Trends in Penile Prosthetics: Influence of Patient Demographics, Surgeon Volume, and Hospital Volume on Type of Penile Prosthesis Inserted in New York State

Search traffic for inflatable penile prosthesis increased following the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States: a Google Trends analysis

We aimed to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on search trends for inflatable penile implants in the US. Search trends for inflatable penile implants ranging from 2016 through 2023 were analyzed utilizing Google Trends. Associations between search trends and US Census Bureau data, including average household income and per capita income, were analyzed. Pre- and post- COVID-19, the interest in inflatable penile implants has been steadily increasing on average in the US. The average household income for counties with the highest interest in inflatable penile implants during the pre-COVID era was $53,136, whereas for the counties with the highest interest in inflatable penile implants in the post-COVID era, the average decreased to $50,940. Similarly, the average per capita median decreased from $35,209 to $34,547. Search traffic for inflatable penile prosthesis increased following the pandemic in the US. Nevertheless, post-pandemic, individuals with lower income levels showed no change in interest in penile implant searches compared to the pre-pandemic period. Understanding this steadiness in interest can inform healthcare professionals and policymakers to tailor interventions and educational efforts to reach a broader audience, ensuring equitable access to information and healthcare resources.

The International Penile Prosthesis Implant Consensus Forum: clinical recommendations and surgical principles on the inflatable 3-piece penile prosthesis implant

Despite significant scientific advances in the modern three-piece inflatable penile prosthesis implant surgery, it is not without surgical risks and can carry additional cosmetic and psychosocial consequences in poorly selected and consented individuals. To address this problem, an international group of key opinion leaders and high-volume prosthetic surgeons reviewed the current guidelines and clinical evidence, discussed their experiences, and formed a consensus regarding inflatable penile prosthesis surgery. The findings of this consensus panel were presented at the 17th biennial Asia Pacific Society of Sexual Medicine scientific meeting. The experts concluded that proper patient selection, informed consent and strict adherence to safe surgical principles are important to optimize clinical outcomes. Furthermore, most intraoperative complications, if recognized, can be addressed intraoperatively to enable placement of the device at the time of initial surgery. Men with significant corporal fibrosis due to Peyronie's disease, prior prosthesis explantation and priapism, and men who have undergone construction of a neophallus, as well as men who receive concurrent continence surgery, are complex cases requiring additional care and advanced techniques to obtain optimal surgical outcomes. Variability in patient care - in terms of postoperative antibiotic use, pain management, scrotal care, and cycling of the penile prosthesis implant - must be reduced to enable optimization and assessment of outcomes across patient groups.

Systematic review of the implantation of penile prosthesis in major ambulatory surgery

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE

Penile prosthesis (PP) implantation is an effective option for erectile dysfunction. Although initially PP surgery was carried out in an inpatient setting, there is a growing trend to implant PP as a major ambulatory surgery (MAS). This study aimed to perform a systematic review of the literature to identify available evidence of the implantation of PP under MAS setting and go carry out a comparison between MAS and inpatient procedures.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and MEDES electronic databases and non-indexed supplements for scientific congresses were searched to identify articles related to the surgical implantation of PP in MAS up to February 2021. Key search terms included penile prosthesis, erectile dysfunction, ambulatory surgery, ambulatory care, and surgery.

RESULTS

Among 171 publications retrieved (51 PubMed, 73 EMBASE, 3 Cochrane, 2 using MEDES and 42 manual searching), 5 studies were finally selected. There were no significant differences between MAS or inpatient setting in terms of the type of device, surgical approach, or location of reservoir. Complication rates observed in both groups were similar. Implantation of PP in MAS was less expensive than inpatient surgery and was associated with acceptable patient satisfaction rates and adequate pain control.

CONCLUSIONS

Studies demonstrated that outpatient PP surgery can achieve similar outcomes in terms of safety and satisfaction to implantation of PP in the inpatient setting, while it could reduce costs and improve the efficiency. This research could support decision makers to extend PP surgery into the ambulatory setting.

Trends in treatments for erectile dysfunction in Chile between 2010 and 2020 with special focus on penile prostheses

OBJECTIVES

Evidence regarding demand trends for erectile dysfunction (ED) treatments are scarce in South America. This study aims to evaluate trends in ED treatments in Chile over a 10-year period (2010- 2020) and estimate the potential number of candidates for penile prosthesis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sales trends of pharmacological treatments and penile prosthesis were obtained from market studies. The potential number of candidates for penile prosthesis implantation was calculated by crossing epidemiological data with previously reported ED prevalence, proportion of sexually active men, percentage of men seeking medical assistance for ED, and the proportion of patients who are non-responders to ED oral drug therapies Results: In the 10-year studied period, the Chilean male population older than 50 years increased 34.7%, with an average annual variation (AAV) of 3.4%. For the same period, the sales of oral drug therapies for ED increased by 71.3% (AAV 6.2%), the sales of intracavernosal vasoactive agents (ICVA) decreased by 0.4% (AAV -0.2%), and penile prosthesis sales increased by 113% (AAV 6.7%). We estimated that only 0.05% of sexually active men older than 50 years old with ED who sought medical assistance finally had a penile prosthesis implanted to manage their condition.

CONCLUSIONS

Demand for ED oral drug therapies significantly increased in Chile during the last decade, while ICVA remained stable. The annual rate of penile prosthesis implantation increased. However, the gap between the potential penile prosthesis candidates and the actual number of devices implanted is suspected to remain extremely high.

Immune Deficiency Does Not Increase Inflatable Penile Prosthesis Reoperation Rates

INTRODUCTION

Immunocompromised patients are postulated to have higher rates of post-operative infection. We sought to determine if inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) reoperation rates (due to infection, erosion, device malfunction or patient dissatisfaction) are higher among immunocompromised men.

METHODS

We analyzed men who underwent initial IPP insertion from 2000 to 2016 in the New York Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System database. Immunocompromised patients were propensity-score matched in a 1:3 fashion with immunocompetent patients. We estimated and compared reoperation rates (including removal, reoperation due to infection, revision, or replacement of an IPP after an index procedure) at 30 days, 90 days, 1 year and 3 years of follow up between immunocompromised men and controls by performing a Kaplan Meier analysis and Log-rank tests. Cox proportional hazards models were built to examine the overall association between immune deficient status and the risk of reoperation.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Reoperation rate and time to reoperation after index IPP placement.

RESULTS

A total of 245 immunocompromised patients who received an initial IPP between 2000 and 2016 were identified. After propensity score matching, we analyzed 235 immunocompromised men and 705 controls. There was no difference in overall reoperation rates between immunocompromised men and controls within any time period assessed (30 days, 90 days, 1 year, or 3 years). In our Cox proportional hazards model, the hazards of overall reoperation, removal, or revision/replacement (HR 1.11 [95% CI 0.74-1.67], HR 1.58 [95% CI 0.90-2.79)], and HR 0.83 [95% CI 0.47-1.45], respectively) were not significant different between immunocompromised men and controls. Reoperation due to infection was also not significantly different between immunocompromised and immunocompetent men (HR 2.06 [95% CI 0.97-4.40]).

STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS

This study is strengthened by its size as the largest cohort of immunocompromised men treated with IPP to date in the literature, but is limited by the retrospective nature of the database which may introduce selection bias and by the low event rate for IPP reoperation.

CONCLUSIONS

Reoperation rates, including those due to infection, are not significantly different between immunocompromised men and immunocompetent controls. Therefore, immune status in appropriately selected candidates does not appear to place patients at substantially higher risk of explant or revision. Gaffney CD, Fainberg J, Aboukhshaba A, et al. Immune Deficiency Does Not Increase Inflatable Penile Prosthesis Reoperation Rates. J Sex Med 2021;18:1427-1433.

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

CONTEXT

Penile prosthesis is a durable and effective treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED). Even as other treatment options for ED have been brought to market, penile prosthetic surgery remains a mainstay for urologists treating ED. No systematic study has yet summarized the global trends in penile prosthetic surgery.

OBJECTIVE

To systematically review studies of trends in penile prosthetic surgery to determine global movements in implantation rates, malleable versus inflatable prosthetic surgery, inpatient versus outpatient implantation surgery, proportion of men with ED undergoing penile prosthetic surgery, and prosthetic cost.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A systematic review of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov was performed for studies assessing trends in penile prosthetic surgeries and costs associated with penile prosthetic device and inclusive surgical costs.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Twenty-seven studies were identified during the systematic review, comprising 447,204 penile prosthetic surgeries reported from 1988 to 2019. A trend analysis demonstrates that rates of penile prosthetic surgery declined dramatically in the late 1980s and early 1990s, but have demonstrated modest growth since the mid-2000s. Outpatient inflatable penile prosthetic surgery has strongly trended upward. Costs of penile prosthetic device have matched the rate of inflation, but inclusive surgical cost has radically outpaced inflation. Growth has mainly been seen in the USA, with a more modest global growth.

CONCLUSIONS

Penile prosthesis remains a viable option for the treatment of ED. Trends such as outpatient surgery and inflatable penile prosthesis placement may be driving the recent steady growth of penile prosthetic surgeries, but surging inclusive surgical cost may present a barrier for some patients without insurance coverage.

PATIENT SUMMARY

Penile prostheses continue to be an important treatment for erectile dysfunction. While the volume of penile prosthetic surgeries dropped when phosphidiesterase-5 inhibitors became available, prosthetic surgery is becoming more patient centric, as seen by increases in inflatable prosthetic placement and outpatient surgery.

Access to penile prostheses differ across provinces in Canada: A survey of Canadian urologists

INTRODUCTION

Surgical implantation of a penile prosthesis is the gold standard treatment for refractory erectile dysfunction. The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of and access to these procedures in Canada.

METHODS

Canadian urologists known to perform penile prostheses procedures were surveyed on areas such as surgical volume, type of device used, and the direct cost to patients for both malleable and inflatable devices.

RESULTS

Of the 50 urologists invited to participate in the study, 34 (68%) completed the online survey. Participants represented nine Canadian provinces and included a mix of academic (65%) and community (35%) urologists. Most participants (79%) performed less than 10 procedures per year. Roughly three-quarters of participants (74%) used inflatable devices in over 90% of cases, while half implanted inflatable devices exclusively. The most common devices implanted were American Medical Systems (AMS). Participants from Alberta, Manitoba, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland reported full coverage for both malleable and inflatable devices. Saskatchewan was the only province where no coverage was reported. The remaining provinces were found to have variable degrees of coverage. Across all centers without full coverage, the median reported cost to patients for a malleable and inflatable device was $5000 and $6000, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The urologists surveyed most commonly perform inflatable penile prostheses procedures. Significant geographical differences exist with respect to reported coverage for these procedures. This study highlights the need for continued advocacy on behalf of the urological community towards the goal of equity in coverage for penile prostheses across Canada.

Future considerations in prosthetic urology

Since their popularization, genitourinary prosthetics have remained a gold-standard therapy for the treatment of erectile dysfunction and stress urinary incontinence and in cases of testicular loss or dysfunction. They have also represented an area of significant innovation, which has contributed to excellent long-term outcomes. Given this history, the objective of the current review was to provide a 5–10-year outlook on anticipated trends and developments in the field of genitourinary prosthetics. To accomplish this objective, a PubMed and patent search was performed of topics relating to penile and testicular prostheses and urinary sphincters. In regard to penile prostheses, findings demonstrated several new concepts including temperature-sensitive alloys, automated pumps, devices designed specifically for neophalluses, and improved malleable designs. With artificial urinary sphincters, new concepts include the ability to add or remove fluid from an existing system, two-piece systems, and new mechanisms to occlude the urethra. For testicular prosthetics, future implementations may not only better replicate the feel of a biological testicle but also add endocrinological functions. Beyond device innovation, the future of prosthetics is also one of expanding geographic boundaries, which necessitates variable cost modeling and regulatory considerations. Surgical trends are also changing, with a greater emphasis on nonnarcotic, postoperative pain control, outpatient surgeries, and adjunctive techniques to lengthen the penis and address concomitant stress incontinence, among others. Concomitant with device and surgical changes, future considerations also include a greater need for education and training, particularly given the rapid expansion of sexual medicine into developing nations.

Analysis of satisfaction and surgical outcomes of a major ambulatory surgery program for penile implant

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE

Penile prosthesis (PP) surgery is performed in many institutions as an inpatient procedure. We have recently initiated a major ambulatory surgery (MAS) program, thus reducing the hospital stay. The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility, complications and satisfaction of the implantation of outpatient surgery PP program in our hospital.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Retrospective observational study evaluating the results and satisfaction of PP implanted as an outpatient procedure in Bellvitge University Hospital during 2018.

RESULTS

During 2018 we implanted 49 PP: 27 (55%) inpatient surgeries vs. 22 (45%) outpatient surgeries. Of these 22, 2 (9%) were second implants. All patients underwent both general anesthesia and crural, proximal dorsal nerve and transversus abdominis plane block (TAP). Complication rates between inpatient and outpatient procedures were similar, 2 (7%) and 1 (5%), respectively, without reporting infections or requiring PP removal. Postoperatively, a satisfaction telephone survey was conducted in 19 (86%) patients: 16 (84%) considered the time of hospital stay as appropriate, 15 (79%) would have preferred to be operated again in an outpatient care setting and 15 (79%) would recommend it. The patients' main concerns were related to being at home with no medical assistance at home and about coming back the next day for drainage removal. All patients reported well-controlled pain without requiring opioid intake in any case.

CONCLUSIONS

In our series, PP implantation in an ambulatory care setting is feasible and safe. Although there are some aspects that should be improved, the program showed acceptable satisfaction rates and an adequate postoperative pain control, neither raising the administration of opioids, nor increasing complications and re-admission rates.

Infrapubic surgical approach for penile prosthesis surgery: Indications and technique

CONTEXT

Penile prosthesis surgery is currently the most effective treatment for erectile dysfunction when medical treatment is ineffective or contraindicated. Among the surgical approaches described in the literature, the scrotal, infrapubic and subcoronal are the most common in the daily clinical practice.

OBJECTIVES

The main objectives were to describe the infrapubic surgical technique evaluating its indications and complications, as well as comparing its advantages and disadvantages with the penoscrotal approach.

ACQUISITION AND SYNTHESIS OF THE EVIDENCE

A literature review from 1983 until current date was carried out in Medline (PubMed and Cochrane Library databases) following PRISMA standards. Sixteen studies were included: 4 prospective, 4 retrospective, one systematic review, one randomized trial, one original article, 5 expert opinion/surgical technique descriptive paper.

DISCUSSION

According to the literature reviewed, although the penoscrotal approach is the most applied, the infrapubic approach showed a shorter operative time and a tendency for an earlier recovery of sexual activity after surgery. Complications are rare, having similar rates to the penoscrotal approach; no cases of glans hypoesthesia have been reported and peri-prosthetic infection rates were less than 3%. Satisfaction rates of infrapubic penile prosthesis were higher than 80%.

CONCLUSIONS

Penile prosthesis implantation requires of a profound knowledge of the different surgical approaches in order to best adapt each technique based on each individualized case. The infrapubic approach, even if it is not the most used, is as feasible and reliable as the penoscrotal approach. The infrapubic approach is effective and safe, with high level of both, patients and partners' satisfaction.

Penile Implant Considerations in the Bladder Cancer Survivor

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

After radical cystoprostatectomy, patients often develop erectile dysfunction refractory to first- and second-line treatments. In this review, we summarize and analyze the literature describing the technical considerations and outcomes of penile implant surgery in bladder cancer patients with history of radical cystectomy and urinary diversion.

RECENT FINDINGS

Penile prosthesis surgery in patients after radical cystectomy and urinary diversion has been infrequently described in the literature. Recent studies have shown that the three-piece inflatable penile prosthesis can be placed safely after significant prior intraabdominal surgery due to the development and refinement of several techniques to place the reservoir. Further studies are needed to objectively determine the impact of penile prosthetic surgery on functional outcomes in this historically undertreated yet increasingly significant patient population. As health-related quality of life outcomes continue to gain increasing importance after radical cystectomy, urologists should offer motivated bladder cancer survivors the inflatable penile prosthesis as the treatment of choice for refractory erectile dysfunction due to its safety and unmatched ability to restore erectile function.