUSION: Fungal infections represent 12% of all penile prosthesis infections in our series and were seen mostly in diabetic or overweight patients, who may benefit from antifungal prophylaxis. Gross MS, Reinstatler L, Henry GD, et al. Multicenter Investigation of Fungal Infections of Inflatable Penile Prostheses. J Sex Med 2019;16:1100-1105.

Proposal of a new way to evaluate the external sphincter function prior male sling surgey.

OBJECTIVE: To propose a new way to objectively evaluate the external sphincter function prior to male sling surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated the pre-operative sphincter function throughout sphincter pressure at rest (SPAR) and sphincter pressure under contraction (SPUC) obtained throughout urethral profilometry profile (UPP) of 10 consecutive patients (age range, 54-79 years) treated with the retrourethral transobturator sling (RTS) for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) because of prostate surgery. The primary endpoint for surgery success rate was post-operative pad weight test. This was correlated to preoperative pad test, RT, SPAR and SPUC. Post-operatively patients were classified as continent (no pad use) and those who still were incontinent. RESULTS: Mean SPUC in the continent and incontinent group was respectively 188 + 8.8 (median 185.1, range 181 to 201) and 96.9 + 49.4 (median 109.9, range 35.6 to 163.6) (P = 0.008). Mean 24-hour pad test was 151 + 84.2gm (median 140, range 80 to 245) and 973 + 337.1gm (median 1940, range 550 to 1200) in post-operative continent and incontinent groups respectively (P = 0.008). The repositioning test (RT) was positive in all continent patients except one. The RT was also positive in three incontinence patients (false positive). In all post-operative continent patients SPUC was higher than 180cmH2O and pre-operative pad test was less than 245gm. CONCLUSIONS: SPUC seems to be a way for optimizing the sphincter evaluation as well to become a useful tool for patient selection prior to RTS surgery.

Impact of Radiation and Transcorporeal Artificial Sphincter Placement in Patients with Prior Urethral Cuff Erosion: Results from a Retrospective Multicenter Analysis.

PURPOSE: Many providers elect to use a transcorporeal approach for artificial urinary sphincter placement in an attempt to minimize risks, given the increased risk of complications in revision cases. We present outcomes in a multicenter retrospective analysis of artificial urinary sphincter cuff reimplantation in patients with prior cuff erosion with special consideration given to the transcorporeal approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We compiled a multi-institutional database of patients who underwent artificial urinary sphincter reimplantation after prior urethral erosion. Of the 34 identified patients 24 underwent transcorporeal cuff replacement. Patients with transcorporeal cuff replacement were further analyzed with specific stratification for radiation therapy. RESULTS: The rate of subsequent complications after eroded cuff reimplantation was 32.4% (11 of 34 patients). The most frequent complication was recurrent erosion, which developed in 9 of the 34 patients (26.4%). Repeat artificial urinary sphincter complications developed more frequently in patients with history of radiation compared to nonirradiated patients (8 of 16 or 50% vs 3 of 18 or 16.7%). However, this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.066). The transcorporeal technique was applied in 24 of 33 patients (70.5%) and relative to the nontranscorporeal group there was no difference in the complication rate (p = 0.438). On subgroup analysis of the transcorporeal group there was a higher rate of repeat complications in irradiated patients (p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that transcorporeal cuff reimplantation may not decrease the incidence of repeat complications after prior cuff erosion. However, radiation therapy is associated with a worse outcome even when transcorporeal cuff placement is performed.

Prior Radiation Therapy Decreases Time to Idiopathic Erosion of Artificial Urinary Sphincter: A Multi-Institutional Analysis.

PURPOSE: Substantial controversy and conflicting data exist regarding the survival of the artificial urinary sphincter in patients with prior radiation therapy. We present data from a multi-institutional analysis examining the effect of prior radiation for prostate cancer on device survival. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A database was compiled of patients with artificial urinary sphincter cuff erosion, which included demographic and comorbid patient characteristics, functional analyses and interventions. We identified 80 patients with iatrogenic or idiopathic artificial urinary sphincter erosion. Idiopathic erosion cases were further analyzed to determine factors influencing device survival with specific stratification for radiation therapy. RESULTS: A total of 56 patients were identified with idiopathic artificial urinary sphincter erosion. Of those men 33 (58.9%) had not undergone radiation treatment while 23 (41.1%) had a history of brachytherapy or external beam radiotherapy. In patients without radiation erosion-free median device survival was 3.15 years (95% CI 1.95-5.80), in contrast to the median device survival of only 1.00 year (95% CI 0.36-3.00) in irradiated patients. The erosion-free survival experience of patients with vs without radiation differed significantly (Wilcoxon-Breslow test for equality of survivor functions p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Radiation therapy in patients with known idiopathic cuff erosion in this contemporary analysis correlated with significantly increased time to erosion. Mean time to idiopathic cuff erosion was accelerated by approximately 2 years in irradiated cases. To our knowledge these data represent the first demonstration of substantial outcome differences associated with radiation in patients with an artificial urinary sphincter who present specifically with cuff erosion.

Multicenter Investigation of the Micro-Organisms Involved in Penile Prosthesis Infection: An Analysis of the Efficacy of the AUA and EAU Guidelines for Penile Prosthesis Prophylaxis.

INTRODUCTION: Penile prosthesis infections remain challenging despite advancements in surgical technique, device improvements, and adoption of antibiotic prophylaxis guidelines. AIM: To investigate penile prosthesis infection microbiology to consider which changes in practice could decrease infection rates, to evaluate current antibiotic prophylaxis guidelines, and to develop a proposed algorithm for penile prosthesis infections. METHODS: This retrospective institutional review board-exempt multi-institutional study from 25 centers reviewed intraoperative cultures obtained at explantation or Mulcahy salvage of infected three-piece inflatable penile prostheses (IPPs). Antibiotic usage was recorded at implantation, admission for infection, and explantation or salvage surgery. Cultures were obtained from purulent material in the implant space and from the biofilm on the device. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Intraoperative culture data from infected IPPs. RESULTS: Two hundred twenty-seven intraoperative cultures (2002-2016) were obtained at salvage or explantation. No culture growth occurred in 33% of cases and gram-positive and gram-negative organisms were found in 73% and 39% of positive cultures, respectively. Candida species (11.1%), anaerobes (10.5%) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (9.2%) constituted nearly one third of 153 positive cultures. Multi-organism infections occurred in 25% of positive cultures. Antibiotic regimens at initial implantation were generally consistent with American Urological Association (AUA) and European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines. However, the micro-organisms identified in this study were covered by these guidelines in only 62% to 86% of cases. Antibiotic selection at admissions for infection and salvage or explantation varied widely compared with those at IPP implantation. CONCLUSION: This study documents a high incidence of anaerobic, Candida, and methicillin-resistant S aureus infections. In addition, approximately one third of infected penile prosthesis cases had negative cultures. Micro-organisms identified in this study were not covered by the AUA and EAU antibiotic guidelines in at least 14% to 38% of cases. These findings suggest broadening antibiotic prophylaxis guidelines and creating a management algorithm for IPP infections might lower infection rates and improve salvage success. Gross MS, Phillips EA, Carrasquillo RJ, et al. Multicenter Investigation of the Micro-Organisms Involved in Penile Prosthesis Infection: An Analysis of the Efficacy of the AUA and EAU Guidelines for Penile Prosthesis Prophylaxis. J Sex Med 2017;14:455-463.

The Who, How and What of Real-World Penile Implantation in 2015: The PROPPER Registry Baseline Data.

PURPOSE: To date, the published data on patients treated with penile implantation generally consist of small series of single surgeon, retrospective experiences rather than prospective or large, multicenter evaluations. This study establishes a baseline of data collection from the PROPPER (Prospective Registry of Outcomes with Penile Prosthesis for Erectile Restoration). The PROPPER is the first large, prospective, multicenter, multinational, monitored, and internal review board approved study of real-world outcomes for patients with penile implants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from the PROPPER study were examined to determine patient baseline characteristics and primary and secondary etiologies before treatment of erectile dysfunction. Data include type and size of implant received, surgical steps/techniques used during implantation, and duration of hospital stay. RESULTS: Through April 2, 2015 a total of 1,019 patients were enrolled in the study at 11 sites, with radical prostatectomy being the predominant etiology in 285 (28%). Of those 285 patients treated with radical prostatectomy 280 (98.2%) received an AMS 700™. Of these patients 65.0% (182 of 280) had placement of the reservoir in the traditional retropubic space vs 31.8% (89 of 280) in a submuscular location. Of those patients not treated with radical prostatectomy receiving an AMS 700, fewer underwent reservoir placement in the submuscular location (17.7%, 124 of 702, vs 80.9%, 568 of 702; p <0.001). Of those patients receiving an AMS 700, those treated with radical prostatectomy and those with diabetes had more outpatient admissions (less than 24 hours, 56.8% and 52.1%, respectively) compared to those with cardiovascular disease and Peyronie's disease (42.0% and 35.6%, respectively, p <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This first-of-its-kind, large, prospective, multicenter study reveals most penile implant cases in North America receive an inflatable penile prosthesis and that radical prostatectomy is the most common primary etiology of penile implant surgery. Moreover, patients treated with radical prostatectomy were more likely to have the reservoir placed in a submuscular location, have a longer operating room time and be admitted to the hospital overnight compared with other patient groups.

Active Polysubstance Abuse Concurrent With Surgery as a Possible Newly Identified Infection Risk Factor in Inflatable Penile Prosthesis Placement Based on a Retrospective Analysis of Health and Socioeconomic Factors.

INTRODUCTION: Since the introduction of inflatable penile prostheses (IPPs), risk of infection has decreased. However, concurrent substance abuse has not been investigated in prosthetic urology. AIMS: To determine whether substance abuse would stand out as a relevant risk factor for infection in patients undergoing IPP implantation. METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted on charts from the past 12 years at our institution, where a single surgeon completed 602 primary IPP surgeries, with only 12 cases (2%) resulting in postoperative infection. Five of these patients (42%) were actively misusing at least one substance at the time of operation (ie, alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, heroin, other illicit substances, and prescription narcotics). Substance abuse was identified in the medical chart by International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision code or by clear documentation by a provider. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the probability of infection as a function of demographic, physical, and treatment variables. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Logistic regression analysis was used to determine statistically significant correlations between risk factors and IPP infection. RESULTS: Polysubstance abuse, poorly controlled blood sugar, and homelessness at the time of procedure positively correlated with postoperative infection. Use of the mummy wrap correlated with decreased infection. CONCLUSION: Active polysubstance abuse, poor glycemic control, and homelessness increase infection risk at IPP implantation. We encourage other implanters to discuss active polysubstance abuse with their patients and to tread cautiously because of the increased risk of infection.

The Mulcahy Salvage: Past and Present Innovations.

INTRODUCTION: Inflatable penile implants are a mainstay for the surgical correction of erectile dysfunction. For the last 40 years they have provided reliable outcomes with durable patient satisfaction. Infection of the implant continues to remain the primary surgical concern, despite the advent of antibiotic-coated devices and improved skin preparation solutions. METHODS: In this article, we review and evaluate the published literature for important contributions surrounding the various salvage techniques and washout strategies. In addition, the role of biofilm in prosthetic infection will be discussed. RESULTS: First described by Mulcahy for instances of device infection, the salvage or rescue procedure was established to avoid complete removal and staged replacement. This approach, with its avoidance of difficult revision surgery, penile shortening and patient discomfort, has produced success as high as 84%. CONCLUSION: Mulcahy's innovative approach at salvage or rescue reimplantation has proven to be a highly successful approach to this difficult surgical problem. Without question, the report of the long-term results of his salvage patients has directly influenced a generation of prosthetic surgeons.

Prospective evaluation of postoperative penile rehabilitation: penile length/girth maintenance 1 year following Coloplast Titan inflatable penile prosthesis.

INTRODUCTION: The most prevalent long-term complaint after successful inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) surgery is reduction of penile length. The purpose of this study was to evaluate penile measurements in patients whose implantation experience included the aggressive new length measurement technique (NLMT) coupled with postoperative IPP rehabilitation (daily inflation) of the implant for 1 year. Moreover, we aimed to document objective data concerning dimensional changes of the phallus over time. Postoperative IPP rehabilitation has been discussed and presented at meetings, but no multi-institutional prospective data have been published. AIM: Our goal was to assess results using the Coloplast Titan IPP, with NLMT, and postoperative rehabilitation. METHODS: After IRB approval, we conducted a prospective, three-center study of 40 patients who underwent IPP placement, with NLMT for end organ failure erectile dysfunction with the Coloplast Titan IPP. The patient was instructed to inflate daily for 6 months and then inflate maximally for 1-2 hours daily for 6-12 months. Fifteen penile measurements were taken before and immediately after surgery and at follow-up visits. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Penile length measurements after implantation compared with 12 months postimplantation. RESULTS: Penile measurement changes were statistically significantly improved at 12 months as compared with immediately postoperative and at 6 months. A total of 64.5% of subjects were satisfied with their length at 1 year, and 74.2% had perceived penile length that was longer (29%) or the same (45.2%) as prior to the surgery; 61.3% and 16.1% of subjects had increased and unchanged satisfaction, respectively, with penile length as compared with prior to IPP surgery. All but two subjects (93.4%) were satisfied with the overall function and dimensions of their IPP. CONCLUSION: This study suggests using the Coloplast Titan IPP with aggressive cylinder sizing, and a postoperative penile rehabilitation inflation protocol may help optimize patient satisfaction and erectile penile measurements.

The evolution of the inflatable penile prosthetic device and surgical innovations with anatomical considerations.

Historically, early surgical treatment for erectile dysfunction involved the placement of rigid devices outside of the corpora cavernosa. This practice resulted in high rates of erosion and infection. Today, most urologists in the United States place an inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) with an infection-retardant coating inside the corpora cavernosa. In addition to changes in the type of implant used, surgical techniques have evolved greatly in recent years, resulting in reduced operating times, lower infection rates, and improved outcomes. However, anatomical considerations have directed the prosthetic surgeon to improve patient outcomes and satisfaction rates by employing both new surgical techniques and postoperative maneuvers.