State of the Reservoir: Current Concepts of Penile Implant Reservoir Placement and Potential Complications.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To discuss mechanical and surgical innovations in inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) surgery and their implications on reservoir placement and patient outcomes. RECENT FINDINGS: The past decade has seen a new emphasis on optimizing outcomes and minimizing complications associated with IPP reservoirs. Innovations in device design have accordingly yielded safer, more durable IPP outcomes over the past four decades. Modifications in surgical approach for reservoir placement abound for both traditional space of Retzius and ectopic reservoir placement techniques. Surgical and medical history, patient anatomy, and patient preference should all be considered when choosing approach for IPP reservoir placement. Prosthetic urologists should be proficient in multiple approaches to provide the best care to their patients.

An Option for Shaft-Only Gender-Affirming Phalloplasty: Vaginal Preservation and Vulvoscrotoplasty. A Technical Description.

SUMMARY: Genital masculinizing gender-affirming surgery is a growing field. Because of a spectrum of gender identity, gender expression, sexual expression, patient desires, and patient tolerance for complications, options for surgery vary accordingly. Shaft-only phalloplasty avoids urethral lengthening, but may still be accompanied by hysterectomy, vaginectomy, scrotoplasty, clitoroplasty (burying of the clitoris), glansplasty, and placement of erectile devices and testicular implants. Patients who desire retention of vaginal canal patency are candidates for vaginal preservation vulvoscrotoplasty; however, there is a paucity of literature describing the procedure and its outcomes. In this article, the authors review the technique used by the senior author at Oregon Health and Science University and report surgical outcomes for four patients. Future studies regarding patient-recorded outcome measures, aesthetics, sexual function, urologic function, patient satisfaction, and conversion to other options will help surgeons better understand patients pursuing gender-affirming surgery through shaft-only phalloplasty.

"Pumpology": the Realistic Issues Associated with Pump Placement in Prosthetic Surgery.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The goal of this paper was to discuss the issues and/or overt complications associated with the 3-piece inflatable penile prosthesis (3-IPP) pump. We also addressed how to resolve such issues with or without surgical intervention. RECENT FINDINGS: Numerous modifications of the 3-IPP pump have been introduced with multiple techniques to place the pump. These are largely dependent on the approach to place the 3-IPP. Pump issues may inevitably occur, and there are numerous special maneuvers that can be performed to resolve pump issues. It is important for urologists to know maneuvers for pump malfunctions to prevent unnecessary surgical procedures and pump revision. Several studies are reviewed regarding pump issues and patient satisfaction; however, a more structured prospective research project is warranted to further evaluate these issues.

Penile prosthesis implant in the management of Peyronies' disease.

INTRODUCTION: Penile prosthesis implantation (PPI), performed with or without adjunct straightening techniques, is one of the available surgical options in cases of Peyronie's disease (PD) with concomitant erectile dysfunction (ED). The aim of the study was to systematically identify and evaluate evidence regarding IPP in patients with PD and ED. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: Using Cochrane's methodological recommendations on systematic reviews, we conducted a systematic review of the literature on clinical research regarding the use of PPI, alone or in combination with any straightening maneuvers in the treatment of patients with PD and ED. The search was carried until January 2020. We included studies in English language with primary population patients with PD and ED who underwent IPP with the intent to treat the PD. All studies that were not original clinical research articles, reported insufficient data or included fewer than 5 patients were excluded from the final analysis. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: In total 43 clinical articles with more than 2000 patients (N.=2143) investigating the effects of penile prosthesis implantation (PPI) for the treatment of PD with or without ED were included in the study. Depending on the severity of the penile curvature, additional penile deformities (i.e. hourglass deformity), penile length, prior operations and surgeons experience, 6 main categories of surgical techniques of PPI for penile straightening and treatment of PD were identified: PPI only, PPI with modelling of the penis, PPI with plication of the penis on the convex side of the curvature, PPI with plaque incision(s), PPI with plaque incision/excision plus grafting and PPI with grafting and penile lengthening. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, patients with PD and ED can expect excellent outcomes with PPI against a minimal risk of side effects. No definite conclusions can be made regarding which technique is superior.

Optimal Modeling: an Updated Method for Safely and Effectively Eliminating Curvature During Penile Prosthesis Implantation.

OBJECTIVES: To assess outcomes of a variant of traditional modeling ("optimal modeling," OM) in patients with residual curvature following prosthesis implantation. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of all patients who underwent penile implant insertion. Patients with >30° of residual curvature after cylinder placement and inflation underwent OM and were compared 1:1 to a demographically-matched cohort who received implantation without ancillary straightening. Optimal modeling was performed by forcibly bending the erect penis in the direction opposite the point of maximal curvature while maintaining glanular pressure to prevent urethral injury. This was performed for 90-second intervals for as many cycles as necessary to achieve <15° curvature. RESULTS: Eighty patients were included in the final analysis; 40 (50.0%) underwent optimal modeling while 40 (50.0%) did not need additional straightening following surgery. The mean premodeling curvature was 47.8° (range 30°-90°) while post-modeling curvature improved to a mean of 10.6° (range 0°-30°, P < .001); 87.5% of patients had <15° of residual curvature. Patients in the OM cohort experienced longer operative times (82.7 vs 75.8 min, P = .15). No patient in either group experienced an intraoperative or postoperative complication at a mean follow-up of 29.9 months. CONCLUSION: Although many prosthetic urologists forego manual modeling in cases of moderate-severe penile curvature, our contemporary series shows it to be both safe and effective. OM may preclude the need for more time-consuming and complex surgical procedures.

Organization of the operating room and specific instruments for the implant of penile prosthesis. / Organización del quirófano e instrumental específico para el implante de prótesis de pene.

After more than 1600 penile implant surgeries, we can affirm the need for a procedure protocol of the steps prior to this type of surgery, and the importance of carefully control the preparation for the surgical act. The instruments that must be available for surgery include elements that have been specifically designed for this type of intervention, such as the Cavernotomo dilators (Rossello®) or the Furlow. These are essential for penile implant surgeries in the usual practice, especially in complex cases or when complications arise. We should avoid complications as much as we can, or at least we should be able to minimize, address and resolve them with effective organization and adequate instruments. Undoubtedly, the surgeon's skills and experience are one of the key components for success, but the great importance of an adequately performed and rigorously applied protocol by all team members should not be underestimated. The objective of this article is to explain the basis of the details of this procedure in a clear and realistic way.

Surgical implant options in patients with penile fibrosis due to infection or previous explants. / Opciones quirúrgicas de implante en pacientes con fibrosis peneana por infección o explantes previos.

Penile fibrosis due to previous penile infection and/or prosthesis explants entails situations of high surgical complexity. In these cases, reimplantation should follow an alternative scheme, aimed at minimizing perioperative and postoperative complications, as well as achieving maximum efficiency of the procedure and greater postoperative satisfaction of the patient and his partner. This article reviews the main surgical alternatives for these cases.

Post malleable Penile Prosthesis Satisfaction in elderly patients: Serial assessments.

Post penile implant sexual satisfaction in elderly patients is a multifactorial issue. In the present study, we investigated the possible implication of age on satisfaction after malleable penile implant surgery in elderly patients. We compared post-operative sexual satisfaction in the elderly with that of a younger age group (reference group). Patients were classified into three groups according to their ages (group I <45, group II between 45 and 65, and group III older than 65 years old). Modified Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction (EDITS) questionnaire was used at 3, 6 and 12 months after implant surgery. EDITS scores showed statistically significant high satisfaction rates in all age groups. EDITS scores were higher in the early post-operative period in younger groups compared to elderly patients. However, the difference between groups was insignificant at 12 months post-operatively (p value = .06). Our results show that elderly patients have a high post-operative satisfaction rate close to that of younger age groups, and they are suitable candidates for penile implant surgery with good and realistic post-operative sexual satisfaction expectations.

Experience with AMS 700 LGX penile prostheses for preserving penile length in Korea.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to report the outcomes of patients who underwent penile implantation with AMS 700 LGX inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) in a single center by a single surgeon. METHODS: A total of 342 patients with erectile dysfunction who underwent AMS 700 LGX IPP implantation between October 2014 and April 2016 were included in this study. All patients were evaluated using the International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire preoperatively and at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. We also investigated the mean stretched flaccid penile length before and after surgery as well as the complications related to and the mechanical reliability of the IPP. RESULTS: The questionnaire scores at 12 months were statistically significantly higher than the baseline scores. The mean stretched flaccid penile length was 11.1 ± 0.8 cm at baseline and was longer at 3 (11.9 ± 0.9 cm, P < 0.001), 6 (12.0 ± 0.9 cm, P < 0.001), and 12 (12.2 ± 0.7 cm, P < 0.001) postoperatively. There were no intraoperative or perioperative complications. However, one patient had infection and 10 patients developed mechanical failure during the follow-up duration. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study suggest that the AMS 700 LGX IPP could be used to prevent penile shortening in patients undergoing IPP implantation. Furthermore, erectile function and patient satisfaction were improved excellently.

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

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

Long-term patient-reported satisfaction with different inflatable penile prosthesis: Comparison between AMS 700CX and Coloplast Titan.

INTRODUCTION: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is one of the most prevalent male sexual disorders worldwide. When conservative treatment is unsuccessful, contraindicated or causes unacceptable side effects penile prosthesis implantation is a definitive option for the management of ED. Although considered a third-line therapy, it achieves the highest satisfaction rates as compared with non-surgical treatment. Three-piece inflatable penile prothesis (IPP) represents the most sophisticated implantable device, AMS 700CX™ and Coloplast Titan® being the two most commonly used. Although there are several studies evaluating patient satisfaction with either model, there is little published data comparing both models. METHODS: We have compared overall patient satisfaction in 55 patients submitted to either 700CX™ or Titan® implantation. The Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction (EDITS) questionnaire was used to access patient satisfaction. RESULTS: Patient mean age and follow-up time were 59.1 years and 57.9 months respectively. There was no difference in EDITS score between 700CX™ and Titan® IPP (77.2±12.1 versus 77.5±16.6 respectively, p=0.956). CONCLUSION: Overall patient satisfaction as assessed by EDITS questionnaire was not different between 700CX™ and Titan®.

Comparison of Infrapubic vs Penoscrotal Approaches for 3-Piece Inflatable Penile Prosthesis Placement: Do We Have a Winner?

BACKGROUND: The 3-piece inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) is the gold standard treatment for male erectile dysfunction when other less invasive approaches are contra-indicated or unacceptable for the patient. There are currently 2 surgical approaches for IPP implantation: the penoscrotal (PS) and the infrapubic (IP) incision. AIM: To assess the most recent evidence on the impact of surgical approach for 3-piece IPP implantation in patients with erectile dysfunction. METHODS: A systematic literature review was performed using the MEDLINE (PubMed) and Cochrane Libraries databases in November 2017 to identify all studies investigating 3-piece IPP with a specified surgical access. OUTCOMES: The following key words were used in combination: "infrapubic," "transcrotal," "penoscrotal," "peno-scrotal," and "penile prosthesis." Additional references were obtained from the reference lists of full-text manuscripts. We used a narrative synthesis for the analyses of the studies. RESULTS: 22 Studies reporting data on 3-piece IPP implantation with a specified surgical approach were found in the literature. While IPPs are most commonly positioned through a PS incision, the IP approach is a faster procedure. No cases of glans hypoesthesia after IPP placement with an IP approach were reported, and the overall peri-prosthetic infection rate was 3.3% or less. Patient satisfaction rates were higher than 80% in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Both the IP and PS approaches are viable and effective strategies for a 3-piece IPP placement, and result in high satisfaction rates. To date there is no evidence that an incision strategy may reduce infection rates. Penile sensory loss following an IP approach remains a virtual risk. It is recommended that the surgeon executing the implant have knowledge of both accesses and be capable of tailoring the incision strategy for complex cases. The chosen method should be based on the patient's specific anatomy, surgical history, and surgeon experience. Palmisano F, Boeri L, Cristini C, et al. Comparison of Infrapubic vs Penoscrotal Approaches for 3-Piece Inflatable Penile Prosthesis Placement: Do We Have a Winner? Sex Med Rev 2018;6:631-639.

Ambicor Two-Piece Inflatable Penile Prosthesis: Background and Contemporary Outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: The two-piece inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP; Ambicor) might be a preferred option for men with erectile dysfunction (ED) who have significant retroperitoneal scarring, limited manual dexterity, or other issues. There are reported differences in outcomes and patient and partner satisfaction between three-piece and two-piece IPPs. AIM: To report contemporary outcomes, patient and partner satisfaction, and mechanical durability data of the two-piece compared with the three-piece IPP. METHODS: A PubMed search was performed related to two-piece penile prostheses. Emphasis was placed on perioperative outcomes and patient and/or partner satisfaction scores. Non-English-language articles were excluded. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Use of the Ambicor two-piece penile prosthesis was assessed by outlining the contemporary literature. The etiology of ED in this population, mechanical attributes, penile morphologic changes, satisfaction, and its use in special populations were reviewed. RESULTS: The most common etiology of ED for placement of the device remains a vasculogenic cause (range = 11-62%). Overall complication rates were 2.1% to 11.2% for the general population. Mechanical failure was seen in 0.7% to 6.1%. Infection rates were 0.7% to 4.8%. Spontaneous deflation was seen in approximately 25%. Higher complication rates were found in transgender patients after neophallus creation and the two-piece IPP could offer better durability compared with the three-piece IPP. Longer operative times, greater use of advanced dilation techniques, and greater length loss also have been reported. Overall satisfaction rates are higher than 85%. CONCLUSION: The predominant etiology of ED for two-piece penile prosthesis placement is vasculogenic. There is a trend toward IPP insertion in patients after radical prostatectomy or who have spinal cord injury. The two-piece device has similar complication rates and high patient satisfaction scores compared with three-piece IPPs. Further larger prospective studies are needed to validate our findings, resolve discrepancies in published outcomes, and contribute to the sparse data on this subject. Ko OS, Bennett NE. Ambicor Two-Piece Inflatable Penile Prosthesis: Background and Contemporary Outcomes. Sex Med Rev 2018;6:319-327.

V-Neck Technique: A Novel Improvement to the Infra-Pubic Placement of an Inflatable Penile Implant.

BACKGROUND: Infra-pubic placement of an inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) has a well-known configuration deformity from contralateral tubing that crosses the corporal bodies, resulting in tubing visibility and irritation under the penile skin. AIM: To present a novel step to eliminate this tubing crossover deformity. METHODS: The V-neck technique was applied to five patients, two of whom underwent suprapubic fat pad excision with simultaneous infra-pubic IPP placement and three patients who underwent only infra-pubic IPP placement. The technique added an additional 1 minute of procedure time. The reservoir was placed on one (ipsilateral) side into the space of Retzius. OUTCOMES: Primary outcome measurements were esthetic appeal at follow-up, immediate postoperative complications, and difficulty of implementation of the technique. RESULTS: The technique included the following steps. (i) The standard infra-pubic approach, as popularized by Perito (J Sex Med 2008;5:27-30), was used to place the reservoir and cylinders. The ipsilateral and contralateral cylinders and the reservoir were clamped and unconnected. (ii) Finger dissection was used to create a sub-phallic window and a U-shaped aortic clamp was used to pass the contralateral tubing. (iii) After passing the green tubing through the window, all connections were performed in the usual fashion. Tubing crossover was eliminated, as was passage of the right and left cylinder tubes down their respective gutters. Postoperative follow-up at 2 weeks showed no visible tubing. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: This simple maneuver could help prevent the discomfort of tubing crossover deformity commonly seen after infra-pubic placement of an IPP. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: This unique maneuver can be applied to all infra-pubically placed IPPs. Limitations include the small patient population and short follow-up. Whether this maneuver will make revision surgery more difficult is unclear. CONCLUSION: This technique is a novel step to infra-pubic IPP placement that adds minimal operative time and could eliminate visible tubing. Shah BB, Baumgarten AS, Morgan K, et al. V-Neck Technique: A Novel Improvement to the Infra-Pubic Placement of an Inflatable Penile Implant. J Sex Med 2017;14:870-875.

External Mechanical Devices and Vascular Surgery for Erectile Dysfunction.

INTRODUCTION: The field of sexual medicine is continuously advancing, with novel outcomes reported on a regular basis. Given the rapid evolution, updated guidelines are essential to inform practicing clinicians on best practices. AIM: To summarize the current literature and provide clinical guidelines on penile traction therapy, vacuum erection devices, and penile revascularization. METHODS: A consensus panel was held with leading sexual medicine experts during the 2015 International Consultation on Sexual Medicine (ICSM). Relevant literature was reviewed and graded based on Oxford criteria to develop evidence-based guideline and consensus statements. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The development of clinically relevant guidelines. RESULTS: Penile traction therapy is a viable therapy to modestly improve penile length as a primary therapy, before penile prosthesis placement in men with decreased penile length or after surgery for Peyronie's disease. It also might have a role in the acute phase of Peyronie's disease but has inconsistent outcomes in the long-term phase. Vacuum erection devices are effective in creating an erection satisfactory for intercourse, even in difficult-to-treat populations. They also might be used in the post-prostatectomy setting to maintain penile length but have insufficient evidence as a penile rehabilitation therapy. For vasculogenic erectile dysfunction, men with suspected arterial insufficiency can be evaluated with penile Duplex Doppler ultrasonography and confirmatory angiography. Penile revascularization procedures have consistently demonstrated benefits in very select patient populations; however, inadequate data exists to suggest the superiority of one technique. Men with vascular risk factors are likely poor candidates for penile revascularization, although veno-occlusive dysfunction and age are less significant. Therapies for treating primary veno-occlusive dysfunction are not recommended and should be reserved for clinical trials. CONCLUSIONS: Since the prior ICSM meeting, multiple developments have occurred in external mechanical devices and penile revascularization for the treatment of erectile and sexual dysfunction. Sexual medicine clinicians are encouraged to review and incorporate recommendations as applicable to their scope of practice.

A practical overview of considerations for penile prosthesis placement.

Penile prostheses have remained the gold-standard therapy for medically refractory erectile dysfunction (ED) since their popularization. Advances in device design and surgical techniques have yielded improved rates of infection, satisfaction, and mechanical survival of devices. Operative techniques in penile prosthesis surgery include the use of adjunctive procedures (such as ventral phalloplasty and release of the suspensory ligament), management of penile fibrosis, and manoeuvres to correct Peyronie's-disease-related curvature. Complications include urethral and corporal perforation, crossover, infection, impending erosion, and/or supersonic transporter deformity. Long-term data regarding mechanical, overall, and infection-free survival demonstrate excellent results, and, given the consistently high satisfaction rates and limited alternatives for medically refractory ED, penile prostheses are likely to remain a relevant and important treatment strategy for the foreseeable future.

Minimally invasive infrapubic inflatable penile prosthesis implant for erectile dysfunction: evaluation of efficacy, satisfaction profile and complications.

Erectile dysfunction (ED), the second most common male sexual disorder, has an important impact on man sexuality and quality of life affecting also female partner's sexual life. ED is usually related to cardiovascular disease or is an iatrogenic cause of pelvic surgery. Many non-surgical treatments have been developed with results that are controversial, while surgical treatment has reached high levels of satisfaction. The aim is to evaluate outcomes and complications related to prosthesis implant in patients suffering from ED not responding to conventional medical therapy or reporting side effects with such a therapy. One hundred eighty Caucasian male suffering from ED were selected. The patient population were divided into two groups: 84 patients with diabetes and metabolic syndrome (group A) and 96 patients with dysfunction following laparoscopic radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer (group B). All subjects underwent primary inflatable penile prosthesis implant with an infrapubic minimally invasive approach. During 12 months of follow-up, we reported 3 (1.67%) explants for infection, 1 (0.56%) urethral erosion, 1 (0.56%) prosthesis extrusion while no intraoperative complications were reported. Mean International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) was 8.2 ± 4.0 and after the surgery (12 months later) was 20.6 ± 2.7. The improvement after the implant is significant in both groups without a statistically significant difference between the two groups (P-value 0.65). Mean Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction (EDITS) score 1 year after the implant is 72.2 ± 20.7, and there was no statistically significant difference between groups A and B (P-value 0.55). Implantation of an inflatable prosthesis, for treatment of ED, is a safe and efficacious approach; and the patient and partner satisfaction is very high. Surgical technique should be minimally invasive and latest technology equipment should be implanted in order to decrease after surgery common complications (infection and mechanical failure).

Venous thromboembolism secondary to penile prosthesis.

We report the case of a 65-year-old male who presented with an extensive iliofemoral venous thrombosis, which computed tomography demonstrated was secondary to compression of the right common and external iliac veins by a 5-cm diameter penile prosthesis reservoir. A similar occurrence has only been reported a handful of times previously, and only in urological journals, never in vascular literature. It is a potentially serious complication of penile prosthesis surgery, the risk of which can be minimized by ready awareness of this postoperative event.