The efficacy, safety, and outcomes of testosterone use among transgender men patients: A review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Gender dysphoria is the discrepancy between biological sex and gender identity. This can be debilitating for transgender populations, including transgender men (TM), individuals who were assigned female at birth but who identify as men, that can benefit from hormonal therapy with testosterone products to address gender dysphoria. METHODS: We aim to summarize the efficacy, safety profile, and outcomes of the different testosterone replacement treatment (TRT) in the TM population. A search of the published literature regarding the various FDA-approved TRT was performed in PubMed, Web of Science and Cochrane Library from 2007 to date. RESULTS: We complied two groups of TRT based on route of administration including the conventional testosterone therapies (intramuscular and subcutaneous injectables, and transdermal gels) and newer testosterone therapies (oral, buccal, and nasal gels). For the conventional testosterone therapies, we identified nine studies discussed conventional TRT in TM population including one randomized trial, four prospective studies, one retrospective study and three reviews. For newer testosterone therapies, we identified three studies discussed newer TRT in TM population including one prospective study and two reviews. Articles were then compiled and analyzed. Albeit majority of TRT data stemming from conventional TRT, there appear to be an overwhelmingly safety and efficacy profile in TM population translated with increased free testosterone levels comparable to male range, menses cessation, anxiety/depression decline and improved quality of life. CONCLUSION: Testosterone therapy can be impactful for TM population with improved safety, efficiency, quality of life and function. With the rise of the newer FDA-approved TRT, randomized studies are warranted to determine its safety and efficacity in this TM population.

A Systematic Review of Partner Satisfaction After Penile Prosthesis with Special Emphasis on LGBTQ + Populations.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Despite the current surgical advances and patients' satisfactions after penile prosthesis (PP) implantation, there has been paucity of data on reported partner satisfaction and their quality-of-life (QoL). Our objective was to summarize the current literature on partner satisfaction for both heterosexual and non-heterosexual populations, respectively. We specifically conducted a systematic review according to the Cochrane and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) standards, and stratified studies into three tiers by methodological rigor. RECENT FINDINGS: After an initial search of 172 articles, 33 studies met the inclusion criteria for the final review: 30 for heterosexual partner satisfaction, and 3 for LGBTQ patient satisfaction were included due to lack of published literature on partner satisfaction for LGBTQ patients. For heterosexual partner satisfaction, 10 studies were classified as Tier 1, 11 studies were classified as Tier 2, and 9 studies were classified as Tier 3. From an initial search of 13 records, three studies consisting of 272 patients met the inclusion criteria for our LGBTQ review. Across all the tiers, studies noted satisfaction rates between 50 and 90% and improved satisfaction and sexual QoL metrics compared to pre-surgery rates. That said, partner satisfaction rates were also consistently lower than patient satisfaction rates. Although the range of evidence quality varies, the available literature suggests significant improvements in and relatively high rates of partner satisfaction after PP implantation. Given the diversity of study designs and widespread use of non-validated or non-specific questionnaires in the current literature, future research should focus on prospective studies and/or data collection using validated, PP-specific questionnaires.

Aesthetic Penile Augmentation Procedures: A Comprehensive and Current Perspective.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Some men experience small penis syndrome (SPS), a body dysmorphic disorder in which a patient believes their penis to be small even when it is clinically average. As cosmetic surgery becomes more widely accepted, management of SPS may present a challenge for urologists. We aim to provide an updated review of aesthetic penile augmentation procedures. RECENT FINDINGS: Augmentation procedures range from invasive to noninvasive. Surgical solutions include grafts and flaps, suspensory ligament release, and suprapubic lipectomy. Minimally invasive solutions include injections of fillers (hyaluronic acid, polylactic acid, and polymethyl methacrylate). Noninvasive solutions include external devices such as vacuum pumps and traction devices. In the current climate, aesthetic penile augmentation is becoming a desirable option for many patients but remains clinically controversial. Our review summarizes recent and relevant studies and demonstrates the need for further research and consensus on penile augmentation procedures.

Self-Induced Trauma to the Genitalia: a Review of the Literature and Management Schemes.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Self-induced genital trauma is rare, and prompt and evidence-based early intervention can improve the urinary and sexual function of these complex patients. This review has surveyed current literature and treatment trends to evaluate the clinical approach to managing genital trauma. RECENT FINDINGS: A literature review was performed regarding self-induced genitalia trauma and trauma management between 2000 and 2019 using MEDLINE® database, the Cochrane Library® Central Search, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. In total, 42 articles were considered relevant and included in this review. Self-induced trauma can be appropriately managed with a multidisciplinary approach. Treatment goals are to preserve urinary, sexual, and reproductive function. Specific evaluation includes mechanism of injury, imaging, and determining the extent of injury and surgical repair, if indicated. Due to the rarity of these injuries and their emergent nature, much of the management is based on retrospective data. Further research is needed to improve long-term functional outcomes in trauma patients.

Renal Trauma Classification and Management: Validating the Revised Renal Injury Grading Scale.

PURPOSE: To better characterize traumatic renal injury a revision to the 1989 American Association for the Surgery of Trauma renal injury scale was proposed in which grade IV includes all collecting system and segmental vascular injuries and grade V includes main renal hilar injury. We sought to validate the 2009 grading scale, emphasizing reclassifications between the 1989 and 2009 versions, and subsequent management. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patient demographics and renal injury characteristics, computerized tomography imaging, radiology reports and subsequent management were recorded in a prospective trauma database. Multivariable logistic regression models for intervention were compared using 1989 and 2009 grades to evaluate which grading scale better predicted management. RESULTS: Of 256 renal injury cases 56 (21.9%) were reclassified using the revised 2009 scale, including 50 (19.5%) which were upgraded, 6 (2.3%) which were downgraded and 200 (78.1%) which were unchanged. Of grade III or higher cases management was nonoperative in 112 (78.9%), angioembolization in 9 (6.3%), nephrectomy in 9 (6.3%) and renorrhaphy in 12 (8.5%). Management was significantly associated with original and revised grades (chi-square p=0.02 and <0.001, respectively). Further, the multivariable model using the 2009 grades significantly outperformed the 1989 model. Radiology reports rarely included renal injury scales. CONCLUSIONS: Using the revised renal injury grading scale led to more definitive classification of renal injury and a stronger association with renal trauma management. Applying the revised criteria may facilitate and improve the multidisciplinary care of renal trauma.

Perioperative Outcomes Following Partial Nephrectomy Performed on Patients Remaining on Antiplatelet Therapy.

PURPOSE: We evaluated the risk of bleeding complications in patients undergoing partial nephrectomy in whom perioperative antiplatelet therapy was continued, as antiplatelet therapy is increasingly used and hemorrhage is a significant concern in partial nephrectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this 2-center retrospective analysis 1,097 patients underwent partial nephrectomy between 2000 and 2014. The cohort was split into 3 groups of perioperative continuation of antiplatelet therapy (group 1-67), antiplatelet therapy stopped preoperatively (group 2-254) and no chronic antiplatelet therapy (group 3-776). Bleeding complications were defined as any transfusion, or any hospital readmission or secondary procedure performed for hemorrhage. Multivariable analysis was performed to elucidate independent risk factors for bleeding complications. RESULTS: Patients in group 1 were older (median age 66 years vs 64 and 57 years in groups 2/3, p <0.0001), and had greater comorbidity (median ASA classification score 3 vs 2 and 2, p <0.0001). Group 1 had a higher rate of bleeding complications (20.9% vs 7.1% and 6.4%, p <0.0001) and transfusions (16.4% vs 5.9% and 5.4%, p=0.002). Multivariable analysis revealed continued antiplatelet therapy was an independent predictor of bleeding complications (OR 2.19, 95% CI 1.06-4.51, p=0.03). These findings appear attributable to intraoperative clopidogrel use. On multivariable analysis the use of aspirin alone was not associated with bleeding complications (OR 1.64, 95% CI 0.72-3.75, p=0.24). CONCLUSIONS: The risk of bleeding complications due to antiplatelet therapy use at partial nephrectomy may be due to clopidogrel. The need to continue perioperative aspirin alone does not appear to be a contraindication to the safe performance of partial nephrectomy.

Impact of tumor histology and grade on treatment success of percutaneous renal cryoablation.

BACKGROUND: We analyzed oncological outcomes in patients who underwent percutaneous renal cryoablation (PRC) with documented renal cell carcinoma (RCC) by perioperative biopsy. METHODS: Multicenter retrospective analysis of 153 patients [median follow-up 48 months] who underwent PRC from 09/2005 to 08/2014 was performed. We divided the cohort into patients who developed recurrence versus no recurrence. Kaplan-Meier analyses examined recurrence-free survival (RFS) according to grade and histology. Multivariable analysis (MVA) was performed to identify factors associated with tumor recurrence. RESULTS: One hundred and fifty-three patients were analyzed [18 patients (11.8 %) with recurrence and 135 (88.2 %) patients without recurrence]. There were no differences between the groups with respect to demographics, RENAL score, and number of probes utilized. Recurrence group had larger tumor size (3.1 vs. 2.4 cm; p = 0.011), upper pole tumor location (p = 0.016), and greater proportions of high-grade tumor (33 vs. 0.7 %; p < 0.001) and clear cell histology (77.8 vs. 45.9 %; p = 0.011). Four-year RFS was 100 versus 80 % for grade 1 versus grade 2/3 tumors (p = 0.0002), and 97 versus 88 % for other RCC versus clear cell RCC (p = 0.07). MVA demonstrated tumor size >3 cm (OR 2.46; p = 0.019), clear cell histology (OR 2.12; p = 0.027), and high tumor grade (OR 2.33, p < 0.001) as independent risk factors associated with tumor recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Association of higher grade and clear cell histology with recurrence and progression suggests need for increased emphasis on preoperative risk stratification by biopsy, with grade 1 and non-clear cell RCC being associated with improved treatment success than higher grade and clear cell RCC.

Solvent-dehydrated dermal allograft (AXIS™) augmented cystocele repair: longitudinal results.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Surgical repair options for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) include native tissue, allograft, xenograft, and synthetic grafts. Solvent-dehydrated dermal allograft (SDDG) has an improved safety profile. We evaluated the long-term safety and efficacy of SDDG use for cystocele repair. METHODS: A total of 184 patients completed a minimum follow-up of 12 months. Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ), Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI), and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) were used pre and post operatively. Recurrent cystocele grade ≥ II and/or repeat cystocele repair were considered objective failure. RESULTS: Preoperatively, 17 patients (10%) had grade IV cystocele, 87 (47%) grade III, 70 (38%) grade II, and 10 (5%) grade I. All patients underwent SDDG cystocele repair with/without vaginal sling and/or POP repair and/or hysterectomy. Mean hospital stay was 0.58 days (range 0-4), mean estimated blood loss (EBL) was 111 mL, and mean length of Foley catheterization was 1.85 days (range 0-28). Postoperatively, 113 patients (64%) had no recurrent cystocele, 34 (19%) had grade I, 19 (11%) grade II, and 10 (6%) grade III cystocele. None had grade IV cystocele. Nineteen patients (10.3%) underwent repeat cystocele repair. Thirty-eight patients (21.6%) had postoperative recurrence (recurrent cystocele grade ≥ II and/or repeat cystocele repair). Dermal allograft related adverse events included 1 (0.5%) allograft vaginal exposure, dyspareunia 1 (0.5%), and transient hydronephrosis in 1 (0.5%). There were no vascular, vesical, visceral or neurological injuries. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that SDDG augmented cystocele repair is a safe procedure, with low morbidity, and it's success is comparable to other techniques.

Development of penile hydrocele following placement of inflatable penile prosthesis: a rare entity.

INTRODUCTION: The development of a penile hydrocele following the placement of an inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) for erectile dysfunction has never been documented. We herein report an unusual complication of penile hydrocele formation that developed following placement of an IPP for erectile dysfunction. METHODS: The penile hydrocele was successfully repaired by excision of the hydrocele sac. RESULTS: Successful surgical repair of a penile hydrocele was accomplished following placement of an IPP without removal of any implant components. The penile implant was functional at the end of the procedure as well as at all scheduled follow-up appointments. CONCLUSIONS: With advances in both surgical techniques and improved devise technology, high volume penile implanters encounter fewer IPP-related complications such as infectious or mechanical complications. We herein report for the first time a rare complication of penile hydrocele development after IPP placement that was treated successfully with surgical excision of the hydrocele sac. Urologists who perform these types of procedures should be aware of this unusual complication and know that it is curable with prompt diagnosis and meticulous surgical repair.

Associations of obesity, physical activity and diet with benign prostatic hyperplasia and lower urinary tract symptoms.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Epidemiological and clinical data indicate that modifiable lifestyle factors - including obesity, physical activity, and diet - significantly influence the risks of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). RECENT FINDINGS: Modifiable factors associated with significantly increased risks of symptomatic BPH and LUTS include obesity and consumption of meat and fat. Factors associated with decreased risks include increased physical activity, vegetable consumption, and moderate alcohol intake. Obesity potentially attenuates the clinical efficacy of 5α-reductase inhibitors (5-ARI). Randomized clinical trials of lifestyle alterations - such as weight loss, exercise, and diet - for the prevention or treatment of BPH and LUTS have yet to be performed. SUMMARY: Obesity, physical activity, and diet substantially alter the risks of symptomatic BPH and LUTS. 5-ARIs exhibit diminished efficacy in obese patients. Although clinical trials of lifestyle modifications have yet to be undertaken, it is reasonable to promote weight loss, exercise, and healthy diet within the context of standard treatments for symptomatic BPH and LUTS.

The percentage of men counseled by urologists who received a vasectomy mildly increased after the publication of the AUA vasectomy guideline.

This retrospective cohort study explored whether the publication of the vasectomy guideline by the American Urological Association in December 2012 increased the percentage of men counseled by urologists who received a vasectomy. We used commercial health insurance claims between 2010 and 2015 to identify the initial sterilization counseling visit for men aged 18-64 and whether each of them received a vasectomy within six months of that visit. A difference-in-differences analysis isolated the effect of the guideline on the percentage of men counseled by urologists who received a vasectomy, exploiting suspected variation in guideline exposure and adherence between urologists and non-urologists. In total, 226 012 men had an initial sterilization counseling visit, of which 182 204 (80.6%) were counseled by urologists and 43 808 (19.4%) were counseled by non-urologists. The percentage of men counseled by urologists who received a vasectomy mildly increased by 1.5% (p = 0.002) after the publication of the guideline. Therefore, the percentage of men who receive a vasectomy may in part be explained by practice guidelines and clinicians' willingness to consider the procedure, and future research should investigate how clinicians arrive at their decisions to recommend a vasectomy and whether a standardized counseling protocol would ensure consistency.

Ex-vivo microscopic oncotesticular sperm extraction: step-by-step surgical technique at time of radical orchiectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the intraoperative surgical techniques required for simultaneous radical orchiectomy and microscopic oncotesticular sperm extraction (m-OncoTESE) in a step-by-step fashion. DESIGN: Video presentation. SETTING: University Hospital (University of Chicago). PATIENTS: A 37-year-old man (status after right orchiectomy at another institution for stage II-C testicular seminoma with positive preoperative tumor markers) was referred for contralateral orchiectomy of multifocal left testis mass and fertility preservation. Semen analysis before, microscopic testicular sperm extraction during, and semen or testicular specimen analysis after the first orchiectomy were unable to identify any sperm. A postoperative analysis of the m-OncoTESE performed on the left testis resulted in the cryopreservation of 200,000 motile sperm for future assisted reproductive technology (i.e., in vitro fertilization or in vitro fertilization-intracytoplasmic sperm injection). INTERVENTIONS: Left radical orchiectomy and left m-OncoTESE. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: A comprehensive visual documentation of m-OncoTESE surgical techniques with concurrent commentary detailing the reasons behind each surgical step. A brief discussion on the background of m-OncoTESE and alternative fertility preservation methods accompanies the procedure. RESULTS: This video provides a step-by-step guide to performing an m-OncoTESE (proceeding a radical orchiectomy in a patient with testicular cancer) as a means of fertility preservation in an azoospermic patient. Successful extraction and cryopreservation of testicular spermatozoa were achieved after targeted ex-vivo testicular microdissection. CONCLUSIONS: Sperm extraction via m-OncoTESE is a viable option for azoospermic patients with testicular cancer undergoing radical orchiectomies. The use of preoperative imaging and microsurgical techniques facilitates and optimizes surgical dissection and sperm recovery.

Testosterone replacement therapy in patients with cachexia: a contemporary review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with long-term chronic illnesses frequently present with hypogonadism, which is primarily managed through exogenous testosterone. These same patients also experience a high degree of cachexia, a loss of skeletal muscle and adipose tissue. OBJECTIVE: To perform a contemporary review of the literature to assess the effectiveness of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) for managing chronic disease-associated cachexia. METHODS: We performed a PubMed literature search using MeSH terms to identify studies from 2000 to 2022 on TRT and the following cachexia-related chronic medical diseases: cancer, COPD, HIV/AIDS, and liver cirrhosis. RESULTS: From the literature, 11 primary studies and 1 meta-analysis were selected. Among these studies, 3 evaluated TRT on cancer-associated cachexia, 3 on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, 4 on HIV and AIDS, and 2 on liver cirrhosis. TRT showed mixed results favoring clinical improvement on each disease. CONCLUSIONS: Cachexia is commonly observed in chronic disease states. Its occurrence with hypogonadism, alongside the shared symptoms of these 2 conditions, points toward the management of cachexia through the administration of exogenous testosterone. Robust data in the literature support the use of testosterone in increasing lean body mass, improving energy levels, and enhancing the quality of life for patients with chronic disease. However, the data are variable, and further studies are warranted on the long-term efficacy of TRT in patients with cachexia.

Gene expression and epigenetic discovery screen reveal methylation of SFRP2 in prostate cancer.

Aberrant activation of Wnts is common in human cancers, including prostate. Hypermethylation associated transcriptional silencing of Wnt antagonist genes SFRPs (Secreted Frizzled-Related Proteins) is a frequent oncogenic event. The significance of this is not known in prostate cancer. The objectives of our study were to (i) profile Wnt signaling related gene expression and (ii) investigate methylation of Wnt antagonist genes in prostate cancer. Using TaqMan Low Density Arrays, we identified 15 Wnt signaling related genes with significantly altered expression in prostate cancer; the majority of which were upregulated in tumors. Notably, histologically benign tissue from men with prostate cancer appeared more similar to tumor (r = 0.76) than to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH; r = 0.57, p < 0.001). Overall, the expression profile was highly similar between tumors of high (≥ 7) and low (≤ 6) Gleason scores. Pharmacological demethylation of PC-3 cells with 5-Aza-CdR reactivated 39 genes (≥ 2-fold); 40% of which inhibit Wnt signaling. Methylation frequencies in prostate cancer were 10% (2/20) (SFRP1), 64.86% (48/74) (SFRP2), 0% (0/20) (SFRP4) and 60% (12/20) (SFRP5). SFRP2 methylation was detected at significantly lower frequencies in high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN; 30%, (6/20), p = 0.0096), tumor adjacent benign areas (8.82%, (7/69), p < 0.0001) and BPH (11.43% (4/35), p < 0.0001). The quantitative level of SFRP2 methylation (normalized index of methylation) was also significantly higher in tumors (116) than in the other samples (HGPIN = 7.45, HB = 0.47, and BPH = 0.12). We show that SFRP2 hypermethylation is a common event in prostate cancer. SFRP2 methylation in combination with other epigenetic markers may be a useful biomarker of prostate cancer.

Outcomes and complications of pelvic lymph node dissection during robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy.

PURPOSE: Describe the outcomes and complications of patients who underwent standard pelvic lymphadenectomy (SPLND) and extended PLND (EPLND), or who did not undergo PLND (non-PLND) at the time of robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP). METHODS: Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected longitudinal data of 492 RALPs performed by a single surgeon (Kane) over a 5-year period. Patients are subdivided into three treatment groups: 54 EPLND; 231 SPLND; and 207 non-PLND. Indications for EPLND include Gleason score ≥ 8, PSA ≥ 10 ng/mL, and higher D'Amico risk group. Patient demographics, perioperative complications, and short-term oncologic outcomes are compared. RESULTS: Patients who underwent EPLND had higher-risk prostate cancer as evidenced by higher mean PSA (8.5 ng/mL), biopsy Gleason sum (≥ 8) (57.7 %), and D'Amico risk group (75.9 %), compared to SPLND and/or non-PLND groups (p ≤ 0.001). The EPLND total lymph node yield was similar compared to SPLND (20 vs. 18; p = 0.070). When the EPLND (n = 41) and SPLND (n = 57) were examined among only high-risk patients, the lymph node (IQR) yields [20 (14-29) vs. 17 (12-23)] and the proportion of positive nodes [29.3 % (12/41) vs. 12.3 % (7/57)] differed significantly (p = 0.048 and p = 0.042, respectively). Complication rates for all groups were similar and lymphocele formation was 5 %; 2.5 % were clinically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Robotic PLND can be performed with nodal yield comparable to open or laparoscopic PLND. Robotic EPLND improves nodal yield and the proportion of high-risk patients with nodal metastases recognized. Robotic PLND is associated with an approximately 5 % lymphocele rate. There is no difference in complications between EPLND and SPLND.

Trends in the Vasectomy Rate Among Privately Insured Men Aged 18-64 in the United States Between 2014 and 2021.

OBJECTIVE: To update trends in the vasectomy rate among privately insured men aged 18-64 in the United States (U.S.) between 2014 and 2021. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used commercial health insurance claims data between 2014 and 2021 to calculate the annual vasectomy rate in men aged 18-64 in the U.S. We performed these calculations nationally and by age group, marital status, maternal age of a wife, number of children, U.S. Census Bureau region, geography, geographical region, and state. We calculated the absolute and relative changes in these rates from 2014 to 2021 to study how much and how quickly they changed. RESULTS: The vasectomy rate among privately insured men aged 18-64 in the U.S. increased by 0.11%-a 26% change-from 2014 (0.427%) to 2021 (0.537%). The absolute changes were greatest in men with 3 or more children (0.489%), with 2 children (0.295%), with a wife not of advanced maternal age (0.276%), and aged 35-44 (0.243%). The relative changes were greatest in men with no children (61%), with a wife of advanced maternal age (40.8%), who were single (40.6%), and aged 18-24 (36.7%). In every region except the Northeast, the absolute and relative changes were greater in rural geographies compared to urban geographies. CONCLUSIONS: The vasectomy rate among privately insured men aged 18-64 in the U.S. increased between 2014 and 2021. Further investigation is needed to ensure demand for vasectomies may continue to be met.

Increasing Role of the Advanced Practice Provider in Men's Health Clinics: An Analysis of Medicare and Commercial Claims in the United States.

INTRODUCTION: As urological care delivery in the U.S. continues to evolve to meet patient needs, we aim to clarify the role of advanced practice providers for publicly and privately insured patients in the treatment of male urological conditions commonly encountered in men's health clinics. METHODS: Medicare and commercial insurance claims from the Physician/Supplier Procedure Summary and Merative MarketScan Commercial Database were queried for procedures submitted by advanced practice providers between 2010 and 2021. Common urological conditions were identified using Current Procedural Terminology codes and grouped into 4 categories: testicular hypofunction, erectile dysfunction and Peyronie's disease, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and scrotal pain. The proportion of procedures submitted by advanced practice providers was calculated for each year and category. RESULTS: From 2010 to 2021, the proportion of advanced practice provider-submitted service counts for each condition within the MarketScan group increased up to 5-fold, with benign prostatic hyperplasia representing the greatest growth. The proportion of advanced practice provider-submitted service counts within the Medicare group increased up to 8-fold, with erectile dysfunction/Peyronie's disease representing the greatest fold change. The proportion of claims submitted by advanced practice providers treating all 4 conditions was higher in 2021 than 2010 in both publicly and privately insured groups. CONCLUSIONS: The role of advanced practice providers in men's urological health is increasing for both privately and publicly insured patient populations. Advanced practice providers play a critical role in urological care and can help to improve access to men's health.

Mycophenolate mofetil in low-risk renal transplantation in patients receiving no cyclosporine: a single-centre experience.

BACKGROUND: We assess our long-term experience with regards the safety and efficacy of Mycophenolate Mofetil (MMF) in our low risk renal transplant population and compared it retrospectively to Azathioprine (AZA) immunosuppressive regimen. Patients and methods. Between January 1999 and December 2005, 240 renal transplants received MMF as part of their immunosuppressive protocol (MMF group). AZA group of 135 renal transplants was included for comparative analysis (AZA group). Patients received Cyclosporine was excluded from this study. RESULTS: The incidence of biopsy proven 3-month acute rejections was 30 (12.5%) in MMF group and 22 (16%) in AZA group respectively (P = 0.307). Patient survival rates at 1 and 5 years for the MMF group were 97 and 94%, respectively, compared to 100% and 91% at 1 and 5 years respectively for the AZA group (P = 0.61). Graft survival rates at 1 and 5 years for the MMF group were 95 and 83%, respectively, compared to 97 and 84% at 1 and 5 years, respectively for the AZA group (P = 0.62). CONCLUSION: There was no difference in acute rejection episodes between MMF and AZA based immunotherapy. Additionally, we observed no significant difference concerning graft survival in the MMF group when compared to AZA group.

Global Trends in Prevalence, Treatments, and Costs of Penile Prosthesis for Erectile Dysfunction in Men.

CONTEXT: Penile prosthesis is a durable and effective treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED). Even as other treatment options for ED have been brought to market, penile prosthetic surgery remains a mainstay for urologists treating ED. No systematic study has yet summarized the global trends in penile prosthetic surgery. OBJECTIVE: To systematically review studies of trends in penile prosthetic surgery to determine global movements in implantation rates, malleable versus inflatable prosthetic surgery, inpatient versus outpatient implantation surgery, proportion of men with ED undergoing penile prosthetic surgery, and prosthetic cost. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A systematic review of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov was performed for studies assessing trends in penile prosthetic surgeries and costs associated with penile prosthetic device and inclusive surgical costs. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Twenty-seven studies were identified during the systematic review, comprising 447,204 penile prosthetic surgeries reported from 1988 to 2019. A trend analysis demonstrates that rates of penile prosthetic surgery declined dramatically in the late 1980s and early 1990s, but have demonstrated modest growth since the mid-2000s. Outpatient inflatable penile prosthetic surgery has strongly trended upward. Costs of penile prosthetic device have matched the rate of inflation, but inclusive surgical cost has radically outpaced inflation. Growth has mainly been seen in the USA, with a more modest global growth. CONCLUSIONS: Penile prosthesis remains a viable option for the treatment of ED. Trends such as outpatient surgery and inflatable penile prosthesis placement may be driving the recent steady growth of penile prosthetic surgeries, but surging inclusive surgical cost may present a barrier for some patients without insurance coverage. PATIENT SUMMARY: Penile prostheses continue to be an important treatment for erectile dysfunction. While the volume of penile prosthetic surgeries dropped when phosphidiesterase-5 inhibitors became available, prosthetic surgery is becoming more patient centric, as seen by increases in inflatable prosthetic placement and outpatient surgery.