Rises in Hematocrit Are Associated With an Increased Risk of Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Men Starting Testosterone Therapy: A Retrospective Cohort Claims Database Analysis.

PURPOSE: Elevated hematocrit (Hct) can result in increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in men receiving testosterone therapy (TTh). However, the impact of the magnitude of the change in Hct from baseline after starting TTh has never been assessed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To assess whether an increase in Hct after initiating TTh is associated with an increased risk of MACE within 3 and 24 months of initiating TTh, we queried the TriNetX Research network database for men over the age of 18 with Hct values obtained within 6 months before starting TTh, and who had follow-up Hct measurements within 3 and 24 months after beginning TTh from 2010 to 2021. Men with and without a subsequent increase in Hct after initiating TTh were propensity matched. MACE was defined as myocardial infarction, stroke, or death. RESULTS: After matching, 10,511 men who experienced an any increase in Hct after initiating TTh and an equal number of controls who did have an increase in Hct were included. Compared to controls who did not have an increase in Hct after starting TTh, the men who had an increase in subsequent Hct had a significantly increased risk of MACE compared to men with no change in Hct. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate that increases in Hct from baseline are associated with increased risk of MACE, compared to men whose Hct remains stable while receiving TTh.

Low-dose prednisone is an effective rescue for deteriorating semen parameters following vasovasostomy.

OBJECTIVE: This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of low-dose prednisone as a rescue therapy for patients with deteriorating semen parameters following vasovasostomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Electronic medical records were queried at the University of Miami with documented CPT code 55400 (Bilateral Vasovasostomy) between January 2016 and April 2023. Records were then reviewed to identify patients who demonstrated ≥50% decrease in semen parameters, specifically sperm concentration, motility and total motile sperm count. Patients who were treated with 6 weeks of low-dose prednisone were identified, and baseline semen parameters and subsequent changes after prednisone therapy were assessed. A Mann-Whitney U Test was used to compare semen parameter changes before and after prednisone. Adverse effects associated with prednisone were monitored. RESULTS: A total of 8 patients were identified with deteriorating semen parameters who were treated with 6 weeks of low-dose prednisone. Following prednisone therapy, all patients demonstrated improvements in total motile sperm count (TMSC), with a median improvement of 6 million. The median relative improvement in TMSC was 433%. Sperm concentration and motility also improved compared to post-operative baseline. No adverse effects were reported during the treatment period. CONCLUSIONS: Low-dose prednisone therapy appears to be a safe and effective intervention for managing deteriorating semen parameters following VV. The observed improvements in TMSC suggest the potential of prednisone to rescue patients with delayed failure after VV. Further research with larger sample sizes is warranted to confirm the safety and efficacy of low-dose prednisone as a rescue therapy in this specific patient population. Optimizing VV outcomes is crucial in male infertility, and further exploration of steroid therapy and innovative biotechnologies is warranted.

Comparison of Hematocrit Change in Testosterone-deficient Men Treated With Intranasal Testosterone Gel vs Intramuscular Testosterone Cypionate: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

PURPOSE: Our primary aim was to compare changes in hematocrit in testosterone-deficient men treated with intranasal testosterone gel vs intramuscular testosterone cypionate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This 2-arm, open-label, randomized trial recruited men with testosterone deficiency at the University of Miami between August 2020 and October 2022. Men with 2 total testosterone levels <350 ng/dL and hypogonadal symptoms, aged 18-75 years were randomly assigned to receive either intranasal testosterone gel 11 mg 3 times daily or intramuscular testosterone cypionate 200 mg every 2 weeks. The primary outcome was change in hematocrit after 4 months of treatment. Secondary outcomes were changes in serum testosterone, estradiol, prostate-specific antigen, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, and the 6-item International Index of Erectile Function. RESULTS: Of the 81 men randomized, 54 completed treatment (intranasal n=23; intramuscular n=31). The mean age was 47.5 vs 49.5 years, with mean baseline testosterone of 244.6 vs 240.7 ng/dL and mean hematocrit of 44.4% vs 42.7% in intranasal vs intramuscular groups, respectively. Men who received intramuscular injections had a significant increase after 4 months of treatment in mean hematocrit from 42.7% to 46.6% (P < .0001), but there was no significant change in men who received intranasal gel (P = .233). Men in both groups experienced significantly increased serum testosterone levels throughout the study period, though a larger increase was seen in men treated with intramuscular injections (mean change 511 vs 283, P = .025). Men who received injections also experienced an increase in estradiol (mean change 22.9, P < .001), decrease in 17-hydroxyprogesterone (mean change -39.8, P < .0001), and increase in the 6-item International Index of Erectile Function score (mean change 4.8, P = .015); men treated with intranasal gel experienced no such changes. Prostate-specific antigen levels were stable in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Intranasal testosterone gel does not appear to significantly affect hematocrit levels. Men who wish to avoid polycythemia or changes in estradiol or 17-hydroxyprogesterone levels may benefit from short-acting testosterone therapy formulations such as intranasal gel.

Secondary Polycythemia in Men Receiving Testosterone Therapy Increases Risk of Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events and Venous Thromboembolism in the First Year of Therapy.

PURPOSE: An unsafe hematocrit threshold for men receiving testosterone therapy (TT) has never been tested. This study seeks to determine whether secondary polycythemia among men receiving TT confers an increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and venous thromboembolic events (VTE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using a multi-institutional database of 74 million patients, we identified 2 cohorts of men with low testosterone (total testosterone <350 ng/dl) who received TT and subsequently either developed polycythemia (5,887) or did not (4,2784). Polycythemia was defined as hematocrit ≥52%. As a secondary objective, we identified 2 cohorts of hypogonadal men without polycythemia, who either did (26,880) or did not (27,430) receive TT. Our primary outcome was the incidence of MACE and VTE in the first year after starting TT. We conducted a Kaplan-Meier survival analysis to assess differences in MACE and VTE survival time, and measured associations following propensity score matching. RESULTS: A total of 5,842 men who received TT and developed polycythemia were matched and compared to 5,842 men who did not develop polycythemia. Men with polycythemia had a higher risk of MACE/VTE (number of outcomes: 301, 5.15%) than men who had normal hematocrit (226, 3.87%) while on TT (OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.13-1.61, p <0.001). In hypogonadal men who received testosterone, no increased risk of MACE and VTE was identified as compared to hypogonadal men naïve to TT. CONCLUSIONS: Developing polycythemia while on TT is an independent risk factor for MACE and VTE in the first year of therapy. Future research on the safety of TT should include hematocrit as an independent variable.

The Effect of Route of Testosterone on Changes in Hematocrit: A Systematic Review and Bayesian Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials.

PURPOSE: We sought to compare testosterone formulations and determine the degree that hematocrit increases vary by testosterone therapy formulation. As head-to-head trials are rare, network meta-analysis of the contemporary studies is the only way to compare hematocrit changes by testosterone type, including topical gels and patches, injectables (both short-acting and long-acting) and oral tablets. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a thorough search of listed publications in Scopus®, PubMed®, Embase®, Cochrane CENTRAL, and ClinicalTrials.gov. A total of 29 placebo-controlled randomized trials (3,393 men) met inclusion criteria for analysis of mean hematocrit change after testosterone therapy. Randomized controlled trial data for the following formulations of testosterone were pooled via network meta-analysis: gel, patch, oral testosterone undecanoate, intramuscular testosterone undecanoate, and intramuscular testosterone enanthate/cypionate. RESULTS: All types of testosterone therapies result in statistically significant increases in mean hematocrit when compared with placebo. Meta-analysis revealed all formulations, including gel (3.0%, 95% CI 1.8-4.3), oral testosterone undecanoate (4.3%, 0.7-8.0), patch (1.4%, 0.2-2.6), intramuscular testosterone enanthate/cypionate (4.0%, 2.9-5.1), and intramuscular testosterone undecanoate (1.6%, 0.3-3.0) result in statistically significant increases in mean hematocrit when compared with placebo. When comparing all formulations against one another, intramuscular testosterone cypionate/enanthate were associated with a significantly higher increase in mean hematocrit compared to patch, but no differences in hematocrit between other formulations were detected. CONCLUSIONS: All types of testosterone are associated with increased hematocrit; however, the clinical concern of this increase remains questionable, warranting future studies. This is the first network meta-analysis to quantify mean hematocrit change and compare formulations, given the absence of head-to-head trials.

Evaluation of Bacteria in a Novel In Vitro Biofilm Model of Penile Prosthesis.

BACKGROUND: Delayed infection, thought to be due to gradual biofilm formation, remains a feared complication after inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) insertion. Understanding and preventing biofilm formation is necessary to prevent infections. AIM: To develop an in vitro model and compare growth of biofilm by different bacteria on IPPs and evaluate the anti-infective efficacy of the Coloplast Titan and AMS 700 InhibiZone. METHODS: Sterile IPPs (Coloplast) were cut into rings and incubated with S. epidermidis, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, A. baumannii, or K. pneumoniae cultures in tryptic soy broth (TSB) (4 hour) to ensure adequate bacteria attachment, and then in only TSB (120 hours) to allow for biofilm formation. Rings were fixed with ethanol and biofilm measured by spectrophotometer (OD570) after crystal violet staining. This methodology was repeated for S. epidermidis and P. aeruginosa with Coloplast rings dipped in 10 ml of a 10 mg/ml Rifampin, 1 mg/ml Gentamicin, and deionized water solution and undipped AMS InhibiZone rings. Crystal violet assay (OD570) was repeated after incubation within bacteria (2 hour), and then only TSB (120 hours). OUTCOMES: The primary outcome of the study was OD570 readings, indirectly measuring biofilm mass on implant rings. RESULTS: S. epidermidis, S. aureus, A. baumannii, P. aeruginosa, and K. pneumoniae all formed significant biofilm. P. aeruginosa showed the strongest predilection to grow biofilm on IPPs. P. aeruginosa also formed significant biofilm on antibiotic-treated Coloplast and AMS rings, while S. epidermidis was inhibited. No significant difference was found in biofilm inhibition between the implants. CLINICAL TRANSLATION: Our findings suggest gram-negative bacteria may form biofilm more proficiently and quickly on IPPs than gram-positive organisms. Commonly used antibiotic treatments on IPPs may be effective against S. epidermidis but not against P. aeruginosa biofilm formation. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS: This is the first study comparing biofilm formation by different bacteria organisms on IPPs and the inhibitive ability of Coloplast and AMS implants against biofilm formation. Clinical data on organisms responsible for infected IPPs is needed to determine the clinical relevance of our findings. CONCLUSION: Our novel in vitro model of biofilm formation of IPPs evaluated the effect of a gentamicin/rifampin antibiotic dip on Coloplast Titan implants and the anti-infective capacity of the minocycline/rifampin precoated AMS 700 InhibiZone against S. epidermidis and P. aeruginosa. P. aeruginosa was able to grow on both antibiotic-treated implants, with no significant difference, and should continue to be a specific target of investigation to reduce delayed post-operative IPP infections. Narasimman M, Ory J, Bartra SS, et al. Evaluation of Bacteria in a Novel In Vitro Biofilm Model of Penile Prosthesis. J Sex Med 2022;19:1024-1031.

Testosterone Therapy is Associated With Depression, Suicidality, and Intentional Self-Harm: Analysis of a National Federated Database.

BACKGROUND: Long-term use of testosterone can be associated with mood destabilizing effects. Most studies investigating psychiatric complications of anabolic steroids have used small samples, but a comprehensive assessment of the risk of developing mental health disorders after testosterone use has not been performed at the population level. AIM: To determine whether testosterone therapy is associated with major depressive disorder or suicide attempts in men. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 70.3 million electronic health records collected from 46 healthcare organizations encompassing flagship hospitals, satellite hospitals, and outpatient clinics since 2008 to determine whether testosterone use is associated with major depressive disorder and suicide attempts in a large population. We included men 18 or older who either used testosterone or did not, defined by reported use, insurance claim, or prescription use of testosterone documented in the electronic health record. We propensity-score matched by age, race, ethnicity, obesity, and alcohol-related disorder. Additionally, a sub-group analysis was performed in testosterone deficient (<300 ng/dL) men comparing those with TD on testosterone therapy to a control group of men with TD who are not using testosterone. OUTCOMES: We determined measures of association with a new diagnosis of major depressive disorder and suicide attempt or intentional self-harm following testosterone use within 5 years. RESULTS: A total of 263,579 men who used testosterone and 17,838,316 men who did not were included in the analysis. Testosterone use was independently associated with both Major Depressive Disorder (OR 1.99, 95% CI 1.94-2.04, P < .0001) and Suicide Attempt/Intentional Self-Harm (OR 1.52, 95% CI 1.40-1.65, P < .0001). Results remained significant in testosterone deficient sub-group analysis. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Men who use testosterone should be screened for and counseled about risks of depression and suicidality. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: Strengths of this study include a large sample size, the ability to account for chronology of diagnoses, the use of propensity score matching to control for potentially confounding variables, and the consistency of results with sub-group analyses. Limitations include the potential for incorrect coding within the electronic health record, a lack of granular information regarding testosterone therapy adherence, the possibility that unrecorded testosterone or anabolic steroid use were prevalent but not captured within the control group, and a lack of data regarding testosterone withdrawal. CONCLUSION: Testosterone use is independently associated with new-onset mental health disorders. Future studies are necessary to elucidate the role that androgen withdrawal plays and whether a causal relationship exists. Nackeeran S, Patel MS, Nallakumar DT, et al. Testosterone Therapy is Associated With Depression, Suicidality, and Intentional Self-Harm: Analysis of a National Federated Database. J Sex Med 2022;19:933-939.

Persistent use of medical therapy after surgery for lower urinary tract symptoms: a retrospective database analysis.

PURPOSE: To determine how many men are able to remain off of medical therapy for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) following surgery for benign prostatic obstruction (BPO). METHODS: The TriNetX Analytics Network was used to identify men who were taking medical therapy for BPO (at least one of: alpha-1 blockers, anticholinergics, B3 agonists, or 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors) and subsequently underwent surgery for BPO. They were then placed into one of six cohorts, classified based on the type of surgery they received: transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), Laser vaporization of prostate (PVP), transurethral incision of the prostate (TUIP), prostatic urethral lift (PUL), water-vapor thermal therapy (WV), or Laser enucleation of the prostate (LEP). Our primary outcome was persistent use of medical therapy at 6-months-2-years postoperatively. Secondary outcome was surgical retreatment by 2 years postoperatively. Propensity-score matching (PSM) was used to control for various risk factors for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). RESULTS: A total of 21,475 men were identified who were on medical therapy and subsequently underwent surgery, which included 12,294 TURP, 5290 PVP, 397 WV, 1308 PUL, 346 TUIP, and 1840 LEP. Medication use between 6 months and 2 years after surgery was 38% for LEP, 50% for WV, 61% for TURP, 63% for PUL, 65% for TUIP and 66% for PVP. All surgical modalities had higher odds of using medications when compared to LEP (p < 0.001). This remained significant after PSM for 9 potentially confounding variables. CONCLUSION: A large percentage of men continue medical therapy after surgery for BPO. Amongst multiple surgical modalities available, LEP appears to have the highest rates of medication discontinuation after surgery. In men who wish to avoid medications or who have cardiac risk factors, a discussion with their urologist to select the best option to minimize medical therapy should occur.

Triaging urological surgeries to cope with the coronavirus-19 pandemic.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to strains on hospital resources and difficulties in safely and effectively triaging surgical procedures. In this article, we discuss the important considerations for triaging urologic surgeries during a global pandemic, mitigating factors on how to perform surgeries safely, and general guidelines for specific surgeries. RECENT FINDINGS: Many urological procedures have been cut back due to the pandemic, with benign disease states being most affected whereas oncology cases affected least. Current recommendations in urology triage life-threatening conditions, or conditions that may lead to life-threatening ailments as a priority for treatment during the pandemic. Additionally, published recommendations have been put forth recommending all surgical patients be screened for COVID-19 to protect staff, prevent disease dissemination, and to educate patients on worse outcomes that can occur if infected with COVID-19 in the postoperative period. SUMMARY: COVID-19 has caused worldwide shortages of healthcare resources and increased the need to ethically triage resources to adequately treat the urologic community. These resource limitations have led to increased wait times and cancellations of many urology surgeries that are considered 'elective'.

Fear about adverse effect on fertility is a major cause of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in the United States.

Although COVID-19 vaccine access has increased nationwide, vaccination rates have been slow-moving, with many studies showing significant vaccine hesitancy in the U.S. We conducted an online survey using Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk) to identify reasons for vaccine hesitancy among unvaccinated adults between June 30 and July 1, 2021. We found that 58% of unvaccinated respondents were worried about unknown long-term adverse effects. Of these, 41% believed that the COVID-19 vaccines can negatively impact reproductive health and or fertility, and 38% were unsure of the effects on fertility. Our study demonstrates that fear regarding COVID-19 vaccine adverse effects and belief that they can negatively impact fertility is a major cause of vaccine hesitancy in the United States. We identified that urban residents, married individuals, those born outside the U.S., those with health insurance, and people with higher education and income greater than $100,000 felt that the vaccine would affect fertility more than their counterparts did. Finally, we found that 48% of unvaccinated respondents cited 'more information and research conducted on the COVID-19 vaccines' as the action that would most encourage vaccine uptake.

Evaluation of Reproductive Parameters in Men with Solitary Testis.

PURPOSE: We evaluated reproductive parameters of men with a solitary testis compared to men with bilateral testes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional case-control study comparing infertility evaluation parameters in men with a solitary testis to men with 2 testes. Men presenting for fertility consultation with semen analysis data collected within 90 days of clinical and hormonal assessment were included. Differences in semen and hormonal levels were characterized using descriptive statistics, multivariate analysis on matched semen parameters and evaluation of hypogonadism subtypes. RESULTS: A total of 837 men were identified. After applying exclusion criteria, we analyzed 29/39 men (74%) with a solitary testis and compared them to 656/798 men (82%) with 2 testes. A 1:1 match on sperm concentration and motility showed follicle-stimulating hormone was more elevated in men with a solitary testis (median 13.9 mIU/ml, IQR 5.8-24.2) than in men with bilateral testes (5.0, 3.4-9.8, p=0.009). Men with bilateral testes were uniformly azoospermic after a follicle-stimulating hormone level of 25.0 mIU/ml, whereas men with a solitary testis had some sperm in the ejaculate at follicle-stimulating hormone levels as high as 54.6 mIU/ml. Testosterone levels were similar between men with a solitary testis (median 381 ng/dl, IQR 248-500) and 2 testes (387, 296-507). The prevalence of compensated hypogonadism (high luteinizing hormone and normal testosterone) was higher in men with a solitary testis (8/29, 28%) than in men with bilateral testes (54/656, 8.2%, p=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Men with a solitary testis have compensated pituitary strain as indicated by higher serum follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone levels for the same testosterone and semen parameters compared to men with bilateral testes. Followup is needed to evaluate any detrimental consequences of this compensated state that may lead to pituitary burnout and decreased testicular function.

Erectile Dysfunction is a Modifiable Risk Factor for Major Depressive Disorder: Analysis of a Federated Research Network.

BACKGROUND: Erectile dysfunction is one of many conditions associated with depression, but few studies exist to establish the risk of major depressive disorder (MDD) in the large population of men with erectile dysfunction, and it is unclear whether erectile dysfunction (ED) treatment is associated with decreased rates of MDD. AIM: We determined the risk of major depressive disorder in men with erectile dysfunction and evaluated whether treatment of ED with phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor or penile prosthesis is associated with a lower risk of developing major depressive disorder. METHODS: We reviewed a large, retrospective, cohort that utilized electronic health record data collected by the TriNetX Research Network, a global federated database that provides healthcare data for analysis. We performed multiple comparisons: men with ED against men without ED; men with ED treated with phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors against untreated ED patients, and of men with ED who received penile prosthesis against those who did not. We assessed major depressive disorder (ICD-10-CM F32-F33) as a primary outcome and used propensity score matching to control for ethnicity, race, type 2 diabetes mellitus (E11), essential hypertension (I10), acute myocardial infarction (I21), chronic ischemic heart disease (I25), cerebral infarction (I63), overweight and obesity (E66), personal history of nicotine (Z87.891), hypogonadism (E29.1), and alcohol related disorders (F10). OUTCOMES: We assessed new diagnosis of major depressive disorder (F32-F33) within a 3-year time window following index event of ED diagnosis, visit to healthcare organization, or ED treatment with phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor or penile prosthesis as the primary outcome. RESULTS: ED was associated with major depressive disorder both before and after (OR 2.00, 95% CI 1.94-2.06) controlling for confounding variables through propensity score matching. Men who received ED therapies had lower rates of depression compared to those who did not, whether they were treated with phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor (0.80, 0.77-0.83) or penile prosthesis (0.73, 0.60-0.89). STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: Strengths include a large sample size and robust statistical techniques. Limitations include lack of detailed information regarding clinical severity and socioeconomic factors. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Our findings indicate that clinicians should consider evaluating depressive symptoms among men with erectile dysfunction and counsel them regarding the risk of developing major depressive disorder. CONCLUSIONS: Erectile dysfunction is associated with major depressive disorder, but treatment is associated with decreased rates of MDD. S Nackeeran, A Havanur, J Ory, et al. Erectile Dysfunction is a Modifiable Risk Factor for Major Depressive Disorder: Analysis of a Federated Research Network. J Sex Med 2021;18:2005-2011.

The Effect of Transendocardial Stem Cell Injection on Erectile Function in Men With Cardiomyopathy: Results From the TRIDENT, POSEIDON, and TAC-HFT Trials.

BACKGROUND: Despite limited human data, there is a growing interest in the use of stem cell therapy (SCT) for erectile dysfunction (ED). AIM: To determine the effect of transendocardial stem cell injection on erectile function on men with cardiomyopathy and ED. METHODS: We used International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) scores collected from men enrolled in 3 separate randomized controlled trials: Comparison of Allogeneic vs Autologous Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Delivered by Transendocardial Injection in Patients With Ischemic Cardiomyopathy (POSEIDON), Transendocardial Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Mononuclear Bone Marrow Cells for Ischemic Cardiomyopathy (TAC-HFT), and Dose Comparison Study of Allogeneic Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Patients With Ischemic Cardiomyopathy (TRIDENT). These trials recruited patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy and ejection fraction less than 50%. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were identical in all 3 trials. The primary intervention in these trials included transendocardial stem cell injection of stem cells or placebo via cardiac catheterization. The follow-up period was 1 year. IIEF data were collected at baseline and at multiple time points in each trial. OUTCOMES: We investigated erectile function over time based on cell dose, cell source (autologous vs allogenic), cell type (mesenchymal stem cells vs bone marrow mononuclear cells), and comparing men who received SCT with those who received placebo. RESULTS: A total of 36 men were identified with complete IIEF data. 8 men received placebo injection, and 28 received SCT. The median age was 66.5 years. Comorbidities were similar among all men. Analysis was performed on men with ED, defined by an IIEF-EF score of 24 or less. In the placebo and all-comer SCT group, the median IIEF-EF score was 5 [1-8] and 5 [1-15] at baseline and was 3.5 [3-5.8] and 7 [1-18] at 12 months (P > .05). When analyzed by cell dose, the IIEF-EF score in men who received 200 million cells increased significantly over 12 months (14 [4-23] to 20 [15-24.5], P = .014.) Similarly, an autologous cell source resulted in a similar increase from baseline to 12 months (14 [3.8-23.3] to 20 [12-22], P = .030). CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Erectile function may improve after systemic delivery of SCT in men with ischemic cardiomyopathy and at least mild ED. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS: This post hoc analysis is the first to investigate the effect of SCT on erectile function using randomized, placebo-controlled data. Weaknesses include that ED was not a primary end point, and men were not originally recruited based on erectile function. CONCLUSION: Future trials on systemic delivery of SCT for ED should focus on high cell dose and autologous cell source, as these seem to provide the best response in men with at least mild ED. Ory J, Saltzman RG, Blachman-Braun R, et al. The Effect of Transendocardial Stem Cell Injection on Erectile Function in Men With Cardiomyopathy: Results From the TRIDENT, POSEIDON, and TAC-HFT Trials. J Sex Med 2020;17:695-701.

Cavernous hemangioma of the adrenal gland mimicking a hepatic hemangioma.

Adrenal cavernous hemangiomas are a rare, benign, and non-functional tumor. We report a case of a 62-year-old male who presented with right upper quadrant and flank pain. Physical examination revealed a fullness of the right upper quadrant. Both computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging suggested a hemangioma originating from the liver. During angiography with the intent of embolization, it was discovered that the vascular supply was consistent with an adrenal mass rather than a hepatic origin. The patient was referred to Urology and underwent curative right open adrenalectomy and nephrectomy. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of an adrenal cavernous hemangioma.

Testosterone Therapy in Patients with Treated and Untreated Prostate Cancer: Impact on Oncologic Outcomes.

PURPOSE: Testosterone deficiency and prostate cancer have an increasing prevalence with age. However, because of the relationship between prostate cancer and androgen receptor activation, testosterone therapy among patients with known prostate cancer has been approached with caution. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We identified a cohort of 82 hypogonadal men with prostate cancer who were treated with testosterone therapy. They included 50 men treated with radiation therapy, 22 treated with radical prostatectomy, 8 on active surveillance, 1 treated with cryotherapy and 1 who underwent high intensity focused ultrasound. We monitored prostate specific antigen, testosterone, hemoglobin, biochemical recurrence and prostate specific antigen velocity. RESULTS: Median patient age was 75.5 years and median followup was 41 months. We found an increase in testosterone (p <0.001) and prostate specific antigen (p = 0.001) in the entire cohort. Prostate specific antigen increased in patients on active surveillance. However, no patients were upgraded to higher Gleason score on subsequent biopsies and none have yet gone on to definitive treatment. We did not note any biochemical recurrence among patients treated with radical prostatectomy but 3 (6%) treated with radiation therapy experienced biochemical recurrence. It is unclear whether these cases were related to testosterone therapy or reflected the natural biology of the disease. We calculated mean prostate specific antigen velocity as 0.001, 0.12 and 1.1 µg/l per year in the radical prostatectomy, radiation therapy and active surveillance groups, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In the absence of randomized, placebo controlled trials our study supports the hypothesis that testosterone therapy may be oncologically safe in hypogonadal men after definitive treatment or in those on active surveillance for prostate cancer.

A Comparative Analysis of Ergonomic Risk Utilizing the 4K-3D Exoscope Versus Standard Operating Microscope for Male Fertility Microsurgery.

OBJECTIVE: To stratify ergonomic risk in a urologic microsurgeon using the 4K-3D exoscope versus the operating microscope (OM) with wearable technology. METHODS: The surgeon was calibrated with wearable sensor inertial measurement units (IMUs) on the head and upper arms. Each inertial measurement units contained an accelerometer, magnetometer, and gyroscope to measure surgeon joint angle change during microscopic procedures for male fertility. The validated modified rapid upper limb assessment was used to determine the proportion of time spent in ranges of risk. Categories 1-4 were assigned for the head and upper extremities (4= highest ergonomic risk). Chi-squared analysis was used to analyze differences in proportions. RESULTS: A total of 500 and 479 minutes from 4K-3D exoscope and OM guided surgeries were analyzed. The 4K-3D exoscope significantly favored upper arm category 1 positioning compared to the OM (56.2% vs 37.7%; P < .0001). The OM exposed the surgeon to higher category 3 positioning (14.6% vs 1.6%; P <.0001). More time was spent with the neck "extended" using the 4K-3D exoscope (51.8% vs 19.5%; P < .0001) with 67% of neck extension between 0-10° (category 1). Overall, more time was spent with the neck in risk group 1-2 with the OM (P < .0001). CONCLUSION: The 4K-3D exoscope offers favorable ergonomic positioning for the upper extremities which may reduce work stress-related injury. More operative time was spent with the neck in mild extension with 4K-3D exoscope utilization. However, the OM favored longer operative times in low-risk neck ergonomic positions.

Comparing Rates of Polycythemia in Hypogonadal Men Using Nasal Testosterone Gel Versus Intramuscular Testosterone: Update of a Randomized Clinical Trial.

Men with hypogonadism who use intranasal testosterone are less likely to develop polycythemia than men using intramuscular testosterone cypionate.