Advances in Surgical Reconstructive Techniques in the Management of Penile, Urethral, and Scrotal Cancer

Therapeutic Approaches to Penile Cancer: Standards of Care and Recent Developments

Penile cancer is a rare malignancy, most commonly diagnosed in older men, associated with poor outcomes, dramatic decline in quality of life and sexual function. Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common histopathology of penile cancer, accounting for 95% of all cases. Localized, early-stage penile cancer can be effectively managed through penile-sparing techniques in many cases, though advanced stages of penile cancer carry a poor prognosis. Current innovative treatments are exploring the role of targeted therapy, HPV-directed therapy, immune checkpoint inhibitors and adoptive T-cell therapies in treatment and prevention of relapse of penile cancer. Clinical trials are investigating the potential of targeted therapies and immune checkpoint inhibitors in advanced penile cancer. This review examines the current management of penile cancer and highlights future directions in research and treatment.

Pedicled superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap for male genital reconstruction: A case series

BACKGROUND

Different issues may cause defects in the genital region, including urological, infective, oncological and genetic problems which often lead to significant defects. This is a very delicate region and a successful coverage requires a thin, pliable and reliable solution. In this setting the SCIP flap might be an outstanding procedure. Despite being a well-known solution in the groin region, its employment for genital reconstructions is still poorly described. For this reason, we gather our experience with this procedure showing the efficacy of the SCIP flap in this specific region.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In the present case series we included 6 male patients who received a soft tissue defect reconstruction by means of pedicled SCIP flap over the last year. The average age was 53.6 years old (range 34-79 years). Among them, 5 patients received a surgical excision because of severe acne (2 cases), Fournier's gangrene (2 cases), or scrotal squamous cell carcinoma (1 case). In 1 case the cause of the missing volume was testicle agenesis and the reconstruction was performed for cosmetic purposes. Size of the defects ranged from 7 cm × 4 cm to 20 cm × 6 cm. Elliptical shaped flaps were designed either mono- or bilaterally according to the need. All the flaps were supplied by the superficial branch of the SCIA. The range of rotation varied between 150° and 180° in order to reach the affected area.

RESULTS

The flaps' dimension ranged from 8 cm × 4 cm to 20 cm × 6 cm. All the patients were successfully treated. In 1 case we encountered a small wound dehiscence, which was managed conservatively. The mean follow-up was 9.5 months (range 6-12 months). Good cosmetic result was achieved in all cases and no urinary or sexual dysfunctions were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

The pedicle SCIP flap represents a reliable solution for genital and inguinal defects reconstructions. Its versatility can be exploited throughout the region providing very good quality tissues that can be used for the most disparate situations.

At The Forefront of Penile Surgical Reconstruction: A Bibliometric Study of the 100 Most-Cited Articles

PURPOSE

The citation count of a scientific article is considered as the recognition it received from this field. The purpose of this bibliometric analysis was to identify the top 100 most-cited scientific articles in penile surgical reconstruction.

METHODS

The Web of Science database was used to extract the top 100 most-cited articles. Individual articles were reviewed to identify the authorship, published journal, journal impact factor (IF), primary disease, article type, institution and country of origin, and year of publication.

RESULTS

The top 100 most-cited articles were published between 1947 and 2013. The number of citations ranged from 23 to 233. Journal of Urology contributed the most articles (n = 36). Articles with a high level of evidence like prospective analysis (n = 5), systematic review and meta-analysis (n = 2), and guideline (n = 1) were all published after 2000. The average citation per year of articles published in high-IF journals was significantly higher than that of other articles (p = 0.0129). There was a positive linear correlation between citation count per year and publication year (r² = 0.26, p < 0.001). Among the top 100 articles, 74 articles were interlinked via citation of each other. The major topic of co-citation network was the application of flaps in penile reconstruction.

CONCLUSIONS

The analysis of top 100 most-cited articles facilitates the comprehensive recognition of current focus in the field of penile surgical reconstruction, which is the exploration of flaps and development of new techniques in penile reconstruction. In the future, more attention should be paid to evidence-based medicine to provide high-level evidence for research.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

A systematic review and meta-analysis of urethral complications and outcomes in transgender men

BACKGROUND

Urologic problems, such as urethral fistulas and strictures, are among the most frequent complications occurring after phalloplasty. Although many studies have reported successful phalloplasty and urethral reconstruction with reliable outcomes in transgender men, no method has become standardized so far. This study aimed to summarize the results of reports on urological complications and outcomes in transgender men with respect to various types of urethral reconstruction.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search of PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases was conducted for studies related to phalloplasty in transsexuals. Data on various phallic urethral techniques, urethral complications, and outcomes were collected and analyzed using the random-effects model.

RESULTS

A total of 21 studies (1,566 patients) were included: eight studies (1,061 patients) on "tube-in-tube," nine studies (273 patients) on "prelaminated flap," and six studies (221 patients) on "second flap." Compared with the tube-in-tube technique, the prelaminated flap was associated with a significantly higher urethral stricture/stenosis rate; however, there was no difference between the prelaminated flap and the second flap techniques. For all phalloplasty patients, the pool rate of urethral fistula or stenosis is 48.9%, the rate of the ability to void while standing is 91.5%, occurrence rate of tactile or erogenous sensation is 88%, the prosthesis complication rate is 27.9%, and patient-reported satisfactory outcome rate is 90.5%.

CONCLUSION

Urethral reconstruction with a prelaminated flap was associated with a significantly higher urethral stricture rate and increased need of revision surgery compared with that observed using a skin flap. Overall, most patients were able to void while standing and were satisfied with the outcomes.

Geometrical Model of Free Skin Graft for the Optimization of Glans Reconstruction after Partial Penectomy

Introduction and Objective The management of penile carcinoma is very disabling and mutilating, bur early treatment can be curative. Our group systematically performs oncological management with immediate penile reconstruction and preservation of the organ (partial penectomy, resurfacing, or glansectomy) when feasible. Due to the low incidence of penile carcinoma, it is difficult to achieve experience in penile reconstruction using free grafts in a standardized and reproducible way. Therefore, we herein present the results of the use of an inanimate model to identify the most efficient geometric way to procure and apply a free skin graft to reconstruct the penis.

Methods A preclinical inanimate model of the penis was developed to simulate the surgical reconstruction using a free skin graft. Six different geometric skin-graft models were created and tested. For each of them, we measured graft's surface area as well as the discarded surface after placing the graft on the penis for reconstruction. We also measured the amount of suture lines required for reconstruction. All of these measurements in the six different models were compared.

Results Based on the six models, we identified that the longitude of the graft must measure the same as the maximum perimeter of the glans in order to have a square that enables the complete coverage of the penile defect. The total graft area for the first 4 models was of 40 cm2; for models 5 and 6, it was of 60 cm2. The average discarded area of the graft was of 18.135 cm2 (range: 12 cm2 to 30 cm2). Models 4 years 6 were the ones with the least discarded tissue: 12 cm2. The average amount of suture lines to secure the different model grafts was 7.3 (range: 5 to 12). The models that required the least amount of suture lines were number 1 and 4, with a total of 5 suture lines.

Conclusions The double trapezoid is the most efficient model to reconstruct the glans after organ-sparing oncological management. Our results contribute to establish a more standardized and predictable technique to reconstruct the penis.

Single versus two-stage phalloplasty for transgender female-to-male patients: a systematic review of the literature

Phalloplasty is the main treatment for gender dysphoria disorder. It is difficult to ascertain if staging of phalloplasty influences the rate of complications. We aim to describe and compare the rates of complication between single versus two-stage phalloplasty for transgender female-to-male patients. PubMed, Ovid Medline, EMBASE and SCOPUS databases were queried for studies reporting complications of female-to-male transgender patients who underwent phalloplasty. The keywords "phalloplasty", "female to male", "outcome", "complication" and synonyms in different combinations were used for the search. Only studies that could identify whether phallic shaft creation was performed in a single or two-stage procedure were included. From a total of 336 articles, 20 met the inclusion criteria. Sixteen studies reported complications associated with a single-stage phalloplasty and seven studies identified complications after a two-stage procedure. The most common complications found for both groups of staging were fistula, stricture and total/partial flap necrosis. Patients who underwent two-stage phalloplasty had higher complication rates (partial or total flap necrosis and fistulas), compared with the single-stage procedure (P<0.05). In conclusion, this systematic review identified the impact of staging in the rate of complications related to phalloplasty for transgender female-to-male patients; a two-stage phalloplasty has a higher rate of complications.

Penile Cancer: Managing Sexual Dysfunction and Improving Quality of Life After Therapy

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To review the most current literature on how the treatment for penile cancer can affect quality of life and to discuss current treatment options to overcome sexual dysfunction and ultimately improve patient wellbeing.

RECENT FINDINGS

Multiple medical and surgical therapies exist to address the high incidence of sexual dysfunction following penile cancer treatment. Advancements and refinements in the neophalloplasty, penile prosthesis, and penile lengthening procedures have opened the door to improved long-term outcomes. Additionally, studies continue to highlight the severe psychological toll that penile cancer treatment can have on patients. We explore the potential options for addressing the inherent psychologic effects of these treatments and highlight the need for further research in this domain. Although rare, it is important for all urologists to be familiar with the treatments and post-treatment sequelae of penile cancer. Penile cancer is associated with dramatic decline in quality of life and sexual function. Multiple medical and surgical therapies exist that addresses these concerns. Additionally, urologists must also be mindful of the psychologic component regarding surgical disfigurement and the decline in sexual function.

Divisional Reconstruction Strategy: The Repair of Perineal Skin Defect After Tumor Resection

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The unique anatomical and physiological function of the perineum region makes it difficult to be repaired after tumor resection. We aim to evaluate the efficacy of PSC divisional reconstruction strategy in the reconstruction of perineal skin defect.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study includes patients undergoing perineal skin defect reconstruction with PSC strategy-P (penis), S (scrotum), C (circum-penoscrotal skin) divisional reconstruction strategy.

RESULTS

From August 2013 to August 2018, 47 patients were enrolled in the surgical procedure. The defect area after resection measured 2 cm × 2.5 cm, minimum, and 12 cm × 18 cm, maximum. Among them, the cases involved one, two, and three zones are 12, 10, and 25, respectively. The skin defects were divisionally repaired. All flaps were well survived without complications or scar contracture. No tumor recurrence happened.

CONCLUSION

The application of PSC divisional reconstruction strategy is a promising way to repair wounds in circum-penoscrotal skin area. Moreover, this strategy is easy to process and shows no significant complications during follow-up period.

Localized disease: types of reconstruction/plastic surgery techniques after glans resurfacing/glansectomy/partial/total penectomy

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The aim of this article is to provide an overview of the current literature specific to surgery for localized penile cancer including novel reconstructive techniques.Centralization of penile cancer services in many European countries and in particular the United Kingdom has resulted in an increased proportion of men undergoing organ-sparing surgery (OSS) rather than partial or total penectomy. In this review, we focus on reconstructive techniques following surgery for the primary penile tumour.

RECENT FINDINGS

The widespread adoption of penile preserving techniques in Europe and North America has shown both oncological safety as well as good cosmetic and functional outcomes. Recent evidence has suggested that narrower surgical margins do not affect overall cancer-specific survival or local recurrence rates. Therefore, excellent cosmetic and functional outcomes can be achieved using techniques such as glans resurfacing using split-thickness skin grafts, dorsal or ventral V-Y skin advancement and urethral centralization after partial penectomy. For patients requiring more radical surgery such as total penectomy, phallic reconstruction is a suitable option using free flaps or pedicled flaps.

SUMMARY

The use of OSS has transformed the lives of penile cancer patients who can avoid the significant clinical and psychological consequences of more radical surgical treatments. Careful case selection and preoperative counselling is advised prior to reconstructive techniques. Close postoperative clinical surveillance is necessary for early detection of local recurrence.

Review of cutaneous penile lesions

Introduction:

Penile lesions often go undiagnosed and are difficult to identify for general practitioners and specialists, yet the stakes could be high. Indeed, the condition is highly varied and includes physiological variants, specific skin entities, genital dermatoses, genital ulcers, balanitis, premalignant lesions, and, finally, cancerous lesions. Knowledge of these entities can help to prevent overlooking potentially progressive lesions and diagnose cancerous lesions early so that patients can be offered conservative treatment, improving chances of survival. We review here these different lesions.

Materials and methods and authors personal experience:

A literature review was carried out in December 2016 using the Medline/Pubmed database, without any restrictions regarding the time period but limiting the review to studies in English or French. The main keywords used were “penile lesion”, “penile cancer”, “balanitis” and “premalignant lesion”. A specific review was performed for each type. All the pictures and cases came from our personal practice in our specific uro-dermatological consultation. All the patients gave us their informed consent for the utilization of their pictures.

Results:

We studied 66 references covering the field of benign and malignant lesions and their respective treatment. It is essential to take a medical history and perform a clinical examination, despite the fact that some lesions are not specific. A biopsy must be performed systematically in the case of all suspicious lesions.

Conclusion:

Lesions on genital organs in men are very diverse. Some are difficult to diagnose and treat, with the main challenge being early diagnosis of lesions with a high progressive potential in order to prevent dissemination and the need for mutilating surgery.

New insight in penile cancer

Penile cancer is a rare disease. Most of penile cancer are squamous cell carcinoma. Diagnosis is based on self-examination, clinical examination and confirmatory biopsy. Several imaging techniques could be used for staging purposes. However, the best modality for staging in intermediate and high-risk patients is by surgical evaluation and the use of inguinal lymph node dissection, that has also a therapeutic effect. Unfortunately, inguinal lymph node dissection is underused. Penile cancer treatment may have a major adverse impact on urinary and sexual function and on quality of life. Penile-sparing surgery and radiation therapies are available, and in selected patients offer good outcomes with acceptable rates of local recurrence. Penile-sparing surgery should be preferred when indicated. Follow-up with periodical controls is mandatory up to 5 years. However, risk of local, nodal and distant recurrence after 5 years was reported. Imaging is not routinely recommended during follow-up. Patients should be trained to self-examination during the follow-up.

Masculinizing Genital Gender Confirmation Surgery

INTRODUCTION

This article is the third in a 3-part series focused on the comprehensive treatment of gender dysphoria. Multidisciplinary gender dysphoria care may involve a combination of counseling, social gender transition, hormone therapy, and gender confirmation surgery (GCS) to maximize physical characteristics congruent with a patient's gender identity. Nonoperative management of gender dysphoria was covered in part 1. The focus of part 2 was feminizing GCS. In part 3, surgical considerations for masculinizing GCS are summarized, including a review of different phalloplasty techniques. This installment also includes information about adjunctive procedures, therapies, and products used by transgender men and women to express their gender identity.

AIM

To provide an overview of both genital and nongenital masculinizing gender confirmation procedures. To review phalloplasty techniques, preoperative considerations, complications, and outcomes. To summarize ancillary services and procedures available to transgender patients to facilitate their gender presentation.

METHODS

A review of relevant literature through May 2017 was performed via PubMed.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

To summarize ancillary products and services used by transgender patients and to review surgical considerations for masculinizing genitoplasty.

RESULTS

A variety of nonsurgical ancillary services exist for transgender patients to aid their transition. A variety of phalloplasty procedures have been developed for transgender men who seek genital GCS. Most surgeons prefer radial forearm phalloplasty, including the authors whose surgical technique is described. Each phalloplasty approach is associated with its own benefits, drawbacks, and complications.

CONCLUSION

A variety of ancillary services and procedures that help transgender men and women communicate their gender identity in society is available and is an important adjunct to medical or surgical treatment of gender dysphoria. Pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative considerations of masculinizing genital gender confirmation procedures were reviewed. Hadj-Moussa M, Agarwal S, Ohl DA, et al. Masculinizing Genital Gender Confirmation Surgery. Sex Med Rev 2019;7:141-155.

Scrotal reconstruction and testicular prosthetics

Scrotal surgery encompasses a wide-variety of surgical techniques for an even wider variety of indications. In this manuscript, we review our indications, techniques, and pit-falls for various reconstructive scrotal surgeries as-well-as surgical tips for placement of testicular prostheses. Penoscrotal webbing (PSW) is an abnormal, often-problematic distal insertion of scrotal skin onto the ventral penile shaft. There are several effective and straightforward techniques used to revise this condition, which include simple scrotoplasty, single- or double-Z-plasty, or the VY-flap scrotoplasty. Reconstruction is also commonly indicated following scrotal skin loss caused by infection, trauma, lymphedema, hidradenitis, and cancer. Although initial management of these conditions often involves scrotal skin removal, repair of expansive scrotal skin loss can be technically difficult and can be accomplished by using one of several skin flaps or skin grafting. Split-thickness skin grafting of scrotal defects can be accomplished easily, and provides durable results.