Predictors of hinge effect in patients with Peyronie's disease.

BACKGROUND: Patients with Peyronie's disease present with a variety of penile deformities. Those with hinge effect can experience bothersome buckling of the erection and instability during penetrative sex; however, the actual characteristics and clinical implications are not fully understood. AIM: To determine the factors that cause hinge effect and to assess the role on surgical intervention. METHODS: This retrospective review included 1223 consecutive patients who were examined by a single surgeon and had a complete penile duplex evaluation with curvature and hinge assessment. Baseline demographics, penile duplex findings, and clinical outcomes were used to assess for predictors of hinge effect. OUTCOMES: Analyses were performed to assess preoperative predictors of hinge effect and surgical intervention. RESULTS: Hinge effect was observed at the time of penile duplex Doppler examination in 33% of patients. Circumferential girth discrepancy at point of indentation (odds ratio [OR] 1.82; P < .001), rigidity of erection (OR, 0.82; P = .002), and degree of primary curvature (OR, 1.03; P < .001) predicted the presence of hinge effect. When controlling for rigidity, a girth discrepancy >1 cm did appear to be associated with a hinge. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Circumferential girth discrepancy >1 cm, regardless of erectile rigidity, can be associated with hinge effect. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: As a strength, this study included the largest cohort of patients with Peyronie's disease, all of whom were examined in a rigorous and uniform manner via the same operative counseling. However, the study is limited by its retrospective nature and potential for selection and observer bias, given that the treating physician was also assessing all penile deformities as well as performing operative intervention. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of hinge effect can cause instability of erections during penetrative sex. Multiple factors may predispose patients to a hinge effect, including the quality of erection and severity of curvature. But when controlling for rigidity, a girth discrepancy >1 cm did appear to be associated with a hinge. While many factors, such as baseline erectile dysfunction and severity of curvature, are important in determining the optimal surgical intervention, assessing for preoperative hinge effect also influenced the surgical approach.

Indications and characteristics of penile traction and vacuum erection devices.

A variety of devices are available for the management of patients with erectile dysfunction, Peyronie's disease, penile dysmorphophobia, for support before and after penile prosthesis insertion, and after radical prostatectomy. Traction devices include, but are not limited to, Penimaster PRO (MSP Concept, Berlin, Germany), Andropenis and Andropeyronie (Andromedical, Madrid, Spain), and the Restorex (PathRight Medical, Plymouth, USA). The other type of devices are vacuum devices such the Osbon ErecAid (Timm Medical, MN, USA). Different devices are optimal for different clinical applications, and robust and contemporary clinical data show a variety of strengths and weaknesses for each device. Research currently favours the use of traction devices for improvement of penile curvature and erectile function in patients with Peyronie's disease compared with vacuum devices; Penimaster Pro and Restorex have been shown to be associated with the best outcomes in this indication. Vacuum devices are favoured for treatment of erectile dysfunction and penile length loss after radical prostatectomy; the Osbon ErecAid is the most well-studied device for this indication. Research into other uses of vacuum and traction devices, such as for penile dysmorphophobia or before and after penile prosthesis, is very limited. Compliance, cost and availability remain substantial challenges, and further high-quality evidence is required to clarify the role of traction devices in urology and sexual medicine.

Peyronie Disease as a Marker of Inflammation-Is There Hope on the Horizon?

Although the description of Peyronie disease, a connective tissue disorder involving the growth of fibrous plaques in the soft tissue of the penis, is attributed to François de la Peyronie, surgeon to Louis XV of France, there are reports previous to that time. Over the intervening 450 years, a variety of empiric treatments, varying in barbarity, have been proposed. The frequency of this condition and the etiology of the fibrosis are unknown. Quality of life for affected men and their partners is adversely impacted. In this review, the authors summarize the history of the discovery of this condition, review contemporary management approaches, and address the pathophysiology leading to the underlying disordered fibrosis. The potential immunomodulatory role of testosterone as well as inflammatory conditions and environmental stimuli that may provoke fibrosis are also considered. Peyronie disease may be part of a spectrum of fibrotic conditions, including Dupuytren contracture. Treatment strategies to date have focused on reversing fibrosis; work is needed to prevent fibrosis and to accurately document disease prevalence.

Peyronie's disease: pharmacological treatments and limitations.

Introduction: Peyronie's disease (PD) is a disorder of the tunica albuginea from disordered and excessive deposition of collagen resulting in a palpable scar, pain, erect penile deformity and erectile dysfunction that significantly impacts patients both physically and emotionally.Areas Covered: Several treatment options have been described for PD, including shockwave therapy, traction therapy, both oral and intralesional pharmacological options, and surgery. This review seeks to examine the data for different types of non-surgical treatments for PD. We review how various treatment modalities impact several relevant clinical endpoints for Peyronie's disease, including effects on pain, penile curvature, plaque formation, and erectile function. We performed a literature search using PubMed and SCOPUS while referencing AUA, EAU, and CUA guidelines for management of Peyronie's Disease for studies published 1980-2020.Expert opinion: Intralesional collagenase injections have the strongest evidence and are the only FDA approved intralesional treatment for PD. Penile traction therapy (PTT) is low risk and may be beneficial in patients willing to invest significant time using the devices. Furthermore, oral combination therapy with other modalities may provide some benefit. Further investigation is required to better understand pathophysiology of PD and clarify the therapeutic utility of existing treatments, potentially with a multimodal strategy.

Patients with Dupuytren's Contracture, Ledderhose Disease, and Peyronie's Disease are at higher risk of arthrofibrosis following total knee arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a successful treatment for patients with late stage osteoarthritis, yet arthrofibrosis remains a consistent cause of TKA failure. Dupuytren's, Ledderhose and Peyronie's Diseases are related conditions of increased fibroblast proliferation. The aim of this study was to identify whether an association exists between these conditions and arthrofibrosis following TKA. METHODS: Patient records were queried from 2010 to 2016 using an administrative claims database to compare the rates of arthrofibrosis, manipulation under anesthesia (MUA), lysis of adhesions (LOA), and revision TKA in patients with independent chart diagnoses of Dupuytren's Contracture, Ledderhose, or Peyronie's Diseases versus those without. Complications were queried and compared using multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: Patients with Dupuytren's (n = 5,232) and Ledderhose (n = 50,716) had a significantly higher rate of ankylosis following TKA: 30-days (OR, 1.54; OR, 1.23), 90-days (OR, 1.20; OR, 1.24), 6-months (OR, 1.23; OR, 1.23), and 1-year (OR, 1.28; OR, 1.23), while patients with Peyronie's (n = 1,186) had a higher rate of diagnosis at 6-months (OR, 1.37) and 1-year (OR, 1.35). Patients with diagnoses of any of the fibroproliferative diseases had a statistically higher risk of MUA at 90-days, 6-month, and 1-year following primary TKA. These cohorts did not have a significantly higher rate of revision TKA. CONCLUSION: There is an increased odds risk of arthrofibrosis and MUA in patients who have undergone TKA and have a diagnosis of Dupuytren's Contracture, Ledderhose, or Peyronie's Diseases. Improvements to frequency and application of post-operative treatment should be considered in these cohorts to improve outcomes.

A decade of grafting techniques as a sole treatment for Peyronie's disease.

BACKGROUND: Peyronie's disease (PD) can be a cosmetically and functionally devastating condition. Surgical approaches have been proposed in the chronic stages of PD as plication or plaque incision/excision with grafting to preserve penile size in complex cases. Although several surgeons nowadays are inclined toward the utilization of non-autologous grafts owing to the ease of their preparation and availability, synthetic graft procedures still await more technical improvements and supporting evidence before their consideration for standard care. OBJECTIVES: In this review, our goal is to facilitate an insight into the most promising grafting materials used for the management of PD and techniques associated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A PubMed review was conducted for all the studies on our topic within the past ten years (January 2009 until December 2019). The outcome parameters we documented and compared comprised of operative time, follow-up time, postoperative penile cosmesis and function, and, finally, overall patient satisfaction related to each technique. RESULTS: Our search yielded 23 English-written original study articles in addition to a single case report on the various grafting techniques utilized as the sole treatment for PD, each demonstrating different outcomes and points of comparison. CONCLUSION: A successful grafting procedure for PD requires an appropriately tailored surgical modality and an experienced surgeon. Nevertheless, proper preoperative patient counseling on all aspects of his condition and opted treatment modality while setting clear and realistic expectations remains key for overall patient satisfaction.

A universal mathematical model applied to the congenital ventral penile curvature.

INTRODUCTION: The macroscopic dynamic of fetal penis development presents a pattern resembling the unfolding of a spiral, so congenital ventral penile curvature could indicate that this natural sequence has been interrupted. Our aim in this article is to offer a mathematical model of congenital ventral curvature of the penis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five individuals who presented with congenital ventral penile curvature and three who presented with acquired penile ventral curvature due to Peyronie's disease were evaluated. The penises were photographed during an induced erection test and the penile curvature patterns were compared with an equiangular spiral. When an association was found, a potential relationship to the golden spiral-a type of equiangular spiral-was also assessed. The mathematical spiral relationships were analyzed using Wolfram CDF Player® (Logarithmic Spiral) and PhiMatrix® software. The Wolfram software generated logarithmic spirals equivalent to the penile curvature with appropriate mathematical values. The PhiMatrix software, which builds any golden spirals from golden rectangles, was used to check whether the spiral was golden as well as equiangular. RESULTS: An equiangular spiral that was also golden was found in all cases of congenital ventral penile curvature. In contrast, none of the acquired penile ventral curvature cases showed a specific pattern. CONCLUSION: Congenital ventral penile curvature has the mathematical pattern of a golden spiral. Our results offer a mathematical algorithm for potential use in surgical reconstruction procedures, regenerative medicine, tissue engineering, robotics, and body-machine interfaces.

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

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

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

The Influence of Indentation Deformity on Outcomes With Intralesional Collagenase Clostridium Histolyticum Monotherapy for Peyronie's Disease.

OBJECTIVE: To identify patient-specific factors associated with patient-reported improvements in functional outcomes after intralesional Collagenase Clostridium histolyticum (CCH) for Peyronie's Disease (PD). METHODS: We retrospectively explored our prospectively maintained CCH registry. We sought to identify patient-specific factors that prevented the need for surgical straightening and/or improved ability to engage in penetrative intercourse. RESULTS: Eighty-six patients underwent CCH monotherapy and had objective follow-up data available. Mean PD symptom duration was 25 months (SD 44) and baseline curvature was 65o (SD 24). Prominent indentation/hourglass deformities (defined as girth discrepancy >10%) were present in 40 patients (47%). Mean objective curve improvement was 19o (SD 20), and 60% achieved improvement ≥15o. Greater baseline curvature was associated with greater absolute improvements in curvature, although there was no association between baseline curvature and relative (%) improvement. Three of 40 patients (8%) with indentation achieved girth improvement. Patients with baseline indentation/hourglass were less likely to report that CCH prevented the need for surgery (35% vs 64%, P = .018). Patients with curve improvement <15o were also less likely to report that CCH prevented the need for surgery (25% vs 63%, P = .0086) or improved penetration (54% vs 89%, P = .018). There were no differences in outcomes based on age, BMI, symptom duration, and presence of biplanar curvature. CONCLUSION: Baseline indentation/hourglass deformity and curve improvement <15o are associated with less favorable functional improvements such as preventing the need for surgery and improving penetration.

Peyronie's Disease Intervention Studies: An Exploration of Modern-Era Challenges in Study Design and Evaluating Treatment Outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: Peyronie's disease (PD) is characterized by pain, deformity, sexual dysfunction, and psychological bother. Several treatments are available with varying levels of efficacy, and significant limitations exist with the currently available literature. AIM: To explore modern-era methodological challenges inherent to PD research as they pertain to intervention studies. METHODS: We performed a critical review of the PD intervention literature to identify common methodological challenges with emphasis on aspects of patient assessment and treatment outcomes, study design, and statistical analysis. The key objective was to provide an impetus on which to build future research protocols, rather than focus on weaknesses with any individual studies. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Expert opinion was used to summarize limitations with commonly reported objective outcomes such as penile curvature, girth, and length along with imaging modalities and objective questionnaires. Appropriate study design and statistical analysis were also reviewed to discuss common pitfalls in the PD literature. RESULTS: There are multiple shortcomings inherent to studying objective PD outcomes such as penile curvature, girth, and length. These include lack of standardized protocols for preintervention and postintervention assessment, interobserver and intraobserver variability, and lack of consistent definitions for what defines an objective outcome as clinically "meaningful" for patients. Similarly, imaging studies including penile ultrasound are subject to marked variation, thereby limiting their utility to measure predefined primary or secondary study outcomes including cavernosal artery hemodynamics and penile plaque size. Objective and validated questionnaires such as the Peyronie's Disease Questionnaire and International Index of Erectile Function require that patients have recently engaged in sexual activity, which is challenging for many patients as a result of penile deformity with PD. Finally, careful study design and statistical analysis (including appropriate study power) are imperative to ensure reliable results. Current shortcomings in the majority of studies contribute to the low level of evidence available for most PD interventions. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Future PD intervention studies should focus on optimizing study design and statistical analysis. Furthermore, authors must incorporate standardized protocols for assessing preintervention and postintervention outcomes. STRENGTH & LIMITATIONS: The current analysis and recommendations for future study are based on the expertise and opinion of the manuscript authors. CONCLUSION: Multiple areas of weakness in study design, statistical analysis, and patient outcomes assessment limit the reliability of data derived from PD intervention studies in the modern era. The global themes identified herein should serve as a basis upon which to build future research protocols. Ziegelmann MJ, Trost LW, Russo GI, et al. Peyronie's Disease Intervention Studies: An Exploration of Modern-Era Challenges in Study Design and Evaluating Treatment Outcomes. J Sex Med 2020;17:364-377.

Evolution of the surgical sealing patch TachoSil® in Peyronie's disease reconstructive surgery: technique and contemporary literature review.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to review the current literature that reports outcomes of Peyronie's disease (PD) reconstructive surgery using the collagen fleece TachoSil® (Baxter, CA, USA), a novel graft that has self-adhesive properties and gained popularity in recent years. METHODS: A literature review was performed through PubMed between 2013 and 2018 regarding the use of TachoSil® in PD penile reconstructive surgery. Keywords used for the search were: Peyronie's disease, surgical therapy, surgical outcomes, grafting techniques, graft materials, collagen fleece, surgical patch, and TachoSil. RESULTS: Grafting procedures are indicated for men with PD and preserved erectile function. TachoSil® is a novel graft used for defect closure after tunical incision or partial plaque excision. Long-term results of this technique are encouraging and reliable. One major advantage over other grafts is that the TachoSil® does not require suture fixation leading to significantly decreased operative times. Another indication is residual curvature correction by plaque incision and grafting/sealing with TachoSil® during penile prosthesis implantation in patients with PD and severe erectile dysfunction. Besides reduced operative times, the major advantage is that there is no risk of device puncture because of the self-adhesive properties of the TachoSil®. CONCLUSIONS: The TachoSil® has emerged as a safe, reliable, and promising graft in PD reconstructive surgery. Until now, this graft has met the expectations as a durable and effective graft, not only for grafting techniques but also for residual curvature correction during penile prosthesis implantation. However, future research is encouraged, preferably within prospective multicenter studies.

A modified technique for intralesional injection of collagenase Clostridium histolyticum for Peyronie's disease results in reduced procedural morbidity using a standardized hematoma classification rubric.

PURPOSE: Early clinical trials of injectable collagenase Clostridium histolyticum (CCh) for Peyronie's disease (PD) demonstrated safety and efficacy. Since then, modified injection protocols have been proposed. Adverse events-such as bruising, swelling, hematoma, and corporal rupture-exceed 50% in many studies, but lack of standardization of hematoma severity limits conclusions about the relative safety of protocols. We propose a modification of the standard injection technique that aims to decrease the rates of adverse events. We further describe a hematoma classification rubric that may standardize safety assessment. METHODS: A modified injection procedure, termed the "fan" technique, was employed in the treatment of PD. All men receiving CCh from January 2016 through January 2019 at a single institution were included in an institutional review board (IRB) approved database. Treatment outcomes and adverse events were retrospectively assessed. A three-tiered hematoma classification rubric was devised to standardize reporting of hematoma, which was defined as concurrent bruising and swelling at the site of injection without loss of erection. RESULTS: Using the fan technique, 152 patients received 1323 injections. Eight hematomas (5.3% of all patients, 0.6% of all injections) were observed. The number of grade I, grade II, and grade III hematomas were 3, 2, and 3, respectively. Bruising or swelling not meeting the definition of hematoma was seen in 54.6% and 27.0% of patients, respectively. There were zero corporal ruptures. CONCLUSION: A modified injection technique results in reduced procedural morbidity. A hematoma classification system provides clarity and standardization to the assessment of safety in PD treatment. Further clinical studies with control arms are required to verify these findings.

Safety of Collagenase Clostridium histolyticum Injection Therapy for Peyronie Disease in Patients Continuing Antiplatelet or Anticoagulant Therapy.

INTRODUCTION: The initial clinical trials for intralesional collagenase Clostridium histolyticum (CCh) injection therapy for Peyronie disease (PD) excluded men on antiplatelet or anticoagulant medications except those on low-dose aspirin. Men with PD who take such medications present a challenging clinical scenario because of a lack of evidence regarding the safety of CCh while on these drugs. AIM: To evaluate safety outcomes among patients continuing anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy during ongoing intralesional CCh injection treatment for PD. METHODS: An institutional review board approved a database of 187 patients treated with CCh at an academic men's health practice from January 2016 through April 2019 was reviewed. Men on antiplatelet/anticoagulant medications were not instructed to stop these agents. Data on patient demographics, comorbidities, CCh injection details, use or nonuse of antiplatelet/anticoagulant medications, and adverse events were extracted from the electronic medical record. Rates of hematoma formation, bruising, swelling, and corporal rupture were determined. Univariate statistical analysis compared clinical data and adverse events between men on or off antiplatelet/anticoagulant medications. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Statistical comparison of adverse events in those taking or not taking antiplatelet or anticoagulant medications while undergoing intralesional CCh injection therapy for PD. RESULTS: Of 187 men undergoing CCh treatment, 33 (17.6%) were on concomitant antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy. Aspirin 81 mg alone was the most common pharmacologic agent (58% of men on antiplatelet/anticoagulants); medications also included other antiplatelet drugs, warfarin, and novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs). Men taking blood thinners during intralesional CCh injection therapy experienced no statistical difference in rates of bruising, swelling, or hematoma formation compared with men not on antiplatelet/anticoagulants. No corporal ruptures were observed in either group. Men on antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy were more likely to be older (64 vs 58 years old, P = 0.005), have hypertension (P = 0.025), and have hyperlipidemia (0.009). CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Intralesional CCh injection therapy may be offered to men on antiplatelet/anticoagulant medications without increased risk of adverse events. STRENGTH & LIMITATIONS: This study evaluated the experience of a single surgeon, with a systematic evaluation of adverse events captured in a robust electronic medical record. The retrospective nature of this study limits conclusions but builds upon work performed in the initial clinical trials for CCh. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that antiplatelet and anticoagulant medications do not increase the risk of adverse events during intralesional CCh injection therapy for PD. Amighi A, Regets KV, Nork JJ, et al. Safety of Collagenase Clostridium histolyticum Injection Therapy for Peyronie Disease in Patients Continuing Antiplatelet or Anticoagulant Therapy. J Sex Med 2020;17:353-356.

Impact of the Advent of Collagenase Clostridium Histolyticum on the Surgical Management of Peyronie's Disease: A Population-Based Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Penile plication or partial excision with grafting has traditionally been the first-line treatment for stable Peyronie's disease (PD). Numerous injection therapies (ITs) have been introduced over the last few decades. Intralesional collagenase clostridium histolyticum (CCH) was U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved in 2013 for patients with stable disease, curvature ≥30° and ≤90°, and intact erectile function. The impact of the advent of CCH on the surgical management of PD is unknown. AIM: We studied the effect of IT on the surgical management of PD in a population-based analysis. METHODS: The Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System database, which provides statewide level of all-payer data on patients in the outpatient, inpatient, ambulatory, and emergency department setting in New York State was reviewed. Patients undergoing a penile prosthesis for concurrent erectile dysfunction were excluded. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression modeling were used to assess factors influencing choice of injection therapy vs surgical therapy (penile plication or partial excision with grafting). RESULTS: From 2003-2016, 547 patients with PD presented for management. Median age was 56 years and 57% were white. Over the study period, surgical management was used less often as the primary procedure with a concurrent increase in use of IT (P < .001). On multivariable modeling, patients more likely to receive IT as treatment for penile curvature were younger (odds ratio [OR]: 1.26; P = .002; CI: 1.09-1.46), of higher socioeconomic status (OR: 1.14; P = .037; CI: 1.01-1.29), presented in the post-CCH era (OR: 1.17; P = .018; CI: 1.03-1.33) and presented to a surgeon with a high volume practice (OR: 1.25; P = .007; CI: 1.07-1.48). Patients presenting in the post-CCH era were 17% significantly more likely to receive IT. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: ITs like CCH are increasingly displacing surgical management as the primary treatment option of Peyronie's disease. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS: The Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System database is particularly useful for this analysis because it is an all-payer database that tracks patients longitudinally across various health care settings-outpatient and inpatient. LIMITATIONS: It only includes patients in New York State limiting generalizability. The retrospective nature of the analysis makes it subject to the biases inherent in such reports. Specific disease level characteristics (eg, degree of curvature, duration of disease, and associated deformities) were not available. CONCLUSION: Since the introduction of CCH, there has been a markedly decreasing trend in the utilization of surgery as the primary modality in the management of PD-associated penile curvature. Sukumar S, Pijush DB, Brandes S. Impact of the Advent of Collagenase Clostridium Histolyticum on the Surgical Management of Peyronie's Disease: A Population-Based Analysis. J Sex Med 2020;17:111-116.

A snapshot of intralesional verapamil injection in the treatment of Peyronie's disease today.

Studies assessing the efficacy of intralesional verapamil injection in the treatment of Peyronie's disease have yielded mixed results. The purpose of this meta-analysis is to systematise the existing literature on the efficacy of intralesional verapamil injection when used in the treatment of Peyronie's disease. The treatment outcomes of seven different study groups identified by computerised literature search were compared with natural history outcomes and data from control groups of three studies involving placebo saline injection. An exploratory meta-analysis was performed on the data due to differing patient populations, treatment protocols, and inconsistent selection and reporting of outcomes. Intralesional verapamil injection significantly improved sexual function (p < .0005) and penile curvature (p < .005) in individuals with Peyronie's disease. Decreases in pain may be significant after therapy but are questionable. The effect of verapamil on plaque size remains less impressive (p > .05). Intralesional verapamil injection has promise to positively impact a number of clinical outcomes of Peyronie's disease; however, a large, multicentre, randomised, controlled study with reliable protocols is needed to confirm the efficacy of treatment.

The Surgical Treatment of Peyronie's Disease in the Older Man: Patient Characteristics and Surgical Outcomes in Men 65 and Older.

INTRODUCTION: Surgery remains the gold standard for the correction of penile deformities secondary to Peyronie's disease (PD). Nevertheless, there is no published data on the surgical treatment of PD in older men. AIM: Considering the aging national and international population, we sought to evaluate the pre-operative characteristics and surgical outcomes of men aged 65 or older who underwent surgical treatment for PD at our tertiary care institution. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of all men 65 years or older who underwent surgery for PD from January 2010 to September 2017. We compared men who underwent penile prosthesis implantation with straightening maneuvers (PP+SMs), tunica albuginea plication (TAP), and plaque partial excision with grafting (PEG). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The main objective of this study was to find the baseline pre-operative patient characteristics and postoperative patient-reported outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 86 men with a median age of 68 years underwent surgery during the study period. 39 men underwent PP+SM (45%), 25 men a TAP (29%), and 22 men a PEG (26%). The mean curvature for all men was 59.9 ± 22.0° (range 0-105°). Those who underwent a PEG had a mean ± SD degree of curvature of 78.6 ± 16.6°, significantly higher than those who underwent PP+SM or TAP (49.1 ± 20.2° and 61.4 ± 17.4°, respectively; P < .001). Moreover, men who underwent a PEG had significantly more complex penile deformities (eg, narrowing with hinge effect) and better reported baseline erectile function compared with men who underwent PP+SM or TAP. Overall, 95% of all men reported having a functionally straight penis postoperatively with 94% engaging in penetrative intercourse at last follow-up. Overall, patient-reported satisfaction was 85% with a median follow-up of 43.5 months. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Our findings suggest that the surgical treatment of PD in older men is safe, effective, and associated with high patient satisfaction. Although this represents a surgical series susceptible to selection bias, it underscores the importance of patient selection and counseling in achieving good surgical outcomes. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS: Our study is the first to report on outcomes of surgical treatment of PD in an elderly patient population with relatively long-term follow-up. Our limitations include a small sample size, single operating surgeon, and the lack of a younger comparison group. CONCLUSION: Despite an aging global population, surgery remains a viable and reliable option for the properly selected and counseled older men with PD. Abdelsayed GA, Setia SA, Levine LA. The Surgical Treatment of Peyronie's Disease in the Older Man: Patient Characteristics and Surgical Outcomes in Men 65 and Older. J Sex Med 2019;16:1820-1826.

Testosterone Levels Are Not Associated With Magnitude of Deformity in Men With Peyronie's Disease.

INTRODUCTION: There are some data suggesting that there is a relationship between the magnitude of Peyronie's disease (PD)-associated penile curvature and low serum testosterone. AIM: To evaluate the relationship between PD associated penile deformity and total testosterone (TT) and free testosterone (FT) levels. METHODS: We identified patients diagnosed with PD who had early morning TT measurements. Because laboratories have different reference values, we analyzed testosterone values 2 ways, as raw values and as standardized values (TT and FT values converted into z-scores for each laboratory). Deformity assessment was conducted during an intracavernosal injection-induced rigid erection. The association between T levels and magnitude of penile curvature was analyzed in a number of ways. First, an independent measure t-test tested differences in curvature degree by TT groups (low T: <300 ng/dL; normal T: ≥300 ng/dL). Second, an association was sought between T levels based on quartiles of the normal range (<300, 300-450, 450-600, and >600 ng/dL). These analyses were conducted for both TT and FT levels and using both raw and standardized T values. Third, multivariable analysis using multiple linear regression was performed in an attempt to define predictors of the degree of penile curvature. Factors entered into the model included: TT level, FT level, patient age, race (white vs other), number of co-morbidities, body mass index, presence of erectile dysfunction, duration of PD, and prostatectomy (yes vs no). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The relationship between T levels and the magnitude of penile curvature. RESULTS: 184 subjects met all study criteria. Average age was 54 ± 12 years. Mean TT level was 425 ± 176 ng/dL, and mean curvature magnitude was 35° ± 19°. The percent of subjects in the first through fourth TT quartiles was 26%, 34%, 24%, and 16%. As a continuous variable, there was no association between TT levels (r = -0.01, P = .95) or FT levels (r = -0.08, P = .30) and the curvature magnitude. When examining TT groups, there was no difference in mean curvature between the low TT group and the normal TT group (35.4° ± 17° vs 34° ± 20°, P = .70). When analyzing the TT and FT levels standardized into z-scores, there was no association between degree of curvature and TT z-scores (r = -0.003, P = .95) and FT z-scores (r = -0.08, P = .43). There was also no association between testosterone levels and degree of curvature in the multivariable model. CONCLUSIONS: There does not appear to be any association between testosterone levels and the magnitude of PD-associated penile deformity. Mulhall JP, Matsushita K, Nelson CJ. Testosterone Levels Are Not Associated With Magnitude of Deformity in Men With Peyronie's Disease. J Sex Med 2019;16:1283-1289.

Comparative Cost-effectiveness of Surgery, Collagenase Clostridium Histolyticum, and Penile Traction Therapy in Men with Peyronie's Disease in an Era of Effective Clinical Treatment.

BACKGROUND: Traditionally, surgery has been considered the gold standard treatment for Peyronie's disease (PD). Less-invasive alternatives, such as collagenase Clostridium histolyticum (CCH) and traction therapy, have been proposed and proven effective. AIM: To compare cost-effectiveness of management options for PD. METHODS: A Markov analytic model was created to compare the cost-effectiveness of treatment with a novel traction device, RestoreX (RXPTT), vs CCH vs surgery. Outcomes were derived from single-institution, prospective data of 63 men treated with RXPTT, 115 with CCH, and 23 with plication or incision and grafting. Costs were based on 2017 Medicare reimbursement and utility values from the literature. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Model outcomes included complications for each treatment arm, as well as the probability of success, which was defined as ≥20% improvement in curvature. Univariable and multivariable sensitivity analyses were performed to test the robustness of the model. RESULTS: Overall success rates were 96% (surgery), 66% (CCH), and 48% (RXPTT). At 10 years after treatment, RXPTT was the most cost-effective, with mean costs per patient of $883 (RXPTT), $11,419 (surgery), and $33,628 (CCH). CCH and surgery both resulted in a gain of quality adjusted life years (QALYs) relative to RXPTT (9.44 and 9.36 vs 9.27, respectively). Sensitivity analysis demonstrated greater cost-effectiveness for surgery if lower (≤46%) rates of postoperative erectile dysfunction or length loss (≤3%). CCH became more cost-effective at lower costs (≤$16,726) or higher success rates (≥76%). On multivariable sensitivity analysis at a willingness to pay threshold of $100,000/QALY, the most cost-effective strategy was RXPTT in 49%, surgery in 48%, and CCH in 3% of simulations. At a willingness to treat threshold of $150,000/QALY, the most cost-effective treatment option was RXPTT in 33%, surgery in 55%, and CCH in 12% of simulations. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: In an era of value-based care, this model can guide cost-effective treatment selection on the basis of provider, patient, and payer characteristics. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS: The current study represents the first cost-effectiveness comparison of treatment modalities for PD and is strengthened by prospective data collection, large CCH and traction sample sizes, and robust sensitivity analyses. Consistent with cost-effective models, the model is limited by assumptions and may not apply to all scenarios. CONCLUSIONS: RXPTT represents a more cost-effective method for achieving ≥20% curvature improvement compared with surgery or CCH. Depending on treatment goals, rate of surgical complications, and willingness to pay threshold, surgery and CCH may become more cost-effective in select scenarios. Wymer K, Kohler T, Trost L. Comparative Cost-effectiveness of Surgery, Collagenase Clostridium Histolyticum, and Penile Traction Therapy in Men with Peyronie's Disease in an Era of Effective Clinical Treatment. J Sex Med 2019;16:1421-1432.

Comparison of Patient's Satisfaction and Long-term Results of 2 Penile Plication Techniques: Lessons Learned From 387 Patients With Penile Curvature.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the patient's satisfaction and long-term results of 2 penile plication procedures in patients with penile curvature. METHODS: This retrospective study included 387 patients with congenital penile curvature (n = 260) and Peyronie's disease (n = 127) who underwent surgical correction of penile curvature with penile plication procedures. Of the patients, 202 underwent plication of tunica albuginea with the Lue's 16-dot technique, while 185 underwent highly superficial excision of tunica albuginea with the modified Nesbit corporoplasty. Surgical outcomes and patient's satisfaction were compared between the 2 techniques in all patients. RESULTS: The mean duration of surgery was significantly shorter in the 16-dot plication technique (48.1 ±â€¯7.5 minutes), compared with the modified Nesbit corporoplasty (63 ±â€¯16.9 minutes) (P = .001). Complete penile straightening was achieved in 87.6% of the patients who underwent 16-dot plication technique and in 89.7% of the patients who underwent modified Nesbit plication, revealing no difference (P = .514). The rates of penile sensory loss (P = .001) and de-novo erectile dysfunction (P = .016) were significantly higher in the modified Nesbit corporoplasty than in the 16-dot plication technique, but rate of suture related complications was significantly higher in the 16-dot plication technique than in the modified Nesbit corporoplasty (P = .001). The patients with congenital penile curvature had significantly less ratio of postoperative penile length loss and de-novo erectile dysfunction than Peyronie's disease patients. CONCLUSION: Overall, both surgical techniques have very high success and satisfaction rates with very low complication rates. However, the types of complications are significantly different between the 2 surgical procedures. Therefore, patients with penile curvature should be informed about outcomes of penile plication procedures, and surgical method should be preferred based on patient's preference and surgeon's experience.

Optimizing collagenase Clostridium histolyticum therapy for Peyronie's disease using a novel approach with percutaneous needle tunnelling.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the efficacy and safety of a combined treatment of percutaneous needle tunnelling (PNT) and a modified collagenase Clostridium histolyticum (CCH) protocol (PNT/CCH) vs the modified protocol alone (CCH) in the treatment of Peyronie's disease (PD). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective registry of patients treated with a modified CCH protocol was maintained between June 2014 and February 2018. The last 50 patients received PNT as an adjuvant therapy (PNT/CCH), and their data were compared with those of the other 94 patients treated previously (CCH). PNT involves the creation of multiple holes made percutaneously in the plaque before each injection. The modified protocol consisted of two collagenase injections, at 1-week intervals, followed by penile modelling. Patients used penile traction therapy, tadalafil and pentoxifylline for the next 2 months and were followed up for 6 months. The main outcome was improvement of curvature. Secondary outcomes were improvements in erectile function, PD symptoms, stretched penile length and satisfaction. RESULTS: Improvement in curvature was greater in patients in the PNT/CCH group than in the CCH group (mean ± sd 19.2 ± 6.1° vs 12.7 ± 5.0°; P < 0.001 [36.2 ± 12.5% vs 28.1 ± 14.5%; P = 0.001]). Compared with baseline, both interventions were associated with significant improvement in secondary outcomes. The main complications were ecchymosis, bruising and penile pain, with no significant differences between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of PD with CCH using our modified protocol in combination with PNT is safe and more effective than the modified protocol alone, with the potential for improved cost-effectiveness.