Lightweight macroporous mesh can be used for corporal reconstruction during penile prosthesis surgery.

BACKGROUND: Options to reinforce or reconstruct the corpora cavernosa during penile prosthesis surgery are limited. Synthetic grafts may confer a higher infection risk. Lightweight macroporous mesh is a promising alternative due to better integration and tissue ingrowth. AIM: The study sought to report the first experience of using lightweight mesh to reinforce or reconstruct the corpora. METHODS: The medical records of all patients undergoing insertion or revision of penile prosthesis between May 2016 and May 2021 were reviewed retrospectively. Patient characteristics, management, and outcomes were extracted in which mesh was used for corporal reconstruction. Poliglecaprone-25/polypropylene mesh (UltraPro) was used in all cases. The surgical technique and alternatives were summarized. OUTCOMES: The outcomes were infection rate, postoperative complications by Clavien-Dindo classification, and patient-reported outcomes. RESULTS: Mesh was required during penile prosthesis surgery in 21 men (median age 56 [range, 18-74] years). Reasons for reconstruction were severe corporal fibrosis (n = 6), impending erosion (n = 6), crossover/perforation (n = 6), congenital corporal agenesis (n = 2), and excision of Peyronie's plaque. All but 2 patients (with corporal agenesis) presented for revision penile prosthesis surgery with a median number of previous revision attempts of 2 (range, 1-5). Two (10%) patients required explant after a mean follow-up of 23 ± 8.7 months. One man developed infection of the device 2 years after surgery, translating to an infection rate of 5% despite a high prevalence of diabetes (25%) in this cohort. Another required explantation due to debilitating chronic pain after 3 months. Further revision surgery for stiction syndrome was required in a third patient. Finally, another man was not satisfied with the position of the pump within the scrotum or the axial rigidity of the device, despite a second opinion suggesting no issues with the device. All men were sexually active following surgery. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: A lightweight mesh can be considered to reinforce or reconstruct the corpora cavernosa in complex cases in which there are no alternative techniques available. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: This is the first study using a lightweight macroporous mesh for revision penile prosthesis surgery. This was a well-characterized cohort of patients. A larger cohort with 5-year follow-up would be preferable. CONCLUSION: These early results suggest that a lightweight macroporous mesh may be an acceptable synthetic graft for corporal reconstruction. Poliglecaprone-25/polypropylene mesh may be ideal because it is partially absorbable, easy to handle, and not bulky.

Erectile device insertion following phalloplasty in transgender and non-binary individuals assigned female at birth: a narrative review.

Genital gender affirmation surgery (gGAS) for individuals assigned female at birth (AFAB) is complex and requires the staged insertion of an erectile device to permit penetrative intercourse. This final stage of gGAS is challenging, owing to the variable anatomy and lack of supportive structures within the neophallus when compared with erectile device insertion for individuals assigned male at birth. There is a paucity in the literature at present regarding erectile device insertion in trans-sex AFAB patients. Hence, a narrative review following a literature review and supplemented by expert opinion from a high-volume centre of expertise is presented. The choices available for erectile device in this patient cohort are discussed. Principle surgical steps required for this complex surgery is outlined along with the recommended postoperative management of the patient. Postoperative outcomes and complications are also summarised in this fast-developing surgical procedure.

Insertion of inflatable penile prosthesis in the neophallus of assigned female at birth individuals: a systematic review of surgical techniques, complications and outcomes.

Devices such as inflatable penile prostheses (IPP) can be used to achieve erectile rigidity after phalloplasty in assigned female at birth (AFAB) individuals. The approach to inserting an IPP in a neophallus is different and more challenging compared to that of an anatomical penis due to the absence of anatomical structures such as the corpora cavernosa, and the more tenuous blood supply of the neophallus and reconstructed urethra. In addition, the ideal surgical techniques and devices for use in the neophallus have not been defined. This review systematically summarises the literature on the insertion of IPP in the neophallus of individuals AFAB. In particular, the described techniques, types of devices used and peri-operative and patient-reported outcomes are emphasised. An initial search of the PubMed database was performed on 16 September 2022 and an updated search was performed on 26 May 2023. Overall, 185 articles were screened for eligibility and 15 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. Two studies reported outcomes on the zephyr surgical implant 475 FTM device and the others reported outcomes on the Boston Scientific AMS 600/700TM CX 3-piece inflatable, AMS AmbicorTM 2-piece inflatable, Coloplast Titan® or Dynaflex devices. Overall, 1106 IPPs were analysed. The infection rate was 4.2%-50%, with most studies reporting an infection rate of <30%. Mechanical failure or dysfunction occurred in 1.4%-36.4%, explantation was required in 3.3%-41.6%, and implant revision or replacement was performed in 6%-70%. Overall, 51.4%-90.6% of patients were satisfied and 77%-100% were engaging in sexual intercourse. An IPP in a neophallus is an acceptable option to achieve rigidity for sexual intercourse. However, this challenging procedure has good reports of patient and partner satisfaction despite significant risks of complications.

Anterolateral Thigh Flap Phalloplasty for Individuals Assigned Female at Birth.

Anterolateral thigh flap phalloplasty is a suitable alternative for individuals assigned female at birth who do not want a visible donor site, but careful patient selection is essential to reduce the risk of complications.

Urological and Gynaecological Considerations for the Use of Gonadotropin-releasing Hormone Analogues in Transgender and Nonbinary Adolescents: A Narrative Review.

CONTEXT: Gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues (GnRHAs) delay the progression of puberty in transgender and nonbinary (TGNB) adolescents and reduce the impact of dysphoria due to ongoing physical development. The intervention remains contentious despite growing evidence to support this practice. OBJECTIVE: To stimulate discussion on this topical issue in the urological and gynaecological community given potential ramifications for future fertility, physical development, and options for gender affirmation surgery (GAS). EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: We conducted searches of the MEDLINE (from 1946) and Embase (from 1974) databases for the benefits and potential challenges of hormone blockade in TGNB adolescents on February 1, 2022. Evidence with a primary focus on clinical issues of interest to urologists and gynaecologists was objectively synthesised and reported. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: The onset of puberty represents a period of distress for TGNB adolescents as secondary sexual characteristics develop. GnRHAs are prescribed to inhibit sex hormone production, but the decision to treat should be balanced against the known (and unknown) adverse effects. Fertility preservation is more likely to be successful if GnRHA treatment is delayed for as long as possible. Some adolescents may decide to stop GnRHA use to harvest spermatozoa or oocytes before starting gender-affirming hormone treatment. Transfeminine individuals should consider that options for genital GAS may become more limited, as vaginoplasty with penile skin inversion requires an adequate stretched penile length. Transmasculine individuals may no longer require chest reconstruction for breast development. CONCLUSIONS: Offers of GnRHA treatment to TGNB adolescents should be balanced by careful preparation and counselling. Urologists and gynaecologists can complement the expertise of specialist psychosocial and adolescent endocrinology teams, and should be involved early in and throughout the treatment pathway to maximise future functional and surgical outcomes. PATIENT SUMMARY: Puberty blockers for transgender and nonbinary adolescents have benefits, but timing is important to preserve fertility and surgical options.

Phalloplasty following penectomy for penile cancer.

Objective: Penile reconstruction or phalloplasty following penectomy can be offered where the functional penile length is inadequate for a man to void while standing or to have sexual intercourse. Phalloplasty is usually staged due to the complex surgical techniques required. This narrative review describes the technical concepts and summarises the contemporary outcomes following phalloplasty in this challenging cohort. Methods: A retrospective review of the English literature was performed between January 1946 till November 2021. The data were synthesised and complemented by the expert opinion of the authors with 20 years of experience in this field. The flaps are ideally designed with an integrated urethra or alternatively, a further free flap urethroplasty can be offered. Phalloplasty is further complicated following penectomy by scarring from the previous surgery and the potential loss of structures that would normally be present at the recipient site. Results: There are limited published data with a total of 19 men recorded in the literature. Only the radial artery forearm free flap and anterolateral thigh flap have been described in this cohort of patients. Functional outcomes including standing micturition, sensation in the neophallus, and the ability to orgasm are good. Overall quality of life and satisfaction was also good despite the high risk for long-term complications of the neophallus and donor site. Conclusion: Phalloplasty following penectomy requires microsurgical transfer of a free flap or a pedicled flap to reconstruct a neophallus. An erectile device is inserted at a later stage to facilitate sexual intercourse, if desired. Surgical scarring from penectomy and the potential loss of vasculature that would normally be present at the recipient site may further complicate reconstruction. Surgical and functional outcomes are acceptable based on the limited published experience to date.

Genital Reconstruction following Fournier's Gangrene.

INTRODUCTION: Fournier's gangrene is a urological emergency, comprising of type I necrotizing fasciitis resulting in anatomic defects affecting the perineum, perianal region, and external genitalia in both men and women, often requiring reconstruction. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this article is to provide a comprehensive review of the different reconstructive techniques for Fournier's gangrene. METHODS: A literature search was performed on PubMed with the search terms "Fournier"s gangrene" "genital reconstruction" and "Fournier's gangrene phalloplasty." The European Association of Urology's guidelines on Urological infections were also consulted for recommendations. RESULTS: Reconstructive procedures include primary closure, scrotal advancement flaps, fasciocutaneous flaps, myocutaneous flaps, skin grafts, and phalloplasty. There is insufficient evidence to support that flaps lead to better outcomes than skin grafts, or vice versa, particularly for scrotal defects. Both techniques have been shown to have satisfactory aesthetic results, with good skin color match and natural scrotal contour. With regards to phalloplasty, there is a lack of data specifically relating to Fournier's gangrene, as most articles were addressed toward gender affirmation surgery. Furthermore, there is a lack of guidelines in both the immediate and reconstructive management of Fournier's gangrene. Lastly, the outcomes reported following reconstructive surgery have been objective rather than subjective, meaning that patient satisfaction was rarely recorded. CONCLUSION: Further research is required in the field of reconstructive surgery specific to Fournier's gangrene, which should also take into consideration patient demographics and subjective reports regarding cosmesis and sexual function. Michael P, Peiris B, Ralph D, et al. Genital Reconstruction following Fournier's Gangrene. Sex Med Rev 2022;10:800-812.

Gender Affirmation Surgery, Transmasculine.

Transmasculine genital gender affirmation surgery (GAS) is evolving rapidly due to social and surgical advances over recent decades. Important innovations include the use of free or pedicled sensate tissue flaps with integrated urethra coupled with an improved understanding of how best to offer inclusive care. Disappointingly, most publications have thus far failed to address standardization, classification systems, and prospective trials to help guide shared decision making. This narrative review highlights contemporary techniques, controversies, and innovations while addressing gaps in the literature and future directions for research.

Long-term outcomes of peritoneal dialysis catheters inserted by laparoscopic and percutaneous techniques in a single regional dialysis centre.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive insertion of catheters for peritoneal dialysis can be performed laparoscopically or percutaneously under image guidance. In Geelong (Victoria, Australia) both methods are used. Our aim was to analyse the outcomes of all catheters inserted by both laparoscopic and percutaneous techniques and compare them against published studies from tertiary referral centres. METHODS: Data were collected retrospectively on all patients who had their catheter inserted (since 2006) within the Geelong regional service. We compared the outcomes of percutaneous catheter insertion under image guidance (percutaneous group, n = 29) with the laparoscopic catheter placement technique (laparoscopic group, n = 61). Perioperative, follow-up and catheter outcome data were collected. There were no exclusion criteria. Analysis was performed using the unpaired student t-test and chi-squared test. RESULTS: Ninety catheters were inserted between 2006 and 2017 in mostly male patients (63%) with a mean age of 60 ± 0.4 years. The most common aetiology of chronic kidney disease was diabetic nephropathy (34%). Percutaneous insertion required less operative time, shorter hospital stay and earlier initiation of peritoneal dialysis. In the longer term, percutaneous catheters were more likely to migrate and laparoscopic catheters were more durable but more often associated with peritonitis. Thirty-day complication rates did not differ between both groups. No Clavien-Dindo grade 3 or 4 complication was reported. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic insertion of peritoneal dialysis catheters at our centre is performed safely and with patient outcomes comparable to published literature. Percutaneous insertion represents a safe and effective alternative based on the study findings.

A Rare Cause of Autoinflation after Penile Prosthesis Insertion: Case Series and Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: In 2016, we reported the first case of high flow priapism and arteriocavernosal fistula caused by penile prosthesis insertion that mimicked device autoinflation. AIM: To raise awareness amongst implanters, we describe further cases from our institution and perform a systematic review of the literature to understand the rarity of this phenomenon. METHODS: Patient demographics, management and outcomes were extracted retrospectively. A systematic search of the EMBASE, PubMed and PubMed Central libraries for studies reporting arteriocavernosal fistula mimicking autoinflation since 1946 was performed. OUTCOMES: To identify and report all known cases of high flow priapism and arteriocavernosal fistula presenting as autoinflation of an inflatable penile prosthesis. RESULTS: Four patients in total (median age 56, range 46-60 years) were identified. Catastrophic bleeding (1.8L) occurred during revision surgery for presumed autoinflation in Patient 1 and subsequent ultrasound (US) confirmed a fistula which was embolized. Patient 2 redeveloped autoinflation following revision surgery. Ultrasound confirmed high flow priapism from an arteriocavernosal fistula. Patient 3 underwent penile magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to investigate autoinflation and residual penile curvature. MRI showed a tumescent penis despite a deflated device and the fistula was embolized successfully. Patient 4 with sleep-related painful erections did not improve following insertion of penile prosthesis. Doppler US identified 2 fistulae that was embolized but with no resolution of symptoms. Subsequent embolization of both common penile arteries were done to control his symptoms. No other publications apart from the published abstract from 2016 reporting patient 1 was found. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: If considered prior to revision surgery, the fistula can be managed safely by minimally invasive percutaneous angioembolisation avoiding surgery which can potentially be associated with significant complications. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: The rarity of this phenomenon was supported by a systematic review. Our study however does present the findings from a small number of patients. CONCLUSION: Damage to the cavernosal artery during inflatable penile prosthesis insertion can create an arteriocavernosal fistula that mimics autoinflation, leading to catastrophic intra-operative bleeding or unnecessary surgery. Lee WG, Satchi M, Skrodzka M, et al. A Rare Cause of Autoinflation after Penile Prosthesis Insertion: Case Series and Systematic Review. J Sex Med 2022;19:879-886.

Advances in Penile Prosthesis Surgery: A Clinical Update.

Despite the introduction of effective oral pharmacotherapy for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED), penile implants are still the standard care for patients who do not respond well to medical therapy. Since the first inflatable penile implant surgery was performed almost 40 years ago, a variety of improvements in the penile prosthesis design, and advancements in material science, surgical technique, and post-operative care have been developed to increase patients' satisfaction, as well as that of their partners. Penile implants have evolved vastly during that same time frame and now represent the cutting-edge technology, durability, and function. Here, advancements are reviewed with a focus upon recent developments in surgical techniques and device technology.

Genital Reconstruction following Fournier's Gangrene.

INTRODUCTION: Fournier's gangrene is a urological emergency, comprising of type I necrotizing fasciitis resulting in anatomic defects affecting the perineum, perianal region, and external genitalia in both men and women, often requiring reconstruction. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this article is to provide a comprehensive review of the different reconstructive techniques for Fournier's gangrene. METHODS: A literature search was performed on PubMed with the search terms "Fournier"s gangrene" "genital reconstruction" and "Fournier's gangrene phalloplasty." The European Association of Urology's guidelines on Urological infections were also consulted for recommendations. RESULTS: Reconstructive procedures include primary closure, scrotal advancement flaps, fasciocutaneous flaps, myocutaneous flaps, skin grafts, and phalloplasty. There is insufficient evidence to support that flaps lead to better outcomes than skin grafts, or vice versa, particularly for scrotal defects. Both techniques have been shown to have satisfactory aesthetic results, with good skin color match and natural scrotal contour. With regards to phalloplasty, there is a lack of data specifically relating to Fournier's gangrene, as most articles were addressed toward gender affirmation surgery. Furthermore, there is a lack of guidelines in both the immediate and reconstructive management of Fournier's gangrene. Lastly, the outcomes reported following reconstructive surgery have been objective rather than subjective, meaning that patient satisfaction was rarely recorded. CONCLUSION: Further research is required in the field of reconstructive surgery specific to Fournier's gangrene, which should also take into consideration patient demographics and subjective reports regarding cosmesis and sexual function.

Penile Reconstruction and the Role of Surgery in Gender Dysphoria.

Gender dysphoria is the distress that occurs when there is a mismatch between birth-assigned gender and expressed gender. Penile reconstruction may ameliorate the risk of suicide due to mental illness, social harassment, and isolation commonly experienced by these individuals. The ideal aim is to allow micturition while standing and penetrative intercourse with full sensation, but there is no universal agreement on the ideal flap design. Contemporary options for penile reconstruction include metoidioplasty and phalloplasty using either a pedicled or free flap. The most common flap currently performed is the radial artery forearm free flap. Secondary procedures following phalloplasty may include glansplasty, scrotoplasty, and insertion of penile and testicular prostheses. Patient summary: Penile reconstruction is offered to transgender men as part of their transition from female to male. Penile reconstruction may ameliorate the high risk of suicide due to mental illness, social harassment, and isolation commonly experienced by these individuals. Many techniques can be used for penile reconstruction with good outcomes, but none can fully satisfy all the needs of individuals seeking penile reconstruction.

The use of portable video media vs standard verbal communication in the urological consent process: a multicentre, randomised controlled, crossover trial.

OBJECTIVES: To determine if portable video media (PVM) improves patient's knowledge and satisfaction acquired during the consent process for cystoscopy and insertion of a ureteric stent compared to standard verbal communication (SVC), as informed consent is a crucial component of patient care and PVM is an emerging technology that may help improve the consent process. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this multi-centre randomised controlled crossover trial, patients requiring cystoscopy and stent insertion were recruited from two major teaching hospitals in Australia over a 15-month period (July 2014-December 2015). Patient information delivery was via PVM and SVC. The PVM consisted of an audio-visual presentation with cartoon animation presented on an iPad. Patient satisfaction was assessed using the validated Client Satisfaction Questionnaire 8 (CSQ-8; maximum score 32) and knowledge was tested using a true/false questionnaire (maximum score 28). Questionnaires were completed after first intervention and after crossover. Scores were analysed using the independent samples t-test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test for the crossover analysis. RESULTS: In all, 88 patients were recruited. A significant 3.1 point (15.5%) increase in understanding was demonstrable favouring the use of PVM (P < 0.001). There was no difference in patient satisfaction between the groups as judged by the CSQ-8. A significant 3.6 point (17.8%) increase in knowledge score was seen when the SVC group were crossed over to the PVM arm. A total of 80.7% of patients preferred PVM and 19.3% preferred SVC. Limitations include the lack of a validated questionnaire to test knowledge acquired from the interventions. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates patients' preference towards PVM in the urological consent process of cystoscopy and ureteric stent insertion. PVM improves patient's understanding compared with SVC and is a more effective means of content delivery to patients in terms of overall preference and knowledge gained during the consent process.