Functional and Patient Reported Outcomes Following Total Glans Resurfacing.

BACKGROUND: Whilst there is a trend away from aggressive nonorgan sparing surgical treatments for malignant penile disease, a variety of penile preservation options exist but functional outcomes and patient reported outcomes (PROs) in this area are poorly reported to date. AIM: The aim of this study is to report functional outcomes and PROs of total glans resurfacing (TGR) in a consecutive series of patients with lichen sclerosis (LS) or localized penile cancer (PC). METHODS: From 2004 to 2018 a consecutive series of patients underwent TGR for the management of LS or localized PC in a tertiary referral network. Patient clinical records and operative notes were retrospectively reviewed. Statistical analysis was conducted with Stata 12. OUTCOMES: Urinary and sexual outcomes were recorded utilizing both the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) validated questionnaires while PROs were extrapolated from a 5-item "ad hoc" telephone questionnaire administered at 1 year post procedure. RESULTS: 37 consecutive patients were enrolled. Histology results demonstrated LS in 16 patients, with the remaining 21 having a diagnosis of PC. The most common reasons for patient presentation were local pain (32.4%), pruritus (37.8%) and bleeding (29.7%). Median follow-up was 22 (IQR 13-77) months. Median age was 62 (IQR 55-68). Neither of the questionnaires assessing urinary and sexual function showed any significant deterioration after surgery. Glans sensitivity was fully maintained in 89.2% of cases. 94.5% of patients reported to be fully satisfied with the aesthetic appearance of the penis and would consider undergoing the same procedure again if necessary. 91.9% of patients would recommend the same procedure to someone else. An overall improvement of the quality of life was reported by 86.4% of patients. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: TGR should be considered a treatment of choice for selected cases of benign or malignant penile lesions STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: Our study has some limitations, the first being its retrospective nature. Furthermore, despite being one of the largest series to date, follow-up duration is somewhat limited and a control group is lacking. CONCLUSION: TGR represents an excellent surgical option ensuring satisfactory voiding and sexual function, as well as cosmesis for selected cases of penile lesions. M. Preto, M. Falcone, G. Blecher, et al. Functional and Patient Reported Outcomes Following Total Glans Resurfacing. J Sex Med 2021;18:1099-1103.

A Novel Artificial Urinary Sphincter (VICTO®) for the Management of Postprostatectomy Urinary Incontinence: Description of the Surgical Technique and Preliminary Results from a Multicenter Series.

AIMS: The objective of the study was to analyze short-term outcomes and safety profile of the newly designed artificial urinary sphincters (AUSs) VICTO® and VICTOplus®. METHODS: Data from the implant of VICTO® or VICTOplus® AUSs on a series of consecutive male patients with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) following radical prostatectomy (RP) were retrospectively collected in 3 tertiary referral centers between May 2017 and December 2019. Patients were affected by moderate-severe genuine SUI (200-400 or >400 g urine leakage in 24-h pad test) refractory to conservative treatment. Outcomes were evaluated through the 24-h pad test and the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI-SF). Follow-up was scheduled after 3, 6, and 12 months and then when clinically needed. Nonparametric tests were applied in subgroup analyses. RESULTS: Seventeen patients were enrolled: 8 were implanted with the VICTO® device and 9 with VICTOplus®. The median age at surgery was 69 (interquartile range (IQR) 60-75) years. The median follow-up was 15 (IQR 12-18) months. At 12 months, the dry rate was 76.4% and the social continence rate was 94%. The postoperative complication rate was 17.6%. All complications were classified as Clavien-Dindo I. No difference in terms of outcomes was observed between the VICTO® and the VICTOplus® subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary outcomes of the VICTO® and VICTOplus® implantation are satisfactory. These devices may represent a safe and realistic solution for patients with moderate-severe SUI following RP.

Long-Term Surgical, Functional, and Patient Reported Outcomes of a Modified Corporoplasty: A Tertiary Referral Center Experience.

BACKGROUND: Nesbit corporoplasty was proposed to address penile curvature (PC), both congenital (CPC) and acquired (APC). AIM: To evaluate surgical, functional, and patient reported outcomes (PROs) of a modified corporoplasty. METHODS: From May 2005 to January 2017, a consecutive series of patients underwent a modified corporoplasty. Data were retrospectively extrapolated. Intra and postoperative complications and hospital stay were recorded as surgical outcomes. 2 validated international questionnaires were administered preoperatively and at 12 months after surgery: International Index of Erectile Function and Sexual Encounter Profile (items 2-3). An "ad hoc" questionnaire was utilized to assess PROs. OUTCOMES: Postoperative surgical and functional outcomes and PROs were the primary outcomes assessed in this study. RESULTS: 87 out of 145 patients had complete data available and were included in the study. CPC was noted in 61 patients whilst APC, secondary to Peyronie's disease, was present in 26 patients. Median preoperative PC was 60° (interquartile range [IQR] 45-70). Functional and PROs were evaluated 12 months after surgery for all enrolled patients. Considering surgical outcomes, the median follow-up time was 110 months (IQR 27-132.5). Median operative time was 130 minutes for CPC (IQR 115-150) and 120 minutes for APC (IQR 95-140). Median hospital stay was 2 days for both groups (IQR 1-2). After the median follow-up time of 110 months (IQR 27-132.5), a recurrent curvature was observed in 9.2% of cases. Minor residual curvature (<20°) was detected in 13.8%. International Index of Erectile Function and Sexual Encounter Profile 2-3 scores improved in both groups. Long-term de novo postoperative erectile dysfunction was observed in 3.2% of CPC cases and in 38.5% in APC (P = .001). A multivariate analysis revealed that etiology (APC), patient age (>35 years), and postoperative complications represented independent risk factors for the development of postoperative erectile dysfunction. Postoperative complications, in terms of bleeding, infection, or poor esthetic wound healing, occurred in 12.6% of patients. No Clavien-Dindo grade III-IV intraoperative complications were reported. Postoperative hematoma was more frequent in CPC when compared to APC (P = .003). In relation to PROs, 26.4% of patients responded as being dissatisfied with postoperative penile length, with a higher incidence in the APC group (P = .001). Overall, a significant improvement in everyday and sexual life quality was observed in both categories. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The modified corporoplasty described showed better residual curvature rates, whilst maintaining similar PROs even if APC patients reported less favorable outcomes when compared to CPC. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS: The primary limitations of this study are its retrospective nature, no objective evaluation of postoperative curvature, and no penile length assessment. CONCLUSION: The aforementioned corporoplasty may represent an excellent option for PC correction, with low complication rate and high patient satisfaction. Falcone M, CerutiC, Preto M, et al. Long-Term Surgical, Functional, and Patient Reported Outcomes of a Modified Corporoplasty: A Tertiary Referral Center Experience. J Sex Med 2020;17:1779-1786.

Clinical Recommendations From the European Society for Sexual Medicine Exploring Partner Expectations, Satisfaction in Male and Phalloplasty Cohorts, the Impact of Penile Length, Girth and Implant Type, Reservoir Placement, and the Influence of Comorbidities and Social Circumstances.

INTRODUCTION: To date, several aspects of inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) surgical procedure have been poorly studied. AIM: The aim of this study was to review the evidence associated with IPP implantation and provide clinical recommendations on behalf of the European Society for Sexual Medicine (ESSM). Overall, 130 peer-reviewed studies and systematic reviews, which were published from 2007-2018 in the English language, were included. METHODS: MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched for randomized clinical trials, meta-analyses, and open-label prospective and retrospective studies. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The panel provided statements exploring patients and partner expectations, satisfaction in male and phalloplasty cohorts, the impact of penile length, girth and implant type, reservoir placement, the influence of comorbidities, and social circumstances. Levels of evidence were provided according to the Oxford 2011 criteria and graded as for the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine recommendations. RESULTS: In the preoperative setting, it is fundamental to identify and interact with difficult patients with the intention of enhancing the surgeon's ability to establish the surgeon-patient relationship, reduce physical and legal risk, as well as enhancing patient satisfaction. To address this need, the mnemonic Compulsive, Unrealistic, Revision, Surgeon Shopping, Entitled, Denial, and Psychiatric ("CURSED") has been suggested to identify patients who are at high risk of dissatisfaction. The current recommendations suggest improving glycemic control in patients with diabetes. Available evidence suggests evaluating transplant recipients with the criteria of Barry, consisting of stable graft function for >6 months, avoidance of intra-abdominal reservoir placement, and low-dose immunosuppression. HIV status does not represent a contraindication for surgery. Smoking, peripheral vascular disease, and hypertension may be associated with an increased risk of revision surgery. Patients with spinal cord injury may receive IPP. Patients aged ≥70 years, as well as obese patients, can be offered IPP. The IPP implantation can be performed in patients with stable Peyronie's disease. Ectopic high submuscular reservoir placement can be considered as an alternative method. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: There is a relevant lack of high-level data and definite conclusions in certain areas remain difficult to draw. STRENGTH & LIMITATIONS: All studies have been evaluated by a panel of experts providing recommendations for clinical practice. Because of lack of sufficient prospective data, some of the included studies are retrospective and this could be stated as a limitation. CONCLUSION: This ESSM position statement provides recommendations on optimization of patient outcome by patient selection, and individualized peri- and intra-operative management. ESSM encourages centers to collaborate and to create prospective, multicenter registries in order to address this topic of increasing importance. Osmonov D, Christopher AN, Blecher GA, et al. Clinical Recommendations from the European Society for Sexual Medicine Exploring Partner Expectations, Satisfaction in Male and Phalloplasty Cohorts, the Impact of Penile Length, Girth and Implant Type, Reservoir Placement, and the Influence of Comorbidities and Social Circumstances. J Sex Med 2020;17:210-237.

Repair of the penile suspensory ligament for congenital and acquired pathology.

OBJECTIVE: To review the mechanisms and patient outcomes for men presenting with abnormalities of the penile suspensory ligament (PSL) and their correction. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of a total of 118 patients who presented with a variety of PSL abnormalities that necessitated surgical repair from 1993 to 2018. The patients mean (range) age at presentation was 29 (12-60) years with a mean (range) follow up of 8 months (3 months-12 years). The diagnosis was made clinically, often with a history of penile instability, pain or curvature/torsion, which was confirmed on artificial erection testing. Nocturnal tumescent testing and magnetic resonance imaging were used where necessary. The surgical repair was performed by placing non-absorbable sutures between the tunica albuginea of the penis and the symphysis pubis. Postoperative outcomes were reported in the clinic by direct questioning and a repeat of the investigations above when patients were unsatisfied with the result. RESULTS: The aetiologies and surgical indications in the 118 patients included: abnormality subsequent to sexual trauma (n = 66); congenital curvature of penis and/or congenital absence/laxity of the ligament (n = 37); Peyronie's disease (n = 8); and venogenic erectile dysfunction (ED; n = 7). A good surgical result, as defined by stabilization and straightening of the penis and a return to normal sexual function, was achieved in 85% of the patients and 82% were very satisfied with the outcome. Complications included long-term ED in four patients. CONCLUSION: Abnormalities of the PSL are uncommon and often subtle, but with the appropriate diagnosis, a good cosmetic and functional result is usually achievable.

Cytoreductive nephrectomy in the era of targeted therapies: a review.

In the pre-targeted therapy era, palliative cytoreductive nephrectomy combined with cytokine immunotherapy was the standard treatment protocol for the management of metastatic renal cell carcinoma. The introduction of targeted therapies has improved response rates, median survival and overall prognosis when compared to immunotherapy. The role of cytoreductive nephrectomy in providing an independent survival advantage when used alongside immunotherapy has been demonstrated by two randomised controlled trials. However, with the new shift in improved treatment outcomes from cytokine immunotherapy to targeted therapies, the continuing role of cytoreductive nephrectomy as a viable surgical treatment method remains controversial.

Urological focus on gender affirmation surgery.

BACKGROUND: Gender affirmation surgery plays an important role in the treatment of gender dysphoria. These procedures play a vital role in aligning individuals' physical characteristics with their gender identity, resulting in improved mental health and overall wellbeing. OBJECTIVE: This article provides an overview of genital gender affirmation surgeries, focusing on the available options and appropriate referral criteria for general practitioners and surgeons. DISCUSSION: Gender affirmation surgery necessitates a multidisciplinary approach, emphasising patient readiness, clear surgical preferences, hormonal transition and modifiable risk factors. The two primary methods for assessing patient appropriateness, the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) guidelines and the informed consent model, are discussed. This article summarises surgical options for both trans-male and trans-female individuals, outlining procedures, benefits and potential complications. Gender affirmation surgery is set to play an increasingly important role in the management of gender dysphoria. By understanding the available options and referral processes, primary care physicians will be able to optimise care for these patients.

Perspective: Residual penile curvature correction during penile prosthesis implantation by plication in Peyronie's patients.

For patients with large calcified tunical plaque or severe corporal fibrosis which are likely to have a pronounced and persistent residual curvature which may not be correct by penile prosthesis implantation alone, other adjunctive manoeuvres such as penile plication and/or plaque incision with grafting may be necessary. The sequence between penile plication and penile prosthesis implantation is largely dependent on several factors such as the severity of penile curvature, the presence of (calcified) tunical plaque(s) and whether aggressive corporal dilation and subsequent penile remodelling with an inflated implant can straighten any residual penis curvature. The advantages of pre-placement of penile plication sutures prior to penile prosthesis implantation are the avoidance of inadvertent damage to the underlying penile prosthesis implant, the ability to adjust the tension on the rows of the plication sutures based on residual curvature with the device fully inflated, and potentially minimising the duration of surgery. In contrast, penile prosthesis implantation followed by penile plication to correct residual curvature, this sequence of surgery may negate the need for penile plications if penile remodelling is effective, or the residual curvature is less than 15 degrees where postoperative manual remodelling may continue to improve the penile cosmesis. When performed by expert surgeons and adhering to safe surgical principles, there is no doubt that patients will be satisfied with the outcomes and highly appreciative of the final penile cosmesis and the ensuing optimal outcomes.

The outcomes of surgical management options for adult acquired buried penis.

Functional and surgical outcomes after surgical correction of adult acquired buried penis (AABP) are limited in the current literature. We retrospectively recruited patients underwent surgical treatment of AABP in a single institution from 2017 to 2021. Surgical repair was classified according to surgical complexity following Pariser-Santucci's classification. The primary endpoint of the study was the recurrence-free rate survival. The secondary endpoints were surgical, functional and patients' reported outcomes. Overall 28 patients were included in the study. Median follow-up was 27.5 (18.5-34.5). The most common complaints at presentation were sexual (53.6%) and voiding (39.3%) dysfunction. Surgical management steps ranged from circumcision to more complex procedures, such as suprapubic fat pad excision, abdominoplasty and/or penile shaft skin grafting. Overall postoperative complications were recorded in 32.1%. High-grade complications (Clavien≥3) occurred in 7.1%. One-year recurrence-free survival was 88.7%. Postoperatively IPSS and IIEF-15 questionnaires showed a significant improvement in urinary 8 (0-12) vs 2 (0-3), p = 0.03 and sexual function 37 (23-68) vs 68 (45-72), p = 0.001 respectively. Overall, patients reported functional improvement and 93.8% experienced a positive impact of QoL. AABP surgical repair, despite the high incidence of complications, seems to allow satisfactory outcomes and a significant improvement in patients' QoL.

Bioengineered dermal matrix (Integra®) reduces donor site morbidity in total phallic construction with radial artery forearm free-flap.

Total phallic construction with radial artery forearm free-flap (RAFFF) is widely regarded as the gold standard approach for phalloplasty. However, donor-site morbidity remains a significant concern, which is typically managed by using a full-thickness skin graft (FTSG) on the forearm. Split thickness skin grafts (STSG) have been proposed as an alternative, along with the use of an acellular dermal matrix substitute. A retrospective comparative analysis was performed to assess the differences in operative, functional and cosmetic outcomes between FTSG (Group A) and the combination of acellular dermal matrix with STSG (Group B). A retrospective cohort study was conducted on all patients who underwent total phallic construction with RAFFF, between 2016 and 2021. Post-operative surgical and functional outcomes were evaluated using validated tools. A total of 34 patients were included in the study, with 18 patients (52.9%) in Group A and 16 patients (47.1%) in Group B. Group B demonstrated a significant advantage in terms of healing time (24 days vs. 30 days, p = 0.003) and complete graft take (93.8% vs. 27.8%, p = 0.001). Group B also had significantly shorter operative times (310 min vs. 447 min, p = 0.001) and a reduced median hospital stay (8 days vs. 10 days, p = 0.001). Satisfaction with cosmesis was significantly higher in Group B (93.8% vs. 66.7%, p = 0.048).

Complications and outcomes following injection of foreign material into the male external genitalia for augmentation: a single-centre experience and systematic review.

Injection of exogenous material into the penis and scrotum has been performed for augmentation purposes. Complications include cosmetic dissatisfaction, penile necrosis and lymphoedema. We report the complications and outcomes from a single centre with an updated systematic review of the literature. A retrospective review of all cases presenting with foreign substance injection into the genitalia, over a 10-year period was performed. Thirty-five patients with a mean (standard deviation (SD); range) age of 36.9 (±9.1; 22-61) years at presentation were included. The mean (SD; range) time between injection and presentation was 7.8 (±5.8; 1 day-20 years) years. The most common injected substance was silicone (n = 16, 45.7%) and liquid paraffin (n = 8, 22.9%). The penile shaft (94.3%) was the most injected site. The most common presentations were cosmetic dissatisfaction (57.1%) and pain and/or swelling (45.7%). Surgery was required in 32 (91.4%) cases. Primary procedures included local excision and primary closure (n = 19, 59.4%), circumcision (n = 5, 15.6%), excision with a split skin graft or a scrotal flap reconstruction (n = 5, 15.6%). Three (8.6%) patients presented with necrosis and required acute debridement. Overall, 18 patients had more than 1 procedure, and 8 patients required 3 or more procedures. A systematic search of the literature identified 887 articles of which 68 studies were included for analysis. The most common substance injected was paraffin (47.7%), followed by silicone (15.8%). The majority of patients (77.9%) presented with pain, swelling or penile deformity. 78.8% of the patients underwent surgical treatment, which included excision and primary closure with or without the use of skin grafts (85.1% of all procedures), the use of flaps (12.3%) and penile amputation (n = 2). Complications of foreign body injection into the male genitalia can be serious resulting in necrosis and autoamputation. Surgical intervention is often required to excise abnormal tissue to manage pain and improve cosmesis.

The outcomes of penile prosthesis in neurologic patients: a multicentric retrospective series.

Introduction: Neurological disease is a known entity for causing erectile dysfunction (ED). Pharmacological therapies are not always effective these patients - penile prosthesis implant (PPI) is an established surgical treatment option. For a variety of reasons, neurological patients may experience differing outcomes of PPI compared to those whose ED arises from other causes. We investigated outcomes of PPI in neurological patients using the Italian multi-institutional national registry of penile prostheses [Italian Nationwide Systematic Inventarization of Surgical Treatment for ED (INSIST-ED)]. Methods: Patients undergoing PPI were investigated via the INSIST-ED registry, from 2014 to 2021. Data were prospectively recorded by 45 surgeons on a dedicated website (www.registro.andrologiaitaliana.it) and reviewed by a data manager. We subselected patients with neurological disease undergoing PPI for ED, and these patients were reviewed at 3, 6, and 12 months, and annually thereafter. Postoperative complications and functional outcomes were evaluated through validated questionnaires [International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5), Sexual Encounter Profile 2-3, and Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction (EDITS)]. A nonvalidated questionnaire was administered to assess patient satisfaction. Results: A total of 33 patients were included with a median age of 49 [interquartile range (IQR) 41-55]. Median follow-up was 83 months (IQR 67-99.5). A penoscrotal approach for PPI was performed in most cases (90.9%), while infrapubic was used in three cases (9.1%). Inflatable and malleable devices were implanted in 30 (90.9%) and 3 cases (9.1%), respectively. Intraoperative complications occurred in one case (3%). Early postoperative complications (<90 days) were observed in three cases (9.1%): two wound dehiscence (Clavien-Dindo G1 and G3a respectively) and one device infection requiring prosthesis explant (Clavien-Dindo G3a). Mechanical failures of inflatable devices were not observed during the follow-up period. Median IIEF-5 before surgery was 8 (IQR 7-9). At the latest follow-up, IIEF-5 was 22 (IQR 19-23.5), and median EDITS was 79 (IQR 64-88). A total of 28 patients (84.8%) self-reported to be fully satisfied with the PPI. Conclusion: Although PPI in the neurological population has been historically considered to be at increased risk, in our study, PPI complications and infections rates in this cohort did not differ from general population.

The Outcomes of Glansectomy and Split Thickness Skin Graft Reconstruction for Invasive Penile Cancer Confined to Glans.

OBJECTIVE: To report surgical, functional and patient reported outcomes(PROs) of glansectomy(GS), and split-thickness skin graft(STSG) reconstruction in case of locally invasive penile cancer(PC) MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis from May 2015 to August 2019 was conducted. Inclusion criteria were age<80, a "de novo" malignancy, clinically confined PC (≤T2) with histologic confirmation. Complications, recurrence-free(RFS), cancer-free(CFS) and overall survival(OS) were described. Functional outcomes and PROs were explored using validated questionnaires and "ad hoc" created questionnaire respectively. Kaplan-Meier analysis, t-Student and the Mann-Whitney U test were used to estimate survival and postsurgical functional changes respectively. RESULTS: 34 patients were enrolled. Median follow-up was 12(IQR:12-41) months. Positive surgical margins were detected in 2.9% of cases, requiring salvage surgery. Postoperative complications occurred in 29.4%, most commonly being a graft partial loss (17.6%), meatal stenosis (5.8%) or genital wound infection (5.8%). Disease recurrence occurred in 17.6% of cases with a median elapsed time of 16 months (12-41). 12-month RFS was 88.2%, whilst CSS and OS were 91% at the same time point. Glans sensation was preserved in 91.2% of cases. 88.2% of patients reported to be fully satisfied with the postoperative aesthetic appearance of the penis, 91.2% of patients would recommend the same procedure to someone else. Limitations include retrospective design and the lack of a control group CONCLUSION: GS with STSG minimizes the impact on urinary and sexual functions without jeopardizing oncological control in locally advanced PC.

Onco-Testicular Sperm Extraction (oncoTESE): A Contemporary Concept Review and Report of Australian Sperm Retrieval Rates and Fertility Outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To assess sperm retrieval rates of Onco-Testicular Sperm Extraction (oncoTESE) in men with testicular tumors and coexisting severe spermatogenic impairment. METHODS: Multi-centre Australian wide retrospective review of oncoTESE procedures performed within the last 10 years. Patients were postpubertal adults having a testicular tumor requiring orchidectomy, with severe oligozoospermia or nonobstructive azoospermia. Ipsilateral testicular sperm extraction was performed following radical inguinal orchidectomy. A contralateral micro-testicular sperm extraction was performed if no sperm or insufficient amounts were initially achieved. Surgical sperm retrieval rates, live birth rates and post operative serum testosterone were recorded. RESULTS: Four surgeons compiled a total 13 patients. The mean age was 34.9 years. Seven of 13 were germ cell tumor (GCT), 4 of 13 had non-GCT and 2 of 13 contained benign lesions. Twelve of 13 patients were azoospermic and 1 was severely oligozoospermic. Sperm was found in 6 of 7 GCT patients; 3 of 7 were found in the ipsilateral testis whilst the remaining 4 underwent contralateral micro-testicular sperm extraction; sperm was retrieved in 3 of 4. The respective mean pre and post orchidectomy testosterone was 12.0 vs 14.1nmol/L (GCT cohort). Cryopreserved sperm has been used in assisted reproduction in 2 of 13 patients, with median follow up of 38.7 months. Including use of both cryopreserved and fresh sperm, 6 pregnancies were achieved, including 5 healthy live births and 1 miscarriage. CONCLUSION: OncoTESE appears feasible, with acceptable sperm retrieval and subsequent live birth rates, following assisted reproduction. Despite significant underutilisation in the Australian population, oncoTESE should be considered in the management for TC patients with severe oligozoospermia, or nonobstructive azoospermia.

PIVET-ED: A Prospective, Randomised, Single-Blinded, Sham Controlled Study of Pelvic Vein Embolisation for Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction.

PURPOSE: Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is defined as the inability to obtain or maintain an erection firm enough for satisfactory sexual performance and affects the quality of life of over 50% of men aged over 40 years. Venogenic ED is elucidated as a cause in a subgroup of patients. The study aims to investigate the clinical success, technical success, safety and durability of venous embolisation for management of venogenic ED. METHODS: After providing informed consent, and subsequent to confirmation of venogenic ED by Doppler ultrasound (dUS) and cavernosography, 80 men referred for cavernosography and pelvic vein embolisation, will undergo randomisation by a computer system either to treatment or sham groups. Efficacy will be assessed using dUS and a validated questionnaire, the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). Pharmacologic agents used during the trial will be recorded. The primary outcome of PiVET-ED is to establish clinical success at 3 and 6 months post venous embolisation, as defined by end diastolic velocity in the cavernosal artery < 5 cm/s with dUS and by a > 4-point improvement in IIEF. Durability of the embolisation procedure will be assessed annually to 5 years. Quality of life will be assessed at all study time points using the 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36). DISCUSSION: The PiVET-ED trial is a prospective, randomised, single-blinded, single centre, sham controlled study, which aims to establish the safety, efficacy and durability of pelvic vein embolisation for the treatment of venogenic erectile dysfunction. CLINICAL REGISTRATION: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12620001023943, 08/10/2020.

ESSM Position Statement on Surgical Treatment of Peyronie's Disease.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with Peyronie's disease may experience significat distress. The choice of treatment depends on a variety of factors, including the stage of the disease, the presence of pain, severity and direction of the curvature, penile length and the quality of erectile function. AIM: To review the evidence associated with surgical treatment of Peyronie`s Disease and provide clinical recommendations on behalf of the European Society for Sexual Medicine. 131 peer-reviewed studies and systematic reviews, which were published from 2009 to 2019 in the English language, were included. METHODS: MEDLINE, Google Scholar and EMBASE were searched for randomized clinical trials, meta-analyses, open-label prospective and retrospective studies. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The panel provided statements on clinically relevant questions including patient involvement in the decision process, indications for surgery, choice of the approach, and the management of patient expectations. A comparison of the different grafts used in patients who have undergone plaque incision/excision and grafting in order to identify an ideal graft, has been carried out. The prevalence of postoperative complications has been summarized. Levels of evidence were provided according to the Oxford 2011 criteria and Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine recommendations. RESULTS: In order to allow shared decision making, a patient preoperative counselling regarding the pros and cons of each intervention is recommended. In particular, adverse effects of surgical treatments should be discussed to set realistic understanding and expectations of surgical outcomes and ultimately improve postoperative satisfaction rates. Surgical treatment should be only offered in the chronic phase of the condition, when the deformity and/or degree of erectile dysfunction, prevent patients from engaging in satisfying sexual interaction, or if the deformity is the cause of severe bother. CONCLUSIONS: Current European Society for Sexual Medicine recommendations cover several aspects of Peyronie's disease treatment. These recommendations aim both to ensure patients and partners have accurate and realistic expectations of their treatment options, as well as to formulate algorithms to guide clinician management pathways. Osmonov D, Ragheb A, Ward S et al, ESSM Position Statement on Surgical Treatment of Peyronie's Disease. Sex Med 2022;10:100459.

Post-Vasectomy Semen Analysis: Optimizing Laboratory Procedures and Test Interpretation through a Clinical Audit and Global Survey of Practices.

PURPOSE: The success of vasectomy is determined by the outcome of a post-vasectomy semen analysis (PVSA). This article describes a step-by-step procedure to perform PVSA accurately, report data from patients who underwent post vasectomy semen analysis between 2015 and 2021 experience, along with results from an international online survey on clinical practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We present a detailed step-by-step protocol for performing and interpretating PVSA testing, along with recommendations for proficiency testing, competency assessment for performing PVSA, and clinical and laboratory scenarios. Moreover, we conducted an analysis of 1,114 PVSA performed at the Cleveland Clinic's Andrology Laboratory and an online survey to understand clinician responses to the PVSA results in various countries. RESULTS: Results from our clinical experience showed that 92.1% of patients passed PVSA, with 7.9% being further tested. A total of 78 experts from 19 countries participated in the survey, and the majority reported to use time from vasectomy rather than the number of ejaculations as criterion to request PVSA. A high percentage of responders reported permitting unprotected intercourse only if PVSA samples show azoospermia while, in the presence of few non-motile sperm, the majority of responders suggested using alternative contraception, followed by another PVSA. In the presence of motile sperm, the majority of participants asked for further PVSA testing. Repeat vasectomy was mainly recommended if motile sperm were observed after multiple PVSA's. A large percentage reported to recommend a second PVSA due to the possibility of legal actions. CONCLUSIONS: Our results highlighted varying clinical practices around the globe, with controversy over the significance of non-motile sperm in the PVSA sample. Our data suggest that less stringent AUA guidelines would help improve test compliance. A large longitudinal multi-center study would clarify various doubts related to timing and interpretation of PVSA and would also help us to understand, and perhaps predict, recanalization and the potential for future failure of a vasectomy.

Total phallic construction techniques in transgender men: an updated narrative review.

From 2012, the World Professional Association Transgender Health defined a structured therapeutic path and standards of care for transgender patients undergoing genital gender affirming surgery (GGAS). The main goal of GGAS in transgender males is to provide patients with an aesthetically appealing appearance of the neophallus that should allow standing micturition and enabling penetrative intercourse along with erogenous and tactile sensitivity. The optimal procedure should be safe, reproducible and performed in the fewest number of surgical stages. The ideal technique for total phallic construction (TPC) has not yet been demonstrated; TPC remains challenging and, from a functional point of view, it is also make more demanding as yet there are no perfect replacement materials for erectile and urethral tissues. Several procedures and different type of flaps (pedicled and free-flaps) have been proposed and investigated over time to address TPC with significant advances over the years especially after microsurgical procedures introduction. Due to its high complexity TPC is not free from complications. Local tissue ischaemic complications, complete and partial flap loss, donor site morbidity and urethral complications (fistulae and strictures) are reported. This narrative review aims to provide the readers with a contemporary overview of surgical procedures for TPC in transgender males focusing on key surgical steps, as well as surgical and functional outcomes.

Total Phallic Reconstruction in the Genetic Male.

BACKGROUND: Total phallic reconstruction (TPR) is a reconstructive challenge. OBJECTIVE: To report both surgical outcomes and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) of genetic male patients undergoing TPR utilising a radial artery forearm free flap (RAFFF). DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: A retrospective tertiary referral centre analysis of a series of genetic male patients with penile insufficiency (PI) either due to congenital micropenis, or from traumatic or surgical amputation was conducted. SURGICAL PROCEDURE: RAFFF phalloplasty was conducted as a multistaged procedure: (1) TPR, (2) glans sculpting with second-stage urethroplasty when indicated, and (3) penile prosthesis implantation. MEASUREMENTS: A descriptive analysis of the patient's baseline features, surgical outcomes, and PROs was conducted. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: A total of 108 patients were enrolled. The median age was 32.5 yr (interquartile range [IQR] 24-46) and median follow-up was 78.5 mo (IQR 30-129). A primary anastomotic urethroplasty was performed in 90 patients (83.4%) and a staged procedure in the remainder. Four patients experienced an acute arterial thrombosis, leading to complete loss of the phallus in two. Immediate surgical exploration saved the flap in two cases of venous thrombosis. Urethral complication occurred in 49.1% of patients. The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed an association (p=0.04) between the staged urethral reconstruction and the incidence of urethral complications. The limitations of our study are its retrospective nature and the lack of control. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the high incidence of postoperative complications and the possible need for revisions, TPR in the genetic male with PI using a RAFFF yields satisfactory aesthetic and functional results. PATIENT SUMMARY: in this report, we looked at the outcomes from TPR in a large population of male patients with penile inadequacy either due to congenital micropenis, or from traumatic or surgical amputation. Our results support the idea that penile reconstruction with a forearm free flap leads to satisfactory outcomes.

Management of residual penile curvature after penile prosthesis placement.

Residual penile curvature is a common situation following the implantation of a penile prosthesis in patients with Peyronie's disease. Currently, there is a variety of options for the correction of residual curvature, including penile modeling, plication techniques, as well as tunical incision/excision with or without grafting. A literature search of PubMed and Medline databases was conducted from 1964 until 2020, using search terms for all articles in the English language. In this article, we provide a review of the techniques and the outcomes, according to the published literature.