Experience with intracavernous injection in the treatment of erectile dysfunction after radical prostatectomy: dose considerations.

We sought to identify factors influencing dose maintenance of intracavernous (IC) injection among patients with ED following radical prostatectomy. A total of 93 patients underwent prostatectomy and received IC treatment for ED, including PGE1 single therapy (n=53) and triple therapy (n=40). In the PGE1-only group, the maintenance dosage was significantly correlated with preoperative sexual function and nerve sparing (NS) (P<0.05). For example, the maintenance dose among patients with no, unilateral and bilateral NS was 10.8 ± 6.6 µg (0.54 ± 0.33 ml), 10.8 ± 3.8 µg (0.54 ± 0.19 ml) and 6.4 ± 4.6 µg (0.32 ± 0.23 ml), respectively. In terms of preoperative sexual function, the maintenance dose among non-ED versus ED patients was 0.38 ± 0.25 ml (7.6 ± 5.0 µg) and 0.59 ± 0.31 ml (11.8 ± 6.2 µg), respectively. No significant correlation was observed between the maintenance dose and NS or preoperative sexual function among the triple-therapy patients or between the maintenance dose and age, body mass index, systemic diseases and initiation of ED treatment among all patients (P>0.05). Thus, maintenance dose of PGE1 therapy could be partly determined by NS status and prior ED of patients.

Penile prosthesis implantation: past, present and future.

Penile prosthesis implantation is the oldest effective treatment for erectile dysfunction. This review examines the past, present and future of penile prosthesis implantation. Advances in prosthetic design and implantation techniques have resulted today in devices that produce nearly normal flaccid and erect states, and have remarkable freedom from mechanical failure. The future of prosthetic design holds promises for even more improvements.

Risk of infection with an antibiotic coated penile prosthesis at device replacement for mechanical failure.

PURPOSE: The inflatable penile prosthesis is well established as an effective treatment for select patients with organic erectile dysfunction. The risk of prosthetic infection at primary implantation is approximately 2%. However, for revision or replacement procedures the risk of infection has been reported to be as high as 13.3%. To minimize the overall risk of prosthetic infection an antibiotic coated inflatable penile prosthesis (InhibiZone) has been developed. To assess the impact on infection rates we reviewed our experience with the use of this device at prosthesis replacement for mechanical failure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of all patients undergoing inflatable penile prosthesis replacement for mechanical failure with an antibiotic coated prosthesis between May 2001 and November 2004. Salvage procedures for clinically infected prostheses were excluded from analysis. Chart review was performed with examination of operative notes, all postoperative contacts and microbiological data. RESULTS: A total of 55 patients underwent replacement of an inflatable penile prosthesis for mechanical failure using a device coated with rifampin and minocycline HCL (InhibiZone). In all patients before reimplantation component spaces were irrigated in standard fashion. With a median followup of 32 months (range 12 to 54) postoperative device infection requiring explantation developed in 1 patient (1.8%). Intraoperative cultures from the pump site grew coagulase negative staphylococcus. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that an antibiotic coated inflatable penile prosthesis may lead to decreased infection rates in patients undergoing penile prosthesis replacement for mechanical failure.

Early use of vacuum constriction device following radical prostatectomy facilitates early sexual activity and potentially earlier return of erectile function.

To assess the efficacy of vacuum constriction devices (VCD) following radical prostatectomy (RP) and determine whether early use of VCD facilitates early sexual activity and potentially earlier return of erectile function. This prospective study consisted of 109 patients who underwent nerve-sparing (NS) or non-nerve-sparing (NNS) RP between August 1999 and October 2001 and developed erectile dysfunction following surgery. The patients were randomized to VCD use daily for 9 months (Group 1, N=74) or observation without any erectogenic treatment (Group 2, N=35). Treatment efficacy was analyzed by responses to the Sexual Health Inventory of Men (SHIM) (abridged 5-item International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5)), which were stratified by the NS status. Patient outcome regarding compliance, change in penile length, return of natural erection, and ability for vaginal intercourse were also assessed. The mean patient age was 58.2 years, and the minimum follow-up was 9 months. Use of VCD began at an average of 3.9 weeks after RP. In Group 1, 80% (60/74) successfully used their VCD with a constriction ring for vaginal intercourse at a frequency of twice/week with an overall spousal satisfaction rate of 55% (33/60). In all, 19 of these 60 patients (32%) reported return of natural erections at 9 months, with 10/60 (17%) having erections sufficient for vaginal intercourse. The abridged IIEF-5 score significantly increased after VCD use in both the NS and NNS groups. After a mean use of 3 months, 14/74 (18%) discontinued treatment. In Group 2, 37% (13/35) of patients regained spontaneous erections at a minimum follow-up of 9 months after surgery. However, only four of these patients (29%) had erections sufficient for successful vaginal intercourse and rest of patients (71%) sought adjuvant treatment. Of the 60 successful users, 14 (23%) reported a decrease in penile length and circumference at 9 months (range, 4-8 months) compared to 12/14 (85%) among the nonresponders. However, in control group 22/35 reported decrease in penile length and circumference. Early use of VCD following RP facilitates early sexual intercourse, early patient/spousal sexual satisfaction, and potentially an earlier return of natural erections sufficient for vaginal penetration.

Male sexual function improves after ileal pouch anal anastomosis.

PURPOSE: Restorative Proctocolectomy and Ileal Pouch Anal Anastomosis has become the gold standard surgical therapy for the majority of patients with mucosal ulcerative colitis. However sexual functional disturbances after this procedure can be a concern for patients. Therefore the aim of this study was to determine the outcome of sexual-function related quality of life in male patients undergoing restorative proctocolectomy. METHODS: One hundred and twenty-two male patients who underwent restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch anal anastomosis between 1995 and 2000 were evaluated by the validated International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) scoring instrument. This index scale examines sexual function in five categories. These are erectile function, orgasmic function, sexual desire, intercourse satisfaction and overall satisfaction. The IIEF instrument was administered after surgery and then scores before and after RP/IPAA were evaluated and compared. The significance of age at the time of the surgery, type of surgery, type of anastomotic technique (mucosectomy vs stapled) and septic complications on sexual functional outcome were also investigated. RESULTS: Mean age at the time of the surgery was 39.9 +/- 11.5 years. The mean follow-up period (time between pouch surgery and IIEF completed) was 3.6 +/- 1.8 years. There was statistically significant improvement in 4 of 5 categories of sexual function (erectile function, sexual desire, intercourse satisfaction, and overall satisfaction) where patients had improved scores after surgery compared to prior to surgery. The mean erectile function score increased pre to post surgery by 2.12 points (P = 0.02), which indicates better sexual results. Anastomotic technique and septic complication did not influence the results, however, older age had a negative impact on results. CONCLUSIONS: Despite some adverse sexual functions, male patients who undergo RP/IPAA for the surgical management of their colitis may preserve or improve their overall sexual functional outcome.

Antibiotic-coated medical devices: with an emphasis on inflatable penile prosthesis.

One of the most serious complications associated with the use of the inflatable penile prosthesis is infection. This can lead to significant morbidity for the patient, as well as significant health care costs. A number of methods have been used in attempts at minimizing the infection risk, including applying an antibiotic coating to the medical devise. This review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of these products in preventing clinically significant infections.

Long-term efficacy and compliance of intracorporeal (IC) injection for erectile dysfunction following radical prostatectomy: SHIM (IIEF-5) analysis.

Baseline and follow-up data from 102 patients using intracorporeal (IC) injection for erectile dysfunction (ED) following RP were retrospectively collected. We compared baseline International Index for Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaires with the abridged IIEF-5 questionnaires, referred to as the Sexual Health Inventory of Men (SHIM) to determine drug efficacy. The mean presurgery SHIM score was 21.75+/-5.23, which decreased to 4.23+/-3.48 after surgery and increased to 19.46+/-8.78 post-treatment. Overall, 68% (69/102) of patients achieved and maintained erections sufficient for sexual intercourse and 48% (49/102) of patients continued long-term therapy with a mean use of 3.7+/-1.9 y. In all, 52% (53/102) patients discontinued IC therapy. However when excluding patients who switched to oral therapy, had loss of partner or return of normal erections; the compliance to IC injections was 70.6% (71/102). There was no difference in the SHIM analysis between the nerve sparing (NS) and the non-NS or between the types of medications used. IC injections can provide excellent long-term efficacy and compliance in up to 70% of the patients. This study suggests that IC injections are an excellent salvage option in NS patients who fail oral therapy and a first option in patients with non-NS procedures.

Cylinder sizing: less is more.

In penile prosthesis implantation traditional cylinder-sizing techniques frequently result in penile cylinders that are too long for the corpora cavernosa. This can result in premature cylinder wear leading to cylinder aneurysm or fluid loss. Additionally, in the case of the length expanding Ultrex penile prosthesis, cylinders that are too long can result in an S-shaped cylinder deformity. We describe a cylinder measurement technique that avoids the problem of oversizing.

Surgical approaches for penile prosthesis implantation: penoscrotal vs infrapubic.

Surgical approaches for implantation of three-piece inflatable penile prostheses include the infrapubic and the penoscrotal. The penoscrotal approach avoids possible injury to the dorsal sensory nerves, provides easier and more complete corporeal exposure, and allows the pump to be anchored in the scrotal pouch. A variant of the penoscrotal approach, the transverse penoscrotal incision, is described.

Artificial urinary sphincter troubleshooting.

An approach to solving the problem of persistent or recurrent urinary incontinence after artificial urinary sphincter implantation is presented. This practical approach is designed to identify the known causes of this disorder, with treatment being directed to the cause.

Long-term continence and patient satisfaction after artificial sphincter implantation for urinary incontinence after prostatectomy.

PURPOSE: We assess long-term continence and patient satisfaction after implantation of the AMS Sphincter 800 (American Medical Systems, Minnetonka, Minnesota) in men who were incontinent after total and subtotal prostatectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who had an artificial urinary sphincter implanted for urinary incontinence after prostatectomy and a minimum of 20 months of followup were identified from a patient database. The medical records of these 209 patients were reviewed, and a questionnaire was mailed. Telephone contact was attempted with patients who did not respond to the questionnaire. Of the 209 patients 11 (5%) had undergone device removal, 34 (16%) were deceased and an additional 51 (24%) could not be contacted for followup. Our study group consisted of the 113 patients with artificial urinary sphincters who could be contacted for followup. Mean followup was 73 months (range 20 to 170). RESULTS: There were 4 (4%) patients who were dry and continent and 68 (60%) were incontinent using 0 to 1 pad daily. An additional 35 (31%) patients required 2 to 3 pads daily and 5 (4%) used more than 3 daily. There were 14 (12%) patients who had undergone surgical revision of the device. Of the 113 patients 31 (28%) were very satisfied, 50 (45%) satisfied, 20 (18%) neutral, 7 (6%) dissatisfied and 4 (4%) very dissatisfied. One patient was not using his device to control continence. CONCLUSIONS: Artificial urinary sphincter implantation offers men who are incontinent after prostatectomy a reasonable chance for obtaining long-term satisfactory urinary control, although complete continence is unusual.

Penile prosthesis implantation.

The development of effective systemic therapy for the treatment of erectile dysfunction has resulted in a significant increase in the number of men presenting for treatment. Not all men with erectile dysfunction will respond to systemic therapy; those who fail may be candidates for penile prosthesis implantation if second and third lines of treatment also fail or are rejected by the patient and his partner. Penile prosthesis implantation continues to play a role in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. There is a potential for the number of penile prosthesis implantation procedures to actually increase. The ideal penile prosthesis is a three-piece inflatable device that permits good penile flaccidity and increases in size and becomes rigid with inflation.

Penile prosthesis infections.

In this retrospective review we looked at infection rates and risk factors in penile prosthesis recipients. Computer registry records of patients implanted with three-piece inflatable prostheses from April 1986 to March 1999 were reviewed. Bacteriological culture report data were obtained from the medical records. There were 491 three-piece inflatable penile prosthesis recipients with follow-up ranging from 1 to 168 months (mean 83). All patients were implanted more than 1 y ago. There were 10 infections in 491 recipients (2.0%). In 285 primary prosthesis recipients there were seven infections (2.5%). In 206 secondary prosthesis recipients there were three infections (1.5%). Seven infections occurred in 354 non-diabetics (2.0%) and three infections occurred in 137 diabetics (2.2%). None of these differences were statistically significant. Explants for infection were performed in 8 weeks or less following implantation in eight patients. In two patients explants occurred at 17 and 26 months following implantation. Cultures from the periprosthetic space grew E. coli (four), Proteus mirabilis (two), Staph. aureus (two), and bacteroides (two). Infections occurred in 2.0% of three-piece inflatable penile prosthesis recipients. There were no statistically significant differences in infection rates between first time and repeat prosthesis recipients and between diabetic and non-diabetic recipients. Eight of the 10 infections occurred 8 weeks or less following implantation.

Report of the American Foundation for Urologic Disease (AFUD) Thought Leader Panel for evaluation and treatment of priapism.

PURPOSE: Patients with priapism often develop permanent erectile dysfunction and personal sexual distress. This report is intended to help educate the public by reviewing the varied definitions and classifications of priapism and limited literature reports of pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment outcomes of priapism. The AUA priapism guidelines committee is responsible for creating consensus as to appropriate individual patient management of priapism by physicians. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A multidisciplinary panel, consisting of 19 thought leaders in priapism, was convened by the Sexual Function Health Council of the American Foundation for Urologic Disease to address pertinent issues concerning the role of the urologist, primary care providers and other health care professionals in the education of the public regarding management of men with priapism. The panel utilized a modified Delphi method and built upon the peer review literature on priapism. RESULTS: The Thought Leader Panel recommended adoption of the definition of priapism as a pathological condition of a penile erection that persists beyond or is unrelated to sexual stimulation. Priapism is stressed to be an important medical condition that requires evaluation and may require emergency management. The classification system is categorized into ischemic and non-ischemic priapism. Essential elements of the ischemic classification are the inclusion of: (i) clinical characteristics of pain and rigidity; (ii) diagnostic characteristics of absence of cavernosal arterial blood flow; (iii) pathophysiological characteristics of a closed compartment syndrome; (iv) a time limit of 4 h prior to emergent medical care; and (v) a description of the potential consequences of delayed treatment. Essential elements of the non-ischemic classification are the inclusion of: (i) clinical characteristics of absence of pain and presence of partial rigidity; (ii) diagnostic and pathophysiological characteristics of unregulated cavernosal arterial inflow; and (iii) the need for evaluation but emphasizing the lack of a medical emergency. The panel recommended adoption of a rational management algorithm for the assessment and treatment of priapism where the cornerstone of initial assessment includes a careful clinical history, a focused physical examination and selected laboratory and/or radiologic tests. The panel recommended that specific criteria and clinical profiles requiring specialist referral should be identified. The panel further recommended that patient (and partner) needs and education concerning priapism should be addressed prior to therapeutic intervention, however only in the case of chronic management or post acute presentation evaluation should this delay intervention. Treatment goals to be discussed include management of the priapism with concomitant prevention of permanent and irreversible erectile dysfunction and associated psychosocial consequences. The panel recommended that when specific therapies for priapism are required, a step-care treatment approach based upon reversibility and invasiveness should be followed. CONCLUSIONS: The Thought Leader Panel calls for research to expand our understanding of the prevalence and diagnosis of priapism and education to create awareness among the public of the potential urgency of this condition. Critical areas to be addressed include the multiple pathophysiologies of priapism as well as multi-institutional trials to objectively assess safety and efficacy in the various treatment modalities.

Future considerations: advances in the surgical management of erectile dysfunction.

As treatment options for erectile dysfunction (ED) continue to expand, and with more attractive alternatives such as effective systemic treatment becoming available, the number of men presenting for treatment of ED is increasing exponentially. Since a subset of these men continue to require surgical therapy, there is a potential for the number of operations for the treatment of ED and related disorders to actually increase. Areas in the surgical treatment of ED where improvements are needed are identified, including: measures to prevent penile prosthesis infections, better penile implants, improved penile augmentation procedures, better surgical procedures for the treatment of Peyronie's disease, improved penile revascularization procedures, and new motor and sensory penile nerve grafting procedures. International Journal of Impotence Research (2000) 12, Suppl 4, S140-S143.

Role of Viagra after radical prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether the response to sildenafil citrate (Viagra) in patients with erectile dysfunction after radical prostatectomy was influenced by the presence or absence of neurovascular bundles, the interval from surgery to the initiation of drug therapy, and the dose of the drug. METHODS: Baseline and follow-up data from 91 patients presenting with erectile dysfunction after radical prostatectomy were obtained. The patients were stratified according to the type of nerve-sparing (NS) procedure: bilateral NS, unilateral NS, and non-NS. They were interviewed using the Cleveland Clinic Post Prostatectomy (CCPP) questionnaire and the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire. RESULTS: The presence or absence of the neurovascular bundles influenced the ability to achieve vaginal intercourse. In the patients who had undergone bilateral NS, 71.7% (38 of 53) responded; in those with unilateral NS, 50% (6 of 12) responded; and in those with non-NS, 15.4% (4 of 26) responded. The IIEF questionnaire confirmed the quality of the positive responses, with significant improvements in response to question 3 (frequency of penetration), question 4 (frequency of maintenance of erection), and question 7 (satisfaction with intercourse). The magnitude of improvement in responses was higher in the bilateral NS group than in the unilateral NS and non-NS groups (P <0.05). When the data of the 48 positive responders were analyzed, no difference in the response rate was found when the interval from surgery to drug therapy was stratified by the following three intervals: 0 to 6 months (44%), 6 to 12 months (55%), and greater than 12 months (53%). Of the positive responders, 14 (29.1%) required the 50-mg dose, and 34 (70.9%) required the 100-mg dose. The most common side effects were transient headaches (28.6%), flushing (21.9%), dizziness (8.8%), dyspepsia (6.5%), and nasal congestion (5.4%), with an increase in the incidence of headaches seen at the higher dose (P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Successful treatment of erectile dysfunction with sildenafil citrate after radical prostatectomy depends on the presence of the neurovascular bundles. Our data suggest that the response to sildenafil is not related to the interval between the surgery and initiation of drug therapy but is related to the dose.

Current status of penile prosthesis implantation.

Today most men with erectile dysfunction (ED) can be effectively treated with less invasive means than penile prosthesis implantation. Nevertheless, there remain men who do not respond to simple treatments such as systemic medication and who either do not respond to or reject intermediate treatment such as penile injection therapy. For these men, penile prosthesis implantation remains a reasonable option. This review discusses types of penile prostheses, how to choose among prosthesis types, key features of implant techniques, infection management, penile reconstruction related to prosthesis implantation, and patient and partner satisfaction.

Modified corporoplasty for penile curvature: long-term results and patient satisfaction.

PURPOSE: In 1994 we began performing the modified corporoplasty technique in patients undergoing surgery to correct penile curvature. The procedure consists of transverse closure of the longitudinal tunical incisions. This technique allows minimal mobilization of the neurovascular bundles or corpus spongiosum and potentially decreases the risk of injury to underlying erectile tissue. We report long-term results of and patient satisfaction with this procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From June 1994 to June 1997, 28 consecutive patients 16 to 65 years old (mean age 45) selected for corporoplasty underwent a total of 29 operative procedures for disabling penile curvature. The etiology of curvature was Peyronie's disease in 19 patients (68%) and congenital curvature in 9 (32%). Results were obtained by retrospective chart review and telephone interview. Long-term followup available for 19 patients ranged from 11 to 46 months (mean 24.1). RESULTS: Penile straightening was excellent in 25 patients (89%) and good with less than 20 degrees of residual curvature in 2 (7%). In 1 patient in whom the procedure failed excellent straightening was achieved after a repeat procedure. A total of 27 patients (96%) reported no change in erectile rigidity or maintenance postoperatively, while 1 described early detumescence. We contacted 19 patients at long-term followup, of whom 17 and 2 reported excellent and good penile straightening results, respectively. In 18 cases there was no change in erectile rigidity, while in 1 there was early detumescence. Some element of erectile shortening without functional problems was noticed by 11 patients, of whom 1 was bothered by shortening but achieves successful intercourse. Eight patients denied shortening. In regard to the overall result 9 patients were very satisfied, 6 satisfied, 2 neutral and 2 unsatisfied. CONCLUSIONS: In select patients modified corporoplasty as described is an effective and durable procedure with a high rate of patient satisfaction. Patients should be counseled preoperatively concerning postoperative erectile shortening.