Favourable multi-institutional experience with penoscrotal decompression for prolonged ischaemic priapism.

OBJECTIVES: To report our multi-institutional experience using penoscrotal decompression (PSD) for the surgical treatment of prolonged ischaemic priapism (PIP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed clinical records for patients with PIP treated with PSD between 2017 and 2020. Priapisms were confirmed as ischaemic based on clinical presentations and cavernosal blood gas abnormalities. Treatment with irrigation and injection of α-agonists in all patients had failed prior to PSD. Patient characteristics, peri-operative variables and outcomes, and changes in International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) scores were evaluated. RESULTS: We analysed 25 patients who underwent a total of 27 PSD procedures. The mean duration of priapism at initial presentation was 71.0 h. Irrigations and injections in all patients had failed, while corporoglanular shunt treatment in 48.0% of patients (12/25) had also failed prior to PSD. Of the 10 patients who underwent unilateral PSD, two (20.0%) had priapism recurrence. Both were treated with bilateral PSD, with prompt and lasting detumescence. Among the 15 patients undergoing primary bilateral PSD, none had priapism recurrence. Of the 15 patients with documented sexual function status at last follow-up, nine (60%) reported spontaneous erectile function adequate for penetration, while six (40%) reported erectile dysfunction. The median (interquartile range) decrease in IIEF-5 score was 3.5 (0-6.75) points after PSD. Two patients underwent uneventful inflatable penile prosthesis placement following PSD. CONCLUSIONS: Penoscrotal decompression presents a simple, safe, highly effective and easily reproducible procedure for resolution of PIP. PSD should be considered as a viable salvage or alternative strategy to corporoglanular shunt procedures.

Age ≤40 is an independent predictor of anastomotic urethroplasty and successful repair of bulbar urethral strictures.

BACKGROUND: Among men with bulbar strictures, we aimed to analyze stricture characteristics, repair type, and treatment success in younger versus older patient cohorts. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed our single surgeon database with patients undergoing bulbar urethroplasty from 2007 to 2017. This population was then age-stratified into ≤40 and >40-year-old cohorts. Exclusion criteria included patients with penile strictures and those with history of hypospadias. Patient characteristics, surgical approach, and outcome were compiled by medical record and database review. Criterion for success included functional emptying and lack of repeat surgical intervention. Parameters associated with failure were included in multivariate logistic regression models. RESULTS: Eight hundred and fifty-three patients with bulbar strictures were identified, 231 patients (27.1%) ≤40 years old and 622 patients (72.9%) >40 years old. Mean stricture length was significantly longer in older men (2.3 vs. 2.7 cm, P=0.005). Excision and primary anastomosis (EPA) were more commonly utilized when managing younger compared to older patient groups (87% in ≤40 group, 77% in >40, P=0.0009). Younger men underwent significantly fewer endoscopic stricture treatments than older men (2.1 vs. 4.9, P=0.001). Traumatic etiology was more commonly attributable in the younger group (48% vs.17%, P<0.0001). Younger men presented less frequently with diabetes (1.7% vs. 21.7%, P<0.0001), coronary artery disease (0.4% vs. 19.1%, P<0.0001), and erectile dysfunction (11.5% vs. 29.2%, P<0.0001) relative to older men. Over a median follow-up of 52.4 months, success rates were higher in the ≤40 cohort (97.4%) than the >40 cohort (87.3%, P<0.0001). On multivariate logistic regression, independent predictors of urethroplasty success include younger age), utilization of EPA, and lack of pelvic radiation. CONCLUSIONS: Although men ≤40 years old have a higher incidence of traumatic etiology, bulbar urethroplasty has a higher success rate when compared to patients >40 years old. Bulbar strictures are more amenable to EPA in the younger population, likely due to fewer endoscopic treatments and favorable tissue characteristics.

Outpatient buccal mucosal graft urethroplasty outcomes are comparable to inpatient procedures.

BACKGROUND: We sought to compare outcomes between inpatient and outpatient buccal mucosal graft (BMG) urethroplasty among a large tertiary referral center series. METHODS: A retrospective review of consecutive patients who underwent BMG urethroplasty between 2007 and 2018 was performed, including only first stage and one stage graft procedures. Patients were divided into inpatient and outpatient groups. Demographic and outcome data were collected and analyzed, with success defined as no need for further endoscopic or open reoperative management. RESULTS: Of 143 patients undergoing BMG urethroplasty during the study period, 87 cases (60.8%) were performed on an inpatient basis, and 56 (39.2%) on an outpatient basis. Patient characteristics such as age, BMI, prior endoscopic procedures and co-morbid factors were similar between inpatient and outpatient groups. Perioperative characteristics such as estimated blood loss were also similar between groups, but the inpatient cohort had a longer operative time (157.6 vs. 123.1 min, P<0.0001). Operative success was comparable in the two groups (74.7% inpatient vs. 76.8% outpatient, P=0.7) as were rates of complications (29.9% inpatient vs. 26.8% outpatient, P=0.07). CONCLUSIONS: BMG urethroplasty can be safely performed in an ambulatory setting without increased complications or compromised outcomes.

Synchronous Urethral Repair During Prosthetic Surgery: Safety of Planned and Damage Control Approaches Using Suprapubic Tube Urinary Diversion.

BACKGROUND: Urethral injury during inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) or artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) placement is rare, and traditionally most prosthetic surgeons abort prosthetic implantation when urethral repair is necessary. AIM: To report our experience with synchronous urethroplasty (SU) as a planned or damage control surgery during urologic prosthetic surgery, to evaluate the safety and outcomes of the procedure. METHODS: A retrospective review of our IPP and AUS database was completed to identify patients who underwent an SU between 2007 and 2018. We included patients who underwent an SU during prosthetic surgery in either a planned procedure for known stricture or diverticulum or a "damage control" procedure after intraoperative injury. OUTCOME: Patient characteristics and surgical outcomes were assessed, with success defined as the absence of urethral stricture and revision surgery. RESULTS: From our database of 1,508 prosthetic cases, we identified 7 patients (0.46%) who had an SU in the same setting as complete prosthesis placement (4 AUS and 3 IPP [1 combined IPP/AUS], and 1 sling). Three patients underwent planned repair of a known urethral abnormality (urethral diverticulum, urethrocutaneous fistula, and urethral stricture), and 4 underwent repair of an intraoperative urethral injury. Among the patients who experienced an intraoperative urethral injury, contributing etiologies included previous anti-incontinence surgery with periurethral fibrosis (n = 2), severe corporal fibrosis from priapism, and previous urethral disruption from pelvic fracture. Nearly all of the urethroplasties (6 of 7; 86%) were completed with a primary closure. The average indwelling duration of suprapubic tube (SPT) catheters was 4.1 weeks (range, 7 to 47 days). The average duration of follow-up was 21.5 months, and all patients were continent at follow-up. No device infections or urethral complications were identified. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Our study illustrates the safety of concomitant urethral repair at time of prosthetic placement as an option to avoid the use of 2 anesthetics and prevent further scarring in high-risk patients. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS: This is the first study to address definitive urethral reconstruction during anti-incontinence procedures along with planned concomitant urethroplasty during IPP placement. This promising initial experience is relevant for surgeons who may encounter concomitant urethral pathology in the setting of complex reoperative prosthetic cases. The need for SU is rare, and thus our cohort size was limited in this retrospective, single-institution experience. CONCLUSION: SU with prolonged SPT urinary diversion offers a safe damage control approach for men with concomitant urethral pathology during prosthetic surgery without conferring an increased risk of infection or stricture. Yi YA, Fuchs JS, Davenport MT, et al. Synchronous Urethral Repair During Prosthetic Surgery: Safety of Planned and Damage Control Approaches Using Suprapubic Tube Urinary Diversion. J Sex Med 2019;16:1106-1110.

Excision and Primary Anastomosis Reconstruction for Traumatic Strictures of the Pendulous Urethra.

OBJECTIVES: To present a multi-institutional experience with functional and patient-reported outcomes among men undergoing excision and primary anastomosis (EPA) urethroplasty for pendulous urethral strictures. METHODS: We describe the technique and present our experience with EPA for focal penile strictures. Patients undergoing urethroplasty (2004-2017) at 2 tertiary referral centers were reviewed, of whom 14 (0.7%) underwent EPA of radiographically confirmed pendulous urethral strictures. Validated questionnaires were utilized to evaluate overall improvement (Patient Global Impression of Improvement), urinary bother (International Prostate Symptom Score), and sexual function (International Index of Erectile Function-5). Treatment success was defined as urethral patency without need for subsequent reconstruction. RESULTS: Among 14 men undergoing penile EPA, 13/14 (93%) had durable treatment success over a median follow-up of 43 months. No patient reported penile curvature postoperatively. Stricture etiology in most cases was posttraumatic (12/14), of which 4 had a history of urethral disruption secondary to penile fracture and 8 iatrogenic trauma. Median age was 51 years (IQR 30-60) and stricture length 1.0 cm (IQR 1.0-1.4). Erectile function was normal in 8/14 patients preoperatively, and postoperative median International Index of Erectile Function was 21. Most men reported significant global improvement in condition (median Patient Global Impression of Improvement 2, IQR 1-3) and most had only mild urinary bother (median International Prostate Symptom Score 4, quality of life 1). The single treatment failure had a history of hypospadias with multiple prior urethral procedures. CONCLUSION: For men with short strictures of the pendulous urethra, EPA has a high success rate, without adverse sequelae such as erectile function or penile curvature.

Erosion rates of 3.5-cm artificial urinary sphincter cuffs are similar to larger cuffs.

OBJECTIVE: To compare long-term outcomes and erosion rates of 3.5-cm artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) cuffs vs larger cuffs amongst men with stress urinary incontinence (SUI), with and without a history of pelvic radiotherapy (RT). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We reviewed the records of all men who underwent AUS placement by a single surgeon between September 2009 and June 2017 at our tertiary urban medical centre. A uniform perineal approach was used to ensure cuff placement around the most proximal corpus spongiosum after precise spongiosal measurement. Patients were stratified by cuff size and RT status, and patient demographics and surgical outcomes were analysed. Cases of AUS revision in which a new cuff was not placed were excluded. Success was defined as patient-reported pad use of ≤1 pad/day. RESULTS: Amongst 410 cases included in the analysis, the 3.5-cm cuff was used in 166 (40.5%), whilst 244 (59.5%) received larger cuffs (≥4.0 cm). Over a median follow-up of 50 months, there was AUS cuff erosion in 44 patients at a rate nearly identical in the 3.5-cm cuff (10.8%, 18/166) and the ≥4-cm cuff groups (10.7%, 26/244, P = 0.7). On multivariate logistic regression, clinical factors associated with AUS cuff erosion included a history of pelvic RT, prior AUS cuff erosion, prior urethroplasty, and a history of inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) placement. Patient demographics were similar between the cuff-size groups; including age, body mass index, comorbidities, smoking history, RT history, prior AUS, and prior IPP placement. Continence rates were high amongst all AUS patients, with similar success in both groups (82% for 3.5-cm cuff, 90% for ≥4-cm cuff, P = 0.1). CONCLUSIONS: After 8 years of experience and extended follow-up, the outcomes of the 3.5-cm AUS cuff appear to be similar to ≥4-cm cuffs for effectiveness and rates of urethral erosion. RT patients have a higher risk of cuff erosion regardless of cuff size.

Versatile algorithmic midline approach to perineal urethrostomy for complex urethral strictures.

PURPOSE: To present results of an algorithmic approach to perineal urethrostomy (PU) based on a midline perineal incision among men with complex urethral strictures. METHODS: A single surgeon retrospective review of consecutive patients who underwent PU between 2008 and 2017 was performed. Patient demographics and outcomes were collected via medical record review. After a midline perineal incision, the PU was matured either by (a) mobilization of the urethral plate (loop) alone in cases with distal strictures or low body mass index (BMI), or (b) with creation of a lateral perineal skin flap (7-flap) for those with longer urethra-to-skin distances. Success was defined as functional voiding without the need for further procedures. Patients were contacted by phone and administered validated questionnaires. RESULTS: Of 62 PU patients, 20 (32.3%) underwent the loop technique, and 42 (67.7%) had the 7-flap procedure, 7 of which were reoperative for prior failed PU. Median age was 61.9 years (range 23-85) and the median stricture length was 8.0 cm (range 2.5-18 cm). Mean BMI was greater among 7-flap compared to loop patients (34.9 vs. 30.0 kg/m2, p = 0.01). Success rates were 92.9% (39/42) in the 7-flap group and 100% (20/20) in the loop PU cohort during a median follow-up of 30.7 months. Among 62 PU patients, 19 (30.6%) responded to the survey-median PGI-I score was 1.0 (range 1-2) indicating that symptoms were "very much improved". CONCLUSIONS: The algorithmic midline approach to PU offers a standardized, versatile solution with excellent surgical outcomes and high patient satisfaction, even in obese or refractory stricture patients.

Plication for Severe Peyronie's Deformities Has Similar Long-Term Outcomes to Milder Cases.

INTRODUCTION: Penile plication (PP) for Peyronie's disease (PD) is an established treatment option for mild to moderate curvature, but scant data exist regarding its utility in severe deformities. AIM: To evaluate long-term outcomes among men undergoing PP for PD, comparing severe to mild/moderate penile deformities. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of patients who underwent PP for PD between 2009 and 2017. All patients underwent multiple parallel tunical plication without degloving. Severe PD was defined as either curvature ≥60 degrees or biplanar curvature ≥35 degrees. Patient demographics and surgical outcomes were analyzed. A modified PD Questionnaire and International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF)-5 were administered by telephone. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Long-term patient-reported outcomes were evaluated from a modified survey incorporating the PD Questionnaire and IIEF-5. RESULTS: Of 327 PP patients, 102 (31%) responded to the telephone survey at a median 59.5 months (interquartile range 28.3-84) since surgery. Patients were equally distributed into severe (n = 51) and mild/moderate (n = 51) groups. Despite a greater mean degree of curvature in severe compared to mild/moderate patients (71.6 degrees vs 37.7 degrees, respectively, P < .001), correction of penile curvature was achieved in 91% of patients, with a mean change of 60.7 degrees in severe cases compared to 31.4 degrees in mild/moderate cases (P < .001). Equal numbers of patients in severe and mild/moderate groups reported improvement of penile curvature (74.5% vs 74.5%, P = 1.0) and sexual function (51.0% vs 49.0%, P = .84). PD Questionnaire metrics were likewise similar between severe and mild/moderate patients (P > .1), as were rates of subjective penile shortening (62.7% vs 62.7%, P = 1.0) and IIEF-5, both pre-operatively (19.5 vs 19.7, P = .9) and post-operatively (19.4 vs 17.6, respectively, P = .15). On multivariate logistic regression, worsening sexual function was significantly associated with increased age (odds ratio 1.07, P = .01) and pre-operative IIEF (odds ratio 1.14, P = .02). CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: PP should be considered in PD patients with severe deformities, as outcomes are favorable and comparable to those with milder curvature. STRENGTH & LIMITATIONS: This is a novel study evaluating long-term patient-reported outcomes after PP, comparing patients with severe deformity to those with mild/moderate curvature. The study was limited by retrospective design, relatively low survey response rate (31%), and lack of validated post-operative PD questionnaire. CONCLUSION: Long-term patient-reported outcomes of PP for severe PD deformities are comparable to mild/moderate cases, supporting broader application of PP beyond milder deformities. Reddy RS, McKibben MJ, Fuchs JS, et al. Plication for Severe Peyronie's Deformities Has Similar Long-Term Outcomes to Milder Cases. J Sex Med 2018;15:1498-1505.

Changing Trends in Reconstruction of Complex Anterior Urethral Strictures: From Skin Flap to Perineal Urethrostomy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate procedural trends and outcomes for reconstruction of complex strictures at our tertiary center over the last decade. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed complex urethral reconstruction comparing 3 techniques: (1) buccal mucosal graft (BMG), (2) penile skin flap, or (3) perineal urethrostomy (PU) at our center (2007-2017) with ≥6 months follow-up. Strictures amenable to anastomotic repair were excluded. Success was defined as no need for further operative management. RESULTS: Among 1129 strictures cases, 403 complex strictures were identified for analysis (median length 4.5 cm). Median age was 53.2 years (standard deviation ± 14.9). Reconstruction was most commonly performed using BMG (61.3%), followed by penile skin flap (21.6%) and PU (19.1%). PU use has increased steadily over the past decade, rising from 4.3% of case volume in 2008 to 38.7% in 2017 (P = .01). Over time, the proportion of reconstruction using BMG has remained stable, while penile skin flaps are now less commonly utilized. Over a median follow-up of 50.7 months, 16.9% (68/403) patients failed at a median of 13.9 months. Success rates were higher following PU (94.8%) compared to BMG and skin flaps (78.5% and 78.2%, respectively) (P = .003) despite PU patients being older (median age 62.6 years), having longer strictures (median 5.0 cm) and more commonly having lichen sclerosus (LS) (22.1%). CONCLUSION: Over a decade of a urethral reconstructive practice, PU has increasingly become preferred for older patients with long strictures and adverse etiology. BMG urethroplasty rates remain stable, while penile skin flap use is decreasing. Success rates of PU for these complex strictures are markedly higher than those of grafts and flaps.

Prolonged Duration of Incontinence for Men Before Initial Anti-incontinence Surgery: An Opportunity for Improvement.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the duration and severity of male incontinence symptoms before presentation for initial anti-incontinence surgery (AIS) in a large tertiary subspecialty practice. Although male stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is known to profoundly compromise quality of life, many men do not undergo AIS in a timely manner. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed our male patients with SUI (2007-2017) and assessed time from SUI onset to initial AIS across various demographics comparing male sling and artificial urinary sphincter (AUS). Reoperative cases were excluded. RESULTS: Among 786 cases, 572 men undergoing initial AIS met the inclusion criteria (mean age 69 years), with 57.7% (330/572) undergoing AUS and 42.3% (242/572) undergoing sling. The median duration of incontinence before AIS was 32 months. AUS patients pursued surgical intervention earlier than men undergoing sling (median time 28.8 months vs 34.7 months, P = .03). Most patients deferred AIS for more than 2 years (69.8% of sling patients and 58.5% of AUS patients), and 32.3% demonstrated an extended delay of more than 5 years. Increasing age correlated with delays in both AUS (Spearman rho = 0.20, P = .0001) and sling (Spearman rho = 0.34, P <.0001). On multivariate analysis, age was significantly associated with duration of incontinence (P <.0001). Octogenarians had a notably higher median delay of 87.4 months. CONCLUSION: Although the median duration of SUI before the initial AIS is 2.7 years, one-third of men experience a delay of more than 5 years. AUS present for AIS 6 months less on average relative to sling patients. Older men demonstrate a longer duration of SUI before seeking surgical care.

Modified Transanosphincteric (York Mason) Repair of Nonradiated Rectourinary Fistulae: Patient-reported Fecal Continence Outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To review our experience with the modified York Mason (MYM) procedure in the treatment of rectourinary fistulas (RUFs) and to assess fecal continence using patient-reported measures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of patients who underwent MYM repair of nonradiated RUF with gluteal free fat graft from 2008 to 2016 at a single institution. Success was defined as resolution of the fistula without need for further surgery. The Cleveland Clinic-Florida Wexner Fecal Incontinence Score (CCFFIS) and the Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I) surveys were administered by phone. RESULTS: Of 17 patients who underwent MYM repair with a mean age of 61.8 years old, the most common fistula etiologies were prostatectomy in 11 patients (65%), cryoablation in 2 patients (12%), and transanal tumor excision (12%). Three patients (18%) failed prior perineal repairs. The mean fistula size was 10.1 mm (range 2-25), the median operative time was 231 minutes (range 151-365), and the median length of stay was 2.0 days (range 1-13). At the median follow-up of 39.4 months, 16 of the 17 patients (94%) had successful primary closures. The condition of the 10 patients who responded to the phone survey was "much better" (median PGI-I score 2), with 89.5% mean improvement. The mean CCFFIS was 1.4 (range 0-5) on a scale of 0 (total continence) to 20 (complete incontinence). Two patients (20%) reported rare (<1 per month) fecal incontinence, and 2/10 (20%) reported frequent flatal incontinence, but none reported significant lifestyle change or sought further treatment for bowel symptoms. CONCLUSION: The MYM technique has a high success rate in the treatment of nonradiated RUF with negligible impact on fecal continence.

Low Serum Testosterone is Present in Nearly Half of Men Undergoing Artificial Urinary Sphincter Placement.

OBJECTIVES: To report the prevalence of low serum testosterone (LST) in men undergoing artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) placement at a single high-volume institution. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all men undergoing AUS procedures by a single surgeon from January 2015 to January 2018 to identify men with pretreatment total serum testosterone levels. LST was defined as less than 280 ng/dL. Patients with only posttreatment testosterone levels were excluded. Demographic characteristics and clinical outcomes were compared between men with and without LST. RESULTS: Among 113 patients who underwent AUS with pretreatment serum testosterone levels drawn an average of 2.2 months before AUS surgery, 45.1% (51 of 113) met criteria for LST, including 18 patients on androgen deprivation therapy. The rate of primary LST was 34.7% (33 of 95). The median total serum testosterone level among men with LST was 118 ng/dL (interquartile range 6-211), and 413 mg/dL (interquartile range 333-550) in the normal serum testosterone group. There were no differences in patient age, history of radiation, erectile dysfunction, or other comorbidities between the groups. Body mass index was higher in the LST group compared to normal serum testosterone (30 vs 27 kg/m2, P = .001). Cuff size and rates of transcorporal cuff placement were similar between groups. CONCLUSION: Nearly one-half of men with stress urinary incontinence undergoing AUS placement present with LST. While AUS cuff erosion appears to be more common in men with LST, further study is needed to determine if treating LST will reduce cuff erosion rates.

Refined nomogram incorporating standing cough test improves prediction of male transobturator sling success.

AIMS: To develop a decision aid in predicting sling success, incorporating the Male Stress Incontinence Grading Scale (MSIGS) into existing treatment algorithms. METHODS: We reviewed men undergoing first-time transobturator sling for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) from 2007 to 2016 at our institution. Patient demographics, reported pads per day (PPD), and Standing Cough Test (SCT) results graded 0-4, according to MSIGS, were assessed. Treatment failure was defined as subsequent need for >1 PPD or further procedures. Parameters associated with failure were included in multivariable logistic models, compared by area under the receiver-operating characteristic curves. A nomogram was generated from the model with greatest AUC and internally validated. RESULTS: Overall 203 men (median age 67 years, IQR 63-72) were evaluated with median follow-up of 45 months (IQR 11-75 months). A total of 185 men (91%) were status-post radical prostatectomy and 29 (14%) had pelvic radiation history. Median PPD and SCT grade were both two. Eighty men (39%) failed treatment (use of ≥1 PPD or subsequent anti-incontinence procedures) at a median of 9 months. History of radiation (P = 0.03), increasing MSIGS (P < 0.0001) and increasing preoperative PPD (P < 0.0001) were associated with failure on univariate analysis. In a multivariable model with AUC 0.81, MSIGS, and PPD remained associated (P = 0.002 and <0.0001 respectively, and radiation history P = 0.06), and was superior to models incorporating PPD and radiation alone (AUC 0.77, P = 0.02), PPD alone (AUC 0.76, P = 0.02), and a cutpoint of >2 PPD alone (AUC 0.71, P = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: MSIGS adds prognostic value to PPD in assessing success of transobturator sling for treatment of SUI.

Penoscrotal Decompression-Promising New Treatment Paradigm for Refractory Ischemic Priapism.

BACKGROUND: For prolonged ischemic priapism, outcomes after distal shunt are poor, with only 30% success for priapic episodes lasting longer than 48 hours. AIM: To present a novel, glans-sparing approach of corporal decompression through a penoscrotal approach for cases of refractory ischemic priapism (RIP) after failed distal shunt procedures. METHODS: We describe the technique and present our initial experience with penoscrotal decompression (PSD) for treatment of RIP after failed distal shunt. We compared outcomes of patients with RIP undergoing surgical management using PSD or malleable penile prosthesis (MPP) placement after failed distal penile shunt procedures (2008-2017). OUTCOMES: Our initial experience showed favorable outcomes with PSD compared with early MPP placement in patients with RIP whose distal shunt failed. RESULTS: Of 14 patients with RIP undergoing surgical management after failed distal penile shunt procedures, all patients presented after a prolonged duration of priapism (median = 61 hours) after which the priapism was refractory to multiple prior treatments (median = 3, range = 1-75) including at least 1 distal shunt. MPP was inserted in 8 patients (57.1%), whereas the most recent 6 patients (42.9%) underwent PSD. All patients with PSD (6 of 6, 100%) were successfully treated with corporal decompression without additional intervention and noted immediate relief of pain postoperatively. In contrast, 37.5% of patients (3 of 8) undergoing MPP after failed distal shunt procedures required a total of 8 revision surgeries during a median follow-up of 41.5 months. The most common indications for revision surgery after MPP placement included distal (4 of 8, 50%) and impending lateral (2 of 8, 25%) extrusion. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: PSD is a simple, effective technique in the management of RIP after failed distal shunt procedures with fewer complications than MPP placement. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: Although PSD is effective in the management of RIP after failed distal shunt procedures, long-term assessment of erectile function and ease of future penile prosthetic implantation is needed. CONCLUSION: Corporal decompression resolves RIP through a glans-sparing approach and avoids the high complication rate of prosthetic insertion after failed distal shunt procedures. Fuchs JS, Shakir N, McKibben MJ, et al. Penoscrotal Decompression-Promising New Treatment Paradigm for Refractory Ischemic Priapism. J Sex Med 2018;15:797-802.

Gender Representation in Urologic Subspecialties.

OBJECTIVE: To examine associations between urologic subspecialization, surgeon gender and practice patterns among certifying urologists over the last 13 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Demographic data of certifying and recertifying urologists (2004 to 2015) were obtained from the American Board of Urology. We investigated gender-specific trends in self-reported practice type (academic practice, private practice), subspecialization, and employment as a full-time vs part-time physician, relative to certification year and cycle. RESULTS: Of 9140 urologists applying for certification or recertification over the study period, 815 (8.9%) were women. The largest proportion of female surgeon candidates (65.0%) was first-time certifiers. Women represented 16.7% of first-time certifying urologists (P < .001) and reported practicing in academia more frequently (23.6%) compared with 13.7% of men (P < .001). Female surgeons identified as subspecialists in greater numbers (46.4%) than their male counterparts (23.4%) across all certification years and cycle cohorts (P < .001). Women reported subspecializing in female urology (24.2%) and pediatrics (10.2%) at higher frequencies than their male colleagues (4.6% and 3.1% respectively, both P < .001). Female and male surgeon candidates requested certification in equal proportion in andrology and infertility (P = .83) and endourology (3.6% female vs 5.8% male, P = .13), however differed in oncology (4.2% female vs 7.2% male, P = .001). CONCLUSION: A growing proportion of certifying urologists are women, with the greatest enrichment among those seeking first-time certification. Since 2004, female surgeons account for a disproportionate volume of urologists who practice in the academic setting and identify as subspecialists.

Role of Chronic Suprapubic Tube in the Management of Radiation Induced Urethral Strictures.

INTRODUCTION: We examined the role of chronic suprapubic tube drainage in patients with radiation induced urethral stricture disease. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of patients undergoing evaluation and treatment of radiation induced urethral stricture. Differences in patient and stricture characteristics among those treated with chronic suprapubic tube vs urethral reconstruction were evaluated. RESULTS: Among 75 patients who received suprapubic tube for radiation induced urethral stricture 37 (49%) selected chronic suprapubic tube and 38 (51%) ultimately underwent urethroplasty. Mean age was 70.9 years and mean followup was 25.3 months after suprapubic tube placement. Preoperative stress urinary incontinence improved after suprapubic tube placement in 20 of 33 (61%) patients. Accordingly, men with stress urinary incontinence were significantly more likely to be treated with chronic suprapubic tube (73%) compared to those proceeding to reconstruction (27%, p <0.001). Among those with persistent stress urinary incontinence after suprapubic tube, 11 of 16 (69%) underwent artificial urinary sphincter placement (urethroplasty 3 of 3 vs chronic suprapubic tube 8 of 13, p=0.19). On multivariable analysis the lack of preoperative stress urinary incontinence remained predictive of proceeding to reconstruction (OR 0.17, 95% CI 0.06-0.49, p=0.001). Among patients treated with chronic suprapubic tube, complications including stone formation or urinary urgency were reported in 27%. CONCLUSIONS: Although radiation induced urethral stricture can usually be managed effectively with urethroplasty, chronic suprapubic tube remains a viable management option, especially for men with preoperative stress urinary incontinence.

Improving Outcomes of Bulbomembranous Urethroplasty for Radiation-induced Urethral Strictures in Post-Urolume Era.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate contemporary outcomes of excision and primary anastomosis (EPA) for the treatment of radiation-induced urethral strictures (RUS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of 72 patients undergoing EPA for RUS from 2007 to 2015 by a single surgeon was performed. We analyzed overall and long-term success rates of EPA urethroplasty and compared patient cohorts from two groups, 2007-2012 vs 2013-2015 (post-Urolume). RESULTS: During the course of the study, we noted a near doubling of patient volume from the earlier (6.2 patients/year) to later (11.7 patients/year) cohorts. Among the 37 men treated from 2007 to 2012, we identified an EPA success rate of 70% compared with the improved 86% success rate in the subsequent cohort of 35 men treated from 2013 to 2015 (P = .07). Single dilation was successful in 50% of initial and 40% of subsequent cohort patients in the treatment of recurrence. Initial and subsequent cohorts varied only in regard to stricture length (mean 2.0 cm vs 3.0 cm in initial and subsequent cohorts, P = .001) and number treated with Urolume stent (initial 5 vs none in the later cohort, P = .03). Length of follow-up (median 50 [17-97] months for the initial and 22 [6-34] months for the later cohort) was not associated with recurrence. CONCLUSION: Increasing numbers of RUS patients are presenting for urethral reconstruction in the post-Urolume era. With increasing experience, we improved success rates of EPA urethroplasty to over 85% despite increased stricture length.