Erectile Dysfunction: AUA Guideline.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this guideline is to provide a clinical strategy for the diagnosis and treatment of erectile dysfunction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review of the literature using the Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane databases (search dates 1/1/1965 to 7/29/17) was conducted to identify peer-reviewed publications relevant to the diagnosis and treatment of erectile dysfunction. Evidence-based statements were based on body of evidence strength Grade A, B, or C and were designated as Strong, Moderate, and Conditional Recommendations with additional statements presented in the form of Clinical Principles or Expert Opinions. RESULTS: The American Urological Association has developed an evidence-based guideline on the management of erectile dysfunction. This document is designed to be used in conjunction with the associated treatment algorithm. CONCLUSIONS: Using the shared decision-making process as a cornerstone for care, all patients should be informed of all treatment modalities that are not contraindicated, regardless of invasiveness or irreversibility, as potential first-line treatments. For each treatment, the clinician should ensure that the man and his partner have a full understanding of the benefits and risk/burdens associated with that choice.

Prostate cancer in renal transplant recipients.

As patients with end-stage renal disease are receiving renal allografts at older ages, the number of male renal transplant recipients (RTRs) being diagnosed with prostate cancer (CaP) is increasing. Historically, the literature regarding the management of CaP in RTR's is limited to case reports and small case series. To date, there are no standardized guidelines for screening or management of CaP in these complex patients. To better understand the unique characteristics of CaP in the renal transplant population, we performed a literature review of PubMed, without date limitations, using a combination of search terms including prostate cancer, end stage renal disease, renal transplantation, prostate cancer screening, prostate specific antigen kinetics, immunosuppression, prostatectomy, and radiation therapy. Of special note, teams facilitating the care of these complex patients must carefully and meticulously consider the altered anatomy for surgical and radiotherapeutic planning. Active surveillance, though gaining popularity in the general low risk prostate cancer population, needs further study in this group, as does the management of advance disease. This review provides a comprehensive and contemporary understanding of the incidence, screening measures, risk stratification, and treatment options for CaP in RTRs.

Peyronie's Disease: AUA Guideline.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this guideline is to provide a clinical framework for the diagnosis and treatment of Peyronie's disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review of the literature using the PubMed®, EMBASE® and Cochrane databases (search dates 1/1/1965 to 1/26/15) was conducted to identify peer-reviewed publications relevant to the diagnosis and treatment of PD. The review yielded an evidence base of 303 articles after application of inclusion/exclusion criteria. RESULTS: The systematic review was used to create guideline statements regarding treatment of PD. When sufficient evidence existed, the body of evidence for a particular treatment was assigned a strength rating of A (high quality evidence; high certainty), B (moderate quality evidence; moderate certainty), or C (low quality evidence; low certainty). Evidence-based statements of Strong, Moderate, or Conditional Recommendation were developed based on benefits and risks/burdens to patients. Additional consensus statements related to the diagnosis of PD are provided as Clinical Principles and Expert Opinions due to insufficient published evidence. CONCLUSIONS: There is a continually expanding literature on PD; the Panel notes that this document constitutes a clinical strategy and is not intended to be interpreted rigidly. The most effective approach for a particular patient is best determined by the individual clinician and patient in the context of that patient's history, values, and goals for treatment. As the science relevant to PD evolves and improves, the strategies presented here will be amended to remain consistent with the highest standards of clinical care.

Erectile dysfunction in robotic radical prostatectomy: Outcomes and management.

Robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) has emerged as the most common treatment for localized prostate cancer. With improved surgical precision, RALP has produced hope of improved potency rates, especially with the advent of nerve-sparing and other modified techniques. However, erectile dysfunction (ED) remains a significant problem for many men regardless of surgical technique. To identify the functional outcomes of robotic versus open and laparoscopic techniques, new robotic surgical techniques and current treatment options of ED following RALP. A Medline search was performed in March 2014 to identify studies comparing RALP with open retropubic radical prostatectomy (RRP) and laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, modified RALP techniques and treatment options and management for ED following radical prostatectomy. RALP demonstrates adequate potency rates without compromising oncologic benefit, with observed benefit for potency rates compared with RRP. Additionally, specific surgical technical modifications appear to provide benefit over traditional RALP. Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (PDE5I) demonstrate benefit for ED treatment compared with placebo. However, long-term benefit is often lost after use. Other therapies have been less extensively studied. Additionally, correct patient identification is important for greatest clinical benefit. RALP appears to provide beneficial potency rates compared with RRP; however, these effects are most pronounced at high-volume centers with experienced surgeons. No optimal rehabilitation program with PDE5Is has been identified based on current data. Additionally, vacuum erection devices, intracavernosal injections and other techniques have not been well validated for post RALP ED treatment.

Diagnosis and treatment of erectile dysfunction for reduction of cardiovascular risk.

PURPOSE: We established erectile dysfunction as an often neglected but valuable marker of cardiovascular risk, particularly in younger men and men with diabetes. We also reviewed evidence that lifestyle change, combined with informed prescribing of pharmacotherapies used to mitigate cardiovascular risk, can improve overall vascular health and sexual functioning in men with erectile dysfunction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a PubMed® search for articles and guidelines pertinent to relationships between erectile dysfunction and cardiovascular disease, cardiovascular and all cause mortality, and pharmacotherapies for dyslipidemia and hypertension. The clinical guidance presented incorporates the current literature and the expertise of the multispecialty investigator group. RESULTS: Numerous cardiovascular risk assessment tools exist but risk stratification remains challenging, particularly in patients at low or intermediate short-term risk. Erectile dysfunction has a predictive value for cardiovascular events that is comparable to or better than that of traditional risk factors. Interventional studies support lifestyle changes as a means of improving overall vascular health as well as sexual functioning. Statins, diuretics, ß-blockers and renin-angiotensin system modifiers may positively or negatively affect erectile function. Furthermore, the phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors used to treat erectile dysfunction may have systemic vascular benefits. CONCLUSIONS: Erectile dysfunction treatment should be considered secondary to decreasing cardiovascular risk. However, informed prescribing may prevent worsening sexual function in men receiving pharmacotherapy for dyslipidemia and hypertension. As the first point of medical contact for men with erectile dysfunction symptoms, the primary care physician or urologist has a unique opportunity to identify those who require early intervention to prevent cardiovascular disease.

Prognostic utility of erectile dysfunction for cardiovascular disease in younger men and those with diabetes.

Multiple published studies have established erectile dysfunction (ED) as an independent risk marker for cardiovascular disease (CVD). In fact, incident ED has a similar or greater predictive value for cardiovascular events than traditional risk factors including smoking, hyperlipidemia, and family history of myocardial infarction. Here, we review evidence that supports ED as a particularly significant harbinger of CVD in 2 populations: men <60 years of age and those with diabetes. Although addition of ED to the Framingham Risk Score only modestly improved the 10-year predictive capacity of the Framingham Risk Score for myocardial infarction or coronary death data in men enrolled in the Massachusetts Male Aging Study, other epidemiologic studies suggest that the predictive value of ED is quite strong in younger men. Indeed, in the Olmstead County Study, men 40 to 49 years of age with ED had a 50-fold higher incidence of new-incident coronary artery disease than those without ED. However, ED had less predictive value (5-fold increased risk) for coronary artery disease in men 70 years and older. Several studies, including a large analysis of more than 6300 men enrolled in the ADVANCE study, suggest that ED is a particularly powerful predictor of CVD in diabetic men as well. Based on the literature reviewed here, we encourage physicians to inquire about ED symptoms in all men more than 30 years of age with cardiovascular risk factors. Identification of ED, particularly in men <60 years old and those with diabetes, represents an important first step toward CVD risk detection and reduction.

Long-term infection outcomes of 3-piece antibiotic impregnated penile prostheses used in replacement implant surgery.

PURPOSE: Patients who undergo device revision surgery are at higher risk for infection than virgin implant recipients. The revision rate due to virgin implant infection is statistically significantly lower for minocycline/rifampin impregnated than for nonimpregnated inflatable penile prostheses. We determined whether the frequency of infection revision events after device replacement surgery would also be lower for minocycline/rifampin impregnated inflatable penile prostheses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patient information forms voluntarily submitted to AMS® after replacement inflatable penile prosthesis implantation between 2001 and 2007 were retrospectively reviewed to compare secondary infection related revision events for antibiotic impregnated vs nonimpregnated implants. Only men who received an inflatable penile prosthesis at a first recorded operation to replace a previously implanted penile prosthesis were included in the study. Life table survival analysis was done between the groups to compare infection related events resulting in a second surgical revision after replacement implantation. Survival function extrapolation was based on parametric analysis using the Weibull distribution model. RESULTS: On life table survival analysis secondary revision due to infection was significantly less common in the minocycline/rifampin impregnated group than in the nonimpregnated group (log rank p = 0.0252). At up to 6.6 years of followup 2.5% of 9,300 men with vs 3.7% of 1,764 without an impregnated device underwent secondary revision due to infection. CONCLUSIONS: This long-term device survival analysis provides clinical evidence of a significant decrease in infection related secondary revisions using minocycline/rifampin impregnated prostheses vs nonimpregnated inflatable penile prostheses at replacement implant surgery.

MRI and its role in the evaluation and surgical decision making in patients with challenging IPP presentations: descriptions of MRI findings and algorithm for patient management.

UNLABELLED: Study Type - Diagnostic (case series) Level of Evidence 4 What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? It is known that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is safe and effective for imaging patients with inflatable penile prostheses (IPPs). Previous series have reported results of MRI for imaging series of patients with IPPs. The impact on management in particular with regard to salvage procedures is not well defined. This study represents the largest known experience with MRI evaluation of IPPs. This also provides an algorithm that assists with decisions regarding utilization of MRI and treatment planning based on results. OBJECTIVE: • In some patients who undergo placement of an inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) the device may function inadequately. We describe the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for anatomical localization and detection of prosthesis malrotation, angulation, displacement and erosion in IPPs with equivocal clinical examination. PATIENTS AND METHODS: • We prospectively performed MRI by a defined protocol including T1-weighted imaging, and transaxial, sagittal and coronal fat-saturated fast spin-echo T2-weighted imaging in both deflated and inflated states to evaluate patients seen at our referral centre for IPP-related complaints. • We retrospectively reviewed 32 such MRI studies performed as a supplement to clinical examination between 2000 and 2008. RESULTS: • Of 32 cases, 75% (24/32) underwent surgical intervention. Of these, 45% (11/24) underwent device salvage procedures including cylinder revision in 33% (8/24), cylinder replacement in 8% (2/24) and pump replacement in 4% (1/24). • MRI was most useful for determination of surgical approach in those with abnormal physical examination, and for justification of either surgical or expectant management in those with indeterminate physical examination. CONCLUSIONS: • MRI is safe and effective for imaging genitourinary prostheses. • We found MRI to be a valuable adjunct for evaluation of IPP-related complaints when clinical examination is equivocal as it detected a variety of prosthetic and corporal abnormalities and impacted management decisions regarding observation, replacement or device salvage procedures. • We provide technique, results and an algorithm that can be beneficial in this complex subset of patients.

Statin use and decreased risk of benign prostatic enlargement and lower urinary tract symptoms.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether statin use is associated with a decreased risk of developing benign prostatic enlargement (BPE) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective, population-based cohort study of 2447 men, 40-79 years of age, residing in Olmsted County, MN, USA, in 1990, and followed these men biennially through 2007. Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess associations between statin use and new onset of moderate/severe LUTS (American Urological Association Symptom Index score >7), a decreased maximum urinary flow rate (<12 mL/s) or BPE (prostate volume >30 mL). RESULTS: Statin use was inversely associated with new onset of LUTS (Hazard ratio (HR) 0.39; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.31-0.49), a decreased maximum flow rate (HR 0.53; 95% CI 0.34-0.82) and BPE (HR 0.40; 95% CI 0.23-0.69) after adjustment for baseline age and body mass index, diabetes, hypertension, coronary heart disease, smoking, alcohol use, activity level and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory use. The longest duration of statin use was associated with the lowest risk of developing each outcome (all tests for trend: P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In this study, statin use was associated with a 6.5- to 7-year delay in the new onset of moderate/severe LUTS or BPE. While men typically take statin medications to prevent coronary heart disease events and related outcomes, these data suggest that men who use statins may also receive urologic benefits.

The association between statin use and the diagnosis of prostate cancer in a population based cohort.

PURPOSE: The effect of statin medication use on the risk of prostate cancer is unknown. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We examined data from a longitudinal, population based cohort of 2,447 men between 40 and 79 years old who were followed from 1990 to 2007. Information on statin use was self-reported and obtained by biennial questionnaires. A randomly selected subset of men (634, 26%) completed biennial urological examinations that included serum prostate specific antigen measurements. Information on prostate biopsy and prostate cancer was obtained through review of community medical records. RESULTS: Of 634 statin users 38 (6%) were diagnosed with prostate cancer vs 186 (10%) of 1,813 nonstatin users. Statin use was associated with a decreased risk of undergoing prostate biopsy (HR 0.31; 95% CI 0.24, 0.40), receiving a prostate cancer diagnosis (HR 0.36; 95% CI 0.25, 0.53) and receiving a high grade (Gleason 7 or greater) prostate cancer diagnosis (HR 0.25; 95% CI 0.11, 0.58). Statin use was also associated with a nonsignificantly decreased risk of exceeding a prostate specific antigen threshold of 4.0 ng/ml (HR 0.63; 95% CI 0.35, 1.13). In addition, a longer duration of statin use was associated with a lower risk of these outcomes (all tests for trend p <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Statin use is associated with a decreased risk of prostate cancer diagnosis. This association may be explained by decreased detection or cancer prevention.

Priapism: pathogenesis, epidemiology, and management.

INTRODUCTION: Priapism describes a persistent erection arising from dysfunction of mechanisms regulating penile tumescence, rigidity, and flaccidity. A correct diagnosis of priapism is a matter of urgency requiring identification of underlying hemodynamics. AIMS: To define the types of priapism, address its pathogenesis and epidemiology, and develop an evidence-based guideline for effective management. METHODS: Six experts from four countries developed a consensus document on priapism; this document was presented for peer review and debate in a public forum and revisions were made based on recommendations of chairpersons to the International Consultation on Sexual Medicine. This report focuses on guidelines written over the past decade and reviews the priapism literature from 2003 to 2009. Although the literature is predominantly case series, recent reports have more detailed methodology including duration of priapism, etiology of priapism, and erectile function outcomes. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Consensus recommendations were based on evidence-based literature, best medical practices, and bench research. RESULTS: Basic science supporting current concepts in the pathophysiology of priapism, and clinical research supporting the most effective treatment strategies are summarized in this review. CONCLUSIONS: Prompt diagnosis and appropriate management of priapism are necessary to spare patients ineffective interventions and maximize erectile function outcomes. Future research is needed to understand corporal smooth muscle pathology associated with genetic and acquired conditions resulting in ischemic priapism. Better understanding of molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of stuttering ischemic priapism will offer new avenues for medical intervention. Documenting erectile function outcomes based on duration of ischemic priapism, time to interventions, and types of interventions is needed to establish evidence-based guidance. In contrast, pathogenesis of nonischemic priapism is understood, and largely attributable to trauma. Better documentation of onset of high-flow priapism in relation to time of injury, and response to conservative management vs. angiogroaphic or surgical interventions is needed to establish evidence-based guidance.

Prostate and pancreas involvement are linked in IgG4-related disease.

OBJECTIVE: Prostate involvement by IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a rarely described organ manifestation and knowledge regarding its frequency and clinical features is limited. METHODS: From a single-center cohort, 168 male patients were examined who satisfied the 2019 ACR/EULAR classification criteria or 2012 consensus histopathologic criteria for IgG4-RD. RESULTS: Prostate involvement were identified in 25 (15%) of these cases. The majority of patients with IgG4-RD involving the prostate gland (80%) were symptomatic at presentation with incomplete voiding (64%), urinary frequency (52%), and urinary hesitancy (48%) being the most common complaints. The radiologic presentation of prostate disease is most often a focal abnormality suggesting inflammation rather than a mass lesion. While most patients with IgG4-related prostate disease (89%) experienced recurrence after or during glucocorticoid tapering, patients treated with B cell targeted therapy in this series experienced clinical improvement and were tapered off of glucocorticoids. Additionally, patients with IgG4-RD involving the pancreas (p = < 0.001) were more likely to have prostate involvement than were those with other types of organ involvement. CONCLUSION: This report provides the first comprehensive clinical description of IgG4-RD involving the prostate gland and links this manifestation with pancreatic involvement.

Associations between C-reactive protein and benign prostatic hyperplasia/lower urinary tract symptom outcomes in a population-based cohort.

Inflammation may play a role in the development of benign prostatic hyperplasia and/or lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Higher levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) may therefore be associated with the development of these outcomes. The authors examined the association of CRP levels measured in 1996 with rapid increases in prostate volume, prostate-specific antigen levels, and LUTS as well as rapid decreases in peak flow rates (through 2005) in a population-based cohort of men residing in Olmsted County, Minnesota. Men with CRP levels of > or =3.0 mg/L were more likely to have rapid increases in irritative LUTS (odds ratio (OR) = 2.14, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.18, 3.85) and rapid decreases in peak flow rates (OR = 2.54, 95% CI: 1.09, 5.92) compared with men with CRP levels of <3.0 mg/L. CRP levels were not significantly associated with rapid increases in prostate volume, obstructive LUTS, or prostate-specific antigen levels. Associations were attenuated after adjusting for age, body mass index, hypertension, and smoking history (irritative LUTS: OR = 2.00, 95% CI: 1.04, 3.82; peak flow rate: OR = 2.45, 95% CI: 0.73, 8.25). These results suggest that rapid increases in irritative LUTS and rapid decreases in peak flow rates may be due to inflammatory processes.

Smoking and acute urinary retention: the Olmsted County study of urinary symptoms and health status among men.

BACKGROUND: Previous reports have suggested an inverse relationship between smoking and surgery for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). We hypothesized that acute urinary retention (AUR), an adverse outcome of this disease and indication for surgical treatment, may be related to smoking. METHODS: Study subjects were randomly selected from Olmsted County men aged 40-79 identified through the Rochester Epidemiology Project. Of the 3,854 eligible men, 2,089 (54%) completed a questionnaire that included the American Urological Association Symptom Score and assessed smoking status. Community medical records were examined for occurrence of AUR with documented catheterization in the subsequent 10 years and occurrence of BPH surgery. Proportional hazard models were used to assess the relationship between baseline smoking status and subsequent retention. RESULTS: In the 18,307 person-years of follow-up, 114 men had AUR. When compared to 727 never-smokers, there was a trend among the 336 current smokers to be at lower risk (Relative risk (RR) = 0.62, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 0.33, 1.18) whereas the 1,026 former smokers were at similar risk to non-smokers (RR = 1.0, 95%CI = 0.67, 1.46). Among men with moderate-severe symptoms at baseline, current smokers were at lower risk of retention compared to non-smokers (RR = 0.65, 95%CI = 0.22, 1.91) but the association approached the null among those with none-mild symptoms (RR = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.40, 2.06). CONCLUSIONS: Community-dwelling men who currently smoke may be at a modestly reduced risk of AUR. The magnitude of this association is sufficiently small that it seems unlikely that this explains a sizable proportion of the inverse association between smoking and surgically treated BPH.

DHEA in elderly women and DHEA or testosterone in elderly men.

BACKGROUND: Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and testosterone are widely promoted as antiaging supplements, but the long-term benefits, as compared with potential harm, are unknown. METHODS: We performed a 2-year, placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind study involving 87 elderly men with low levels of the sulfated form of DHEA and bioavailable testosterone and 57 elderly women with low levels of sulfated DHEA. Among the men, 29 received DHEA, 27 received testosterone, and 31 received placebo. Among the women, 27 received DHEA and 30 received placebo. Outcome measures included physical performance, body composition, bone mineral density (BMD), glucose tolerance, and quality of life. RESULTS: As compared with the change from baseline to 24 months in the placebo group, subjects who received DHEA for 2 years had an increase in plasma levels of sulfated DHEA by a median of 3.4 microg per milliliter (9.2 micromol per liter) in men and by 3.8 microg per milliliter (10.3 micromol per liter) in women. Among men who received testosterone, the level of bioavailable testosterone increased by a median of 30.4 ng per deciliter (1.1 nmol per liter), as compared with the change in the placebo group. A separate analysis of men and women showed no significant effect of DHEA on body-composition measurements. Neither hormone altered the peak volume of oxygen consumed per minute, muscle strength, or insulin sensitivity. Men who received testosterone had a slight increase in fat-free mass, and men in both treatment groups had an increase in BMD at the femoral neck. Women who received DHEA had an increase in BMD at the ultradistal radius. Neither treatment improved the quality of life or had major adverse effects. CONCLUSIONS: Neither DHEA nor low-dose testosterone replacement in elderly people has physiologically relevant beneficial effects on body composition, physical performance, insulin sensitivity, or quality of life. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00254371 [ClinicalTrials.gov].).

The aging male hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis: pulsatility and feedback.

Aging results in insidious decremental changes in hypothalamic, pituitary and gonadal function. The foregoing three main anatomic loci of control are regulated by intermittent time-delayed signal exchange, principally via gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone/estradiol (Te/E(2)). A mathematical framework is required to embody these dynamics. The present review highlights integrative adaptations in the aging male hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, as assessed by recent objective ensemble models of the axis as a whole.

Presumed circle area ratio of the prostate in a community-based group of men.

OBJECTIVE To determine the normal values for the presumed circle area ratio (PCAR) in a group of community-based men, and to determine whether PCAR is associated with specific urological outcomes. PATIENTS AND METHODS The study was a cross-sectional analysis among 328 Caucasian men (94% participation) residing in Olmsted County, Minnesota, USA. The PCAR was measured during prostatic ultrasonography. Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) were measured using the American Urologic Association Symptom Index. The peak urinary flow rate was measured by a uroflowmeter, and the postvoid residual volume (PVR) was assessed using the BladderScan(TM) BVM 6500 (Verathon, Bothell, WA, USA). Correlations between PCAR and presence of LUTS, peak urinary flow rate, and PVR were determined using Spearman correlation coefficients. Unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) were calculated using logistic regression to determine the associations between PCAR thresholds and categorical urological outcomes. RESULTS The median (interquartile range) PCAR was 0.85 (0.81-0.88). After adjusting for age and total prostate volume, men who had PCARs of >0.90 were more likely to have elevated overall and obstructive symptom scores (OR 2.95, 95% confidence interval 1.39-6.25, and 3.47, 1.63-7.39, respectively). CONCLUSION PCAR might add further information beyond total prostate volume when predicting the development of obstructive LUTS.

Longitudinal evaluation of sexual function in a male cohort: the Olmsted county study of urinary symptoms and health status among men.

INTRODUCTION: The presence of erectile or ejaculatory dysfunction may indicate physical problems; however, individual perceptions (e.g., sexual satisfaction) may reflect the degree of concern about these changes. Long-term data showing how changes in multiple sexual function domains track together may be useful in understanding the importance of physical declines vs. sexual satisfaction. AIM: The aim of this study was to describe changes in sexual function among a population-based sample of aging men. METHODS: A population-based cohort study using data from the Olmsted County Study of Urinary Symptoms and Health Status among Men. Sexual function was assessed biennially from 1996 to 2004 using a previously validated questionnaire in a random sample of 2,213 men. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Changes in erectile function, libido, ejaculatory function, sexual problems, and sexual satisfaction. RESULTS: Overall, we observed declines in all of the sexual function domains, ranging from an annual decrease of 0.03 point per year for sexual satisfaction to an annual decrease of 0.23 point per year in erectile function. Moderate correlations were observed among all longitudinal changes in sexual function (range in age-adjusted r(s) = 0.14-0.43); however, significantly smaller correlations between changes in the functional domains and changes in sexual satisfaction and problem assessment were observed among older men (range in age-adjusted r(s) = 0.03-0.29). CONCLUSION: Overall, these results demonstrate that longitudinal changes in five sexual function domains change together over time in our community-based cohort. Erectile function, ejaculatory function, and sexual drive decrease over time with greater rates of decline for older men. However, older men may be less likely to perceive these declines as a problem and be dissatisfied. These data may prove helpful to patients and clinicians in understanding and discussing changes in multiple aspects of sexual function.

Surgical and minimally invasive treatments for Peyronie's disease.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Peyronie's disease is a relatively common condition affecting men with estimates of current prevalent rates ranging from 1 to 4%. However, it has no clear management protocols, primarily due to a lack of high quality evidence in support of treatment options. This article aims to review the recent published literature on management strategies for Peyronie's disease. RECENT FINDINGS: Intralesional interferon therapy has shown to result in significant improvement in Peyronie's disease plaques and curvature. Intralesional verapamil and extracorporeal shock wave therapy may help retard the progression of disease. Acellular, extracellular matrix-based grafts provide durable long-term satisfactory results in men requiring complex reconstruction. SUMMARY: Further clinical trails are warranted to evaluate the role of oral systemic therapies for early Peyronie's disease. Injection therapy, primarily with interferon, seems to be the most promising treatment for early stage Peyronie's disease. For men with established plaques, surgery using either plication or grafts forms the mainstay. There is an increasing trend to use autologous graft material that is commercially available and avoids donor site complications from autologous tissue.

Pharmacoangiographic evidence of the presence and anatomical dominance of accessory pudendal artery(s).

PURPOSE: Potency preservation is one of the principal concerns surrounding newer developments in the management of organ confined carcinoma prostate. Nerve sparing techniques may not solely preserve erectile function and it is known that vascular factors may be an etiology of the dysfunction. The role of accessory pudendal arteries in the etiology and prevention of erectile dysfunction after radical prostatectomy is at present unclear. We reviewed pudendal angiograms in patients with erectile dysfunction to evaluate the prevalence and importance of these vessels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Selective pudendal pharmacoangiograms were obtained in 79 consecutive patients with a history of erectile dysfunction. The aim was to identify accessory pudendal arteries, their origin and their significance relative to all identifiable pudendal arteries and the dorsal penile artery with respect to penile arterial inflow. RESULTS: An accessory pudendal artery was identified in 28 (35%) of the patients. The most common origin was the obturator artery. In 15 of the 28 men (54%) in whom an accessory artery was identified it appeared angiographically to be the dominant penile artery. In 3 patients it was apparently the only major arterial inflow to the penis. CONCLUSIONS: Accessory pudendal arteries may be identifiable with pharmacoangiograms in approximately a third of all men. Because they may be the dominant source of blood supply to the penis in some cases, their preservation during radical prostatectomy could be critical to erectile function following radical prostatectomy.