Global Practice Patterns and Variations in the Medical and Surgical Management of Non-Obstructive Azoospermia: Results of a World-Wide Survey, Guidelines and Expert Recommendations.

PURPOSE: Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is a common, but complex problem, with multiple therapeutic options and a lack of clear guidelines. Hence, there is considerable controversy and marked variation in the management of NOA. This survey evaluates contemporary global practices related to medical and surgical management for patients with NOA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 56-question online survey covering various aspects of the evaluation and management of NOA was sent to specialists around the globe. This paper analyzes the results of the second half of the survey dealing with the management of NOA. Results have been compared to current guidelines, and expert recommendations have been provided using a Delphi process. RESULTS: Participants from 49 countries submitted 336 valid responses. Hormonal therapy for 3 to 6 months was suggested before surgical sperm retrieval (SSR) by 29.6% and 23.6% of participants for normogonadotropic hypogonadism and hypergonadotropic hypogonadism respectively. The SSR rate was reported as 50.0% by 26.0% to 50.0% of participants. Interestingly, 46.0% reported successful SSR in <10% of men with Klinefelter syndrome and 41.3% routinely recommended preimplantation genetic testing. Varicocele repair prior to SSR is recommended by 57.7%. Half of the respondents (57.4%) reported using ultrasound to identify the most vascularized areas in the testis for SSR. One-third proceed directly to microdissection testicular sperm extraction (mTESE) in every case of NOA while others use a staged approach. After a failed conventional TESE, 23.8% wait for 3 months, while 33.1% wait for 6 months before proceeding to mTESE. The cut-off of follicle-stimulating hormone for positive SSR was reported to be 12-19 IU/mL by 22.5% of participants and 20-40 IU/mL by 27.8%, while 31.8% reported no upper limit. CONCLUSIONS: This is the largest survey to date on the real-world medical and surgical management of NOA by reproductive experts. It demonstrates a diverse practice pattern and highlights the need for evidence-based international consensus guidelines.

Global Practice Patterns in the Evaluation of Non-Obstructive Azoospermia: Results of a World-Wide Survey and Expert Recommendations.

PURPOSE: Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) represents the persistent absence of sperm in ejaculate without obstruction, stemming from diverse disease processes. This survey explores global practices in NOA diagnosis, comparing them with guidelines and offering expert recommendations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 56-item questionnaire survey on NOA diagnosis and management was conducted globally from July to September 2022. This paper focuses on part 1, evaluating NOA diagnosis. Data from 367 participants across 49 countries were analyzed descriptively, with a Delphi process used for expert recommendations. RESULTS: Of 336 eligible responses, most participants were experienced attending physicians (70.93%). To diagnose azoospermia definitively, 81.7% requested two semen samples. Commonly ordered hormone tests included serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) (97.0%), total testosterone (92.9%), and luteinizing hormone (86.9%). Genetic testing was requested by 66.6%, with karyotype analysis (86.2%) and Y chromosome microdeletions (88.3%) prevalent. Diagnostic testicular biopsy, distinguishing obstructive azoospermia (OA) from NOA, was not performed by 45.1%, while 34.6% did it selectively. Differentiation relied on physical examination (76.1%), serum hormone profiles (69.6%), and semen tests (68.1%). Expectations of finding sperm surgically were higher in men with normal FSH, larger testes, and a history of sperm in ejaculate. CONCLUSIONS: This expert survey, encompassing 367 participants from 49 countries, unveils congruence with recommended guidelines in NOA diagnosis. However, noteworthy disparities in practices suggest a need for evidence-based, international consensus guidelines to standardize NOA evaluation, addressing existing gaps in professional recommendations.

Risk of unfavorable outcomes after penile prosthesis implantation - results from a national registry (INSIST-ED).

Like all surgeries, penile prosthesis implantation (PPI) has the potential for both postoperative complications and suboptimal patient satisfaction. In order to assess risk factors for poor satisfaction, we reviewed patients who had been prospectively recruited in a national multi-institutional registry of penile prostheses procedures (INSIST-ED) from 2014 to 20121. Patient baseline characteristics and postoperative complications were recorded. The primary endpoint of this study was unfavorable outcomes after inflatable PPI, defined as significant postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo ≥2) and/or Sexuality with Quality of Life and Sexuality with Penile Prosthesis (QoLSPP) scores below the 10th percentile. A total of 256 patients were included in the study. The median age was 60 years (IQR 56-67). The most common cause of erectile dysfunction (ED) was organic (42.2%), followed by pelvic surgery/radiotherapy (39.8%) and Peyronie's disease (18.0%). Postoperative complications were recorded in 9.6%. High-grade complications (Clavien ≥2) occurred in 4.7%. At 1-year follow-up, the median QoLSPP total score was 71 (IQR 65-76). In all, 14.8% of patients were classified as having experienced unfavorable outcomes because of significant postoperative complications and/or QoLSPP scores below the 10th percentile. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated patient age to be non-linearly associated with the risk of experiencing unfavorable outcomes. A U-shaped correlation showed a lower risk for younger and older patients and a higher risk for middle-aged men. ED etiology and surgical volume were not associated with PPI outcomes. Physicians should, therefore, be aware that middle-aged men may be at higher risk of being unsatisfied following PPI compared to both younger and older patients.

Bioengineered dermal matrix (Integra®) reduces donor site morbidity in total phallic construction with radial artery forearm free-flap.

Total phallic construction with radial artery forearm free-flap (RAFFF) is widely regarded as the gold standard approach for phalloplasty. However, donor-site morbidity remains a significant concern, which is typically managed by using a full-thickness skin graft (FTSG) on the forearm. Split thickness skin grafts (STSG) have been proposed as an alternative, along with the use of an acellular dermal matrix substitute. A retrospective comparative analysis was performed to assess the differences in operative, functional and cosmetic outcomes between FTSG (Group A) and the combination of acellular dermal matrix with STSG (Group B). A retrospective cohort study was conducted on all patients who underwent total phallic construction with RAFFF, between 2016 and 2021. Post-operative surgical and functional outcomes were evaluated using validated tools. A total of 34 patients were included in the study, with 18 patients (52.9%) in Group A and 16 patients (47.1%) in Group B. Group B demonstrated a significant advantage in terms of healing time (24 days vs. 30 days, p = 0.003) and complete graft take (93.8% vs. 27.8%, p = 0.001). Group B also had significantly shorter operative times (310 min vs. 447 min, p = 0.001) and a reduced median hospital stay (8 days vs. 10 days, p = 0.001). Satisfaction with cosmesis was significantly higher in Group B (93.8% vs. 66.7%, p = 0.048).

The outcomes of penile prosthesis in neurologic patients: a multicentric retrospective series.

Introduction: Neurological disease is a known entity for causing erectile dysfunction (ED). Pharmacological therapies are not always effective these patients - penile prosthesis implant (PPI) is an established surgical treatment option. For a variety of reasons, neurological patients may experience differing outcomes of PPI compared to those whose ED arises from other causes. We investigated outcomes of PPI in neurological patients using the Italian multi-institutional national registry of penile prostheses [Italian Nationwide Systematic Inventarization of Surgical Treatment for ED (INSIST-ED)]. Methods: Patients undergoing PPI were investigated via the INSIST-ED registry, from 2014 to 2021. Data were prospectively recorded by 45 surgeons on a dedicated website (www.registro.andrologiaitaliana.it) and reviewed by a data manager. We subselected patients with neurological disease undergoing PPI for ED, and these patients were reviewed at 3, 6, and 12 months, and annually thereafter. Postoperative complications and functional outcomes were evaluated through validated questionnaires [International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5), Sexual Encounter Profile 2-3, and Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction (EDITS)]. A nonvalidated questionnaire was administered to assess patient satisfaction. Results: A total of 33 patients were included with a median age of 49 [interquartile range (IQR) 41-55]. Median follow-up was 83 months (IQR 67-99.5). A penoscrotal approach for PPI was performed in most cases (90.9%), while infrapubic was used in three cases (9.1%). Inflatable and malleable devices were implanted in 30 (90.9%) and 3 cases (9.1%), respectively. Intraoperative complications occurred in one case (3%). Early postoperative complications (<90 days) were observed in three cases (9.1%): two wound dehiscence (Clavien-Dindo G1 and G3a respectively) and one device infection requiring prosthesis explant (Clavien-Dindo G3a). Mechanical failures of inflatable devices were not observed during the follow-up period. Median IIEF-5 before surgery was 8 (IQR 7-9). At the latest follow-up, IIEF-5 was 22 (IQR 19-23.5), and median EDITS was 79 (IQR 64-88). A total of 28 patients (84.8%) self-reported to be fully satisfied with the PPI. Conclusion: Although PPI in the neurological population has been historically considered to be at increased risk, in our study, PPI complications and infections rates in this cohort did not differ from general population.

The outcomes of surgical management options for adult acquired buried penis.

Functional and surgical outcomes after surgical correction of adult acquired buried penis (AABP) are limited in the current literature. We retrospectively recruited patients underwent surgical treatment of AABP in a single institution from 2017 to 2021. Surgical repair was classified according to surgical complexity following Pariser-Santucci's classification. The primary endpoint of the study was the recurrence-free rate survival. The secondary endpoints were surgical, functional and patients' reported outcomes. Overall 28 patients were included in the study. Median follow-up was 27.5 (18.5-34.5). The most common complaints at presentation were sexual (53.6%) and voiding (39.3%) dysfunction. Surgical management steps ranged from circumcision to more complex procedures, such as suprapubic fat pad excision, abdominoplasty and/or penile shaft skin grafting. Overall postoperative complications were recorded in 32.1%. High-grade complications (Clavien≥3) occurred in 7.1%. One-year recurrence-free survival was 88.7%. Postoperatively IPSS and IIEF-15 questionnaires showed a significant improvement in urinary 8 (0-12) vs 2 (0-3), p = 0.03 and sexual function 37 (23-68) vs 68 (45-72), p = 0.001 respectively. Overall, patients reported functional improvement and 93.8% experienced a positive impact of QoL. AABP surgical repair, despite the high incidence of complications, seems to allow satisfactory outcomes and a significant improvement in patients' QoL.

Combined Trifocal and Microsurgical Testicular Sperm Extraction Enhances Sperm Retrieval Rate in Low-Chance Retrieval Non-Obstructive Azoospermia.

Background: Low-chance retrieval non-obstructive azoospermic (NOA) patients are a subpopulation of NOA patients. The objective of this study is to compare the surgical outcome of microsurgical-assisted testicular sperm extraction (M-TeSE) and combined trifocal/M-TeSE in low-chance retrieval NOA patients. Material and Methods: A single-center retrospective analysis of NOA patients who underwent testicular sperm extraction was performed. Low-chance retrieval NOA (testicular volume < 10 cc and FSH > 12.4 UI/L) was set as the inclusion criteria. Re-do TeSE procedures were excluded from the current analysis. Data were extrapolated from clinical records and operative notes. We compared data from patients who underwent classic M-TeSE (group A) with that from patients submitted to combined trifocal/M-TeSE (group B). Sperm retrieval rate (SRr) was the primary outcome of the study. Surgical outcomes and postoperative complications were evaluated. A multivariate analysis was conducted to investigate predictive factors for positive SR. Results: Overall, 80 patients (60 patients in Group A and 20 patients in Group B) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The average (SD) age was 35 (8.2) years. The average preoperative FSH was 27.5 (13) UI/L. The average testicular volume was 6.3 (3) cc on the left side and 6.8 (2.5) cc on the right. Groups were similar in terms of preoperative parameters. The overall SRr was 28%. Patients in group B had higher SRr than those in group A (29.4% vs. 26.9%, p < 0.03). We identified a significant association between testicular histopathology and positive SR (hypospermatogenesis 100%, spermatogenic arrest 32%, and Sertoli cell-only syndrome 22%). The histopathology report was the only significant predicting factor for SR in the multivariate analysis. Conclusion: The combined trifocal and M-TeSE approach is safe and may represent a valuable approach to enhance the SRr in low-chance retrieval NOA. The histopathology report is confirmed to be the only valuable predicting factor for a positive SR.

The Outcomes of Glansectomy and Split Thickness Skin Graft Reconstruction for Invasive Penile Cancer Confined to Glans.

OBJECTIVE: To report surgical, functional and patient reported outcomes(PROs) of glansectomy(GS), and split-thickness skin graft(STSG) reconstruction in case of locally invasive penile cancer(PC) MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis from May 2015 to August 2019 was conducted. Inclusion criteria were age<80, a "de novo" malignancy, clinically confined PC (≤T2) with histologic confirmation. Complications, recurrence-free(RFS), cancer-free(CFS) and overall survival(OS) were described. Functional outcomes and PROs were explored using validated questionnaires and "ad hoc" created questionnaire respectively. Kaplan-Meier analysis, t-Student and the Mann-Whitney U test were used to estimate survival and postsurgical functional changes respectively. RESULTS: 34 patients were enrolled. Median follow-up was 12(IQR:12-41) months. Positive surgical margins were detected in 2.9% of cases, requiring salvage surgery. Postoperative complications occurred in 29.4%, most commonly being a graft partial loss (17.6%), meatal stenosis (5.8%) or genital wound infection (5.8%). Disease recurrence occurred in 17.6% of cases with a median elapsed time of 16 months (12-41). 12-month RFS was 88.2%, whilst CSS and OS were 91% at the same time point. Glans sensation was preserved in 91.2% of cases. 88.2% of patients reported to be fully satisfied with the postoperative aesthetic appearance of the penis, 91.2% of patients would recommend the same procedure to someone else. Limitations include retrospective design and the lack of a control group CONCLUSION: GS with STSG minimizes the impact on urinary and sexual functions without jeopardizing oncological control in locally advanced PC.

Total phallic construction techniques in transgender men: an updated narrative review.

From 2012, the World Professional Association Transgender Health defined a structured therapeutic path and standards of care for transgender patients undergoing genital gender affirming surgery (GGAS). The main goal of GGAS in transgender males is to provide patients with an aesthetically appealing appearance of the neophallus that should allow standing micturition and enabling penetrative intercourse along with erogenous and tactile sensitivity. The optimal procedure should be safe, reproducible and performed in the fewest number of surgical stages. The ideal technique for total phallic construction (TPC) has not yet been demonstrated; TPC remains challenging and, from a functional point of view, it is also make more demanding as yet there are no perfect replacement materials for erectile and urethral tissues. Several procedures and different type of flaps (pedicled and free-flaps) have been proposed and investigated over time to address TPC with significant advances over the years especially after microsurgical procedures introduction. Due to its high complexity TPC is not free from complications. Local tissue ischaemic complications, complete and partial flap loss, donor site morbidity and urethral complications (fistulae and strictures) are reported. This narrative review aims to provide the readers with a contemporary overview of surgical procedures for TPC in transgender males focusing on key surgical steps, as well as surgical and functional outcomes.

Functional and Patient Reported Outcomes Following Total Glans Resurfacing.

BACKGROUND: Whilst there is a trend away from aggressive nonorgan sparing surgical treatments for malignant penile disease, a variety of penile preservation options exist but functional outcomes and patient reported outcomes (PROs) in this area are poorly reported to date. AIM: The aim of this study is to report functional outcomes and PROs of total glans resurfacing (TGR) in a consecutive series of patients with lichen sclerosis (LS) or localized penile cancer (PC). METHODS: From 2004 to 2018 a consecutive series of patients underwent TGR for the management of LS or localized PC in a tertiary referral network. Patient clinical records and operative notes were retrospectively reviewed. Statistical analysis was conducted with Stata 12. OUTCOMES: Urinary and sexual outcomes were recorded utilizing both the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) validated questionnaires while PROs were extrapolated from a 5-item "ad hoc" telephone questionnaire administered at 1 year post procedure. RESULTS: 37 consecutive patients were enrolled. Histology results demonstrated LS in 16 patients, with the remaining 21 having a diagnosis of PC. The most common reasons for patient presentation were local pain (32.4%), pruritus (37.8%) and bleeding (29.7%). Median follow-up was 22 (IQR 13-77) months. Median age was 62 (IQR 55-68). Neither of the questionnaires assessing urinary and sexual function showed any significant deterioration after surgery. Glans sensitivity was fully maintained in 89.2% of cases. 94.5% of patients reported to be fully satisfied with the aesthetic appearance of the penis and would consider undergoing the same procedure again if necessary. 91.9% of patients would recommend the same procedure to someone else. An overall improvement of the quality of life was reported by 86.4% of patients. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: TGR should be considered a treatment of choice for selected cases of benign or malignant penile lesions STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: Our study has some limitations, the first being its retrospective nature. Furthermore, despite being one of the largest series to date, follow-up duration is somewhat limited and a control group is lacking. CONCLUSION: TGR represents an excellent surgical option ensuring satisfactory voiding and sexual function, as well as cosmesis for selected cases of penile lesions. M. Preto, M. Falcone, G. Blecher, et al. Functional and Patient Reported Outcomes Following Total Glans Resurfacing. J Sex Med 2021;18:1099-1103.

Physical, Mental and Sexual Health Among Transgender Women: A Comparative Study Among Operated Transgender and Cisgender Women in a National Tertiary Referral Network.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have investigated how physical, mental and sexual function are associated with each other in operated transgender women (oTW). AIM: To provide information on the physical, mental and sexual health of oTW in comparison with a group of cisgender women (cisW). METHODS: An age-matched control study was carried out, recruiting 125 oTW in 7 national referral centers and 80 volunteer women. Beck Depression Inventory Primary Care (BDI-PC), General Health Survey (SF-36), Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and operated Male to Female Sexual Function Index (oMtFSI) questionnaires were web-based administered. Data included: age, area of origin, educational level, sexual orientation, years since surgery and hormone therapy. OUTCOMES: T-test was applied to inspect mean score differences between oTW and cisW, in mental, sexual and physical health; simple correlations and multiple regression analysis revealed how mental, sexual and physical health were concurrently associated in the two groups RESULTS: Response rate 60% (52% oTW, 71% cisW). oTW mean age 38.5 years (SD = 9.3), cisW 37.7 years (SD = 11.5). Both cisW and oTW reported average values in the range of mental, physical and sexual health. Statistical comparisons revealed no significant group differences in mental and physical health. oTW who referred a worse sexual function also reported worse overall mental well-being and higher levels of depressive symptoms. FSFI scores were negatively associated with years since surgery, but not with age. Multiple regression analysis showed that FSFI Pain accounted for a significant unique variance proportion of risk of depression in oTW. FSFI Sexual Pain was the strongest estimator of inter-individual differences in BDI-PC among oTW (P < .01). CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: No significant differences in the levels of depressive symptoms, physical and mental well- being were found in oTW and cis-W. The relation between depressive symptoms and sexual function in oTW is stronger than in cisW, and sexual pain substantially predicts risk of depression in oTW. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS: The evaluation of outcomes using validated questionnaires and the relatively large sample size. The convenience control group reported mental, physical and sexual health levels within the range of Italian normative data. Since this is a cross-sectional study, we must be careful in drawing conclusions from our results. CONCLUSIONS: Sexual pain and lubrication difficulties are the main causes of worse sexual function in oTW, highlighting the importance of perioperative counseling to make surgical expectations realistic and to educate to a proper neovagina management. Vedovo F, Di Blas L, Aretusi F, et al. Physical, Mental and Sexual Health Among Transgender Women. A comparative Study Among Operated Transgender and Cisgender Women in a National Tertiary Referral Network. J Sex Med Rev 2021;18:982-989.

Long-Term Surgical, Functional, and Patient Reported Outcomes of a Modified Corporoplasty: A Tertiary Referral Center Experience.

BACKGROUND: Nesbit corporoplasty was proposed to address penile curvature (PC), both congenital (CPC) and acquired (APC). AIM: To evaluate surgical, functional, and patient reported outcomes (PROs) of a modified corporoplasty. METHODS: From May 2005 to January 2017, a consecutive series of patients underwent a modified corporoplasty. Data were retrospectively extrapolated. Intra and postoperative complications and hospital stay were recorded as surgical outcomes. 2 validated international questionnaires were administered preoperatively and at 12 months after surgery: International Index of Erectile Function and Sexual Encounter Profile (items 2-3). An "ad hoc" questionnaire was utilized to assess PROs. OUTCOMES: Postoperative surgical and functional outcomes and PROs were the primary outcomes assessed in this study. RESULTS: 87 out of 145 patients had complete data available and were included in the study. CPC was noted in 61 patients whilst APC, secondary to Peyronie's disease, was present in 26 patients. Median preoperative PC was 60° (interquartile range [IQR] 45-70). Functional and PROs were evaluated 12 months after surgery for all enrolled patients. Considering surgical outcomes, the median follow-up time was 110 months (IQR 27-132.5). Median operative time was 130 minutes for CPC (IQR 115-150) and 120 minutes for APC (IQR 95-140). Median hospital stay was 2 days for both groups (IQR 1-2). After the median follow-up time of 110 months (IQR 27-132.5), a recurrent curvature was observed in 9.2% of cases. Minor residual curvature (<20°) was detected in 13.8%. International Index of Erectile Function and Sexual Encounter Profile 2-3 scores improved in both groups. Long-term de novo postoperative erectile dysfunction was observed in 3.2% of CPC cases and in 38.5% in APC (P = .001). A multivariate analysis revealed that etiology (APC), patient age (>35 years), and postoperative complications represented independent risk factors for the development of postoperative erectile dysfunction. Postoperative complications, in terms of bleeding, infection, or poor esthetic wound healing, occurred in 12.6% of patients. No Clavien-Dindo grade III-IV intraoperative complications were reported. Postoperative hematoma was more frequent in CPC when compared to APC (P = .003). In relation to PROs, 26.4% of patients responded as being dissatisfied with postoperative penile length, with a higher incidence in the APC group (P = .001). Overall, a significant improvement in everyday and sexual life quality was observed in both categories. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The modified corporoplasty described showed better residual curvature rates, whilst maintaining similar PROs even if APC patients reported less favorable outcomes when compared to CPC. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS: The primary limitations of this study are its retrospective nature, no objective evaluation of postoperative curvature, and no penile length assessment. CONCLUSION: The aforementioned corporoplasty may represent an excellent option for PC correction, with low complication rate and high patient satisfaction. Falcone M, CerutiC, Preto M, et al. Long-Term Surgical, Functional, and Patient Reported Outcomes of a Modified Corporoplasty: A Tertiary Referral Center Experience. J Sex Med 2020;17:1779-1786.

Total Glans Resurfacing for the Management of Superficial Penile Cancer: A Retrospective Cohort Analysis in a Tertiary Referral Center.

OBJECTIVES: To report surgical and oncological outcomes of total glans resurfacing in a consecutive series of superficial penile cancers. DESIGN, SETTINGS AND PARTECIPANTS: 26 patients were enrolled in the present trial. A retrospective analysis was conducted. Inclusion criteria were age < 80, "de novo" malignancy, clinically suspected superficial disease and disease confirmation by a penile biopsy. Clinically palpable corporeal or urethral involvement, high histological grade, clinically palpable nodes on physical examination and unwillingness to comply with follow-up were considered as exclusion criteria. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Descriptive features and surgical outcomes were extrapolated from the clinical records. The categorical variables were described using frequency and percentage, and the continuous variables were described using median and interquartile range (IQR) value. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to estimate survival over time. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: Median follow-up was 38 (IQR 13-86) months. Median age was 65 (IQR 55-68). An history of lichen sclerosus was reported by 50% of patients. No intraoperative complications were reported. Median hospital stay was 5 (IQR 2-6) days. Final histology confirmed superficial disease in 42.4% and T1 in 53.8%. T2 was detected in a single case. Postoperative complications were minimal (3.8%). No regional nodal recurrence was reported. At Kaplan-Meier analysis, overall survival rate was 100% at 1 year, 1-year recurrence free survival was 96.1% and 2-year recurrence free survival was 88.5%. CONCLUSION: Total glans resurfacing may represent an excellent option for organ preserving surgery in patients with a superficial penile cancer. Surgical and oncological outcomes proved to be satisfactory.

Rates of hypogonadism forms in Klinefelter patients undergoing testicular sperm extraction: A multicenter cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Adult patients with Klinefelter syndrome (KS) may present with testicular volume loss and a decrease in circulating testosterone (T) levels. However, the actual rate of hypogonadism in adult KS men is unknown. We aimed to (a) assess the prevalence of different forms of hypogonadism in a cohort of KS patients with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA); and (b) investigate potential preoperative predictor of positive sperm retrieval (SR) at surgery in the same cohort of men. METHODS: Complete data from 103 KS men with NOA who underwent testicular sperm extraction (TESE) between 2008 and 2019 at five centers were analyzed. Comorbidities were scored with the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). Patients were categorized into four groups of hypogonadism as follows: eugonadism [normal total T (tT) (≥3.03 ng/mL) and normal luteinizing hormone (LH) (≤9.4 mUI/mL)], secondary hypogonadism [low tT (≤3.03 ng/mL) and low/normal LH (≤9.4 mUI/mL)], primary hypogonadism [low tT (≤3.03 ng/mL) and elevated LH (≥9.4 mUI/mL)], and compensated hypogonadism [normal tT (≥3.03 ng/mL) and elevated LH (≥9.4 mUI/mL)]. Descriptive statistics tested the association between clinical characteristics and laboratory values among the four groups. RESULTS: Median (IQR) patients age was 32 (24, 37) years. Baseline follicle-stimulating hormone and tT levels were 29.5 (19.9, 40.9) mUI/mL and 3.8 (2.5, 11.0) ng/mL, respectively. Eugonadism, primary hypogonadism, and compensated hypogonadism were found in 16 (15.6%), 34 (33.0%), and 53 (51.4%) men, respectively. No patients had secondary hypogonadism. Positive SR rate at TESE was 21.4% (22 patients); of 22, 15 (68.2%) patients underwent assisted reproductive technology and five (22.7%) ended in live birth children. Patients' age, BMI, CCI, FSH levels, and positive SR rates were comparable among hypogonadism groups. No preoperative parameters were associated with positive SR at logistic regressions analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Findings from this cross-sectional study showed that 15.6% of adult KS men have normal tT values at presentation in the real-life setting. Most KS patients presented with either compensated or primary hypogonadism. Sperm retrieval rates were not associated with different forms of hypogonadism.

Operated Male-to-Female Sexual Function Index: Validity of the First Questionnaire Developed to Assess Sexual Function after Male-to-Female Gender Affirming Surgery.

PURPOSE: No questionnaire is currently available to evaluate sexual function after male-to-female gender affirming surgery. Such a limit leads to a suboptimal evaluation in postoperative sexual function in these patients. We developed and validated a new questionnaire, the oMtFSFI (operated Male-to-Female Sexual Function Index), for assessing sexual function in male-to-female patients after surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A panel of experts in gender dysphoria defined the main content areas to be assessed, including genital self-image, desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction and sexual pain. After a pretest on 10 patients the oMtFSFI was applied in the main study to 65 operated male-to-female patients, recruited at 7 Italian centers, and 57 women. The participants provided self-ratings on online oMtFSFI, Female Sexual Function Index, Beck Depression Inventory for Primary Care and Short Form Health Survey questionnaires. Operated male-to-female patients completed the oMtFSFI twice, 4 weeks apart. RESULTS: Principal component analysis performed on self-ratings provided by operated male-to-female patients on oMtFSFI items yielded a 3-domain structure of sexual dissatisfaction, sexual pain and genital self-image. The 3 domains were internally consistent and test-retest reliable. Convergent associations with Female Sexual Function Index scales emerged for sexual dissatisfaction and sexual pain but not for genital self-image. Male-to-female patients reported lower sexual function levels than cisgender women. CONCLUSIONS: The present preliminary results support reliability and psychometric validity of the oMtFSFI in the assessment of key sexual function domains in transgender women, further revealing that genital self-image represents an assessment area to be considered in male-to-female patients, in addition to domains that are salient for cis women as well.

Suprapubic pedicled phalloplasty in transgender men: a multicentric retrospective cohort analysis.

A variety of approaches are available to address a genital gender affirming surgery (GGAS) in transgender men. The aim of the present study is to report surgical and functional outcomes after a suprapubic pedicled phalloplasty (SPP). From November 2008 to August 2018, a consecutive series of 34 patients underwent an SPP in two tertiary referral centers. GGAS was conducted as a multistaged procedure, consisting (1) SPP with subsequent radial artery-based forearm free-flap urethroplasty, (2) glans sculpting, urethral anastomosis, and scrotoplasty, and (3) penile prosthesis implantation. The duration of surgery, intra and postoperative complications, and hospital stay were selected as variables for surgical outcomes. Functional outcomes were extrapolated from a four-item questionnaire.A partial necrosis of phallus was detected in two cases (5.8 %). Two cases of seroma formation with wound dehiscence (5.8%) were detected. Overall, 89% of patients declared to be fully satisfied of the SPP, 83% would recommend the procedure to someone else, and 89% would undergo the same procedure again. Overall, 66% of patients could achieve an orgasm during sexual penetrative intercourses. The retrospective design, the lack of randomization and validated questionnaire for outcomes reporting, and the limited follow-up represent the main drawbacks of our study. Our evidences suggest that SPP represents as an acceptable option for GGAS.

Sperm retrieval rates in non-mosaic Klinefelter patients undergoing testicular sperm extraction: What expectations do we have in the real-life setting?

BACKGROUND: A recent meta-analysis (Human Reproduction Update 23, 2017 and 265) reported positive sperm retrieval rates (SRR) in 50% of patients with Klinefelter syndrome (KS) undergoing testicular sperm extraction (TESE). However, these results do not reflect the rates of SR that we observe in clinical practice. We assessed the rate and potential predictors of SR in Klinefelter patients in the real-life setting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed clinical data of 103 KS men who underwent TESE between 08/2008 and 03/2019 at five tertiary referral Andrology centers. Patients underwent testis ultrasound, hormonal evaluation, and genetic testing. All patients were azoospermic based on the 2010 WHO reference criteria. Conventional TESE (cTESE) or microsurgical TESE (mTESE) was performed based on the surgeon's preference. We used descriptive statistics and logistic regression models to describe the whole cohort. RESULTS: Median (IQR) patient's age was 32 (24-37) years. Baseline serum FSH and total testosterone levels were 29.5 (19.9-40.9) mUI/mL and 3.8 (2.5-11.0) ng/mL, respectively. Conventional TESE and mTESE were performed in 38 (36.5%) and 65 (63.5%) men, respectively. The sperm retrieval rate was 21.4% (22/103 men). Fifteen patients used spermatozoa for ICSI and five ended in live birth children. Patients with positive SR were similar to those with a negative TESE in terms of clinical, hormonal, and procedural parameters (all P > .05). Logistic regression analyses confirmed the lack of association between clinical, hormonal, and procedural parameters with SR outcome. DISCUSSION: Given the conflicting results in the literature regarding SRR in KS, patients should be carefully counseled regarding TESE outcomes based on data from published literature and local results. CONCLUSIONS: In the real-life setting, we observed a lower SRR (21.4%) than that reported in meta-analyses in our cohort of KS patients. No associations between clinical, hormonal, and procedural variables with TESE success were found.