A practical overview of considerations for penile prosthesis placement

Glans hypermobility scale (GHS): A simple grading scale and description of a modified glanspexy technique

Glans hypermobility (GH) is a well-described clinical entity that can have significant implications for cosmesis and function, resulting in sexual dissatisfaction, penile pain, and early device erosion, with an estimated incidence of 0.04% to 10%. We developed a novel grading scale to assess GH severity intraoperatively during primary inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) placement and describe a modified glanspexy technique to correct GH when encountered during IPP placement. 530 patients who underwent primary IPP placements from two high-volume prosthetic surgeons between February 2018 - November 2019 were retrospectively reviewed in order to identify the incidence of GH. Of these, 139 (26.2%) had hypermobility. Employing our new scaling system, grade 1, 2, and 3 GH was seen in 86 (16.2%), 29 (5.5%), and 24 (4.5%) cases, respectively. Increased implant size correlated with a decreased likelihood of GH incidence. Each increase in implant size by 1 cm decreased the incidence of detecting GH by 11.0% (OR = 0.89; p = 0.015). 11 patients underwent primary GH repair using our described technique. At one-year follow-up, one patient required repeat glanspexy for recurrent bothersome GH and a second patient developed a suture granuloma at the glanspexy incision requiring unilateral cylinder explant. Our modified glanspexy technique can be used to correct GH in any direction and is a useful tool for the prosthetic surgeon's armamentarium.

Patient selection, counseling and preparation for penile prosthesis

The penile prosthesis has revolutionized the management of erectile dysfunction and is a mainstay in the treatment of this clinical entity. The goal of proper patient selection and counseling is to achieve a satisfactory outcome for the patient. Most patients receiving a penile prosthesis are satisfied with their outcome, and while the penile prosthesis generally allows for high satisfaction rates, avenues for dissatisfaction can arise. Our aim is to aid the prosthetic urologist in identifying such avenues by discussing what factors can lead to a dissatisfied patient. Even a technically successful surgical outcome in the improperly counseled patient can have negative consequences for the patient and the patient-physician relationship. Satisfaction in the penile prosthesis arena can be variably defined and viewed from different perspectives. As such, establishing a personalized framework of expectation management, even in the patient who poses challenging factors, is paramount in preparation for penile prosthesis implantation.

Outcomes of Inflatable Penile Prosthesis following Radical Cystectomy - A matched Cohort Analysis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate outcomes of inflatable-penile-prosthesis (IPP) implantation after radical-cystectomy compared with other etiologies of erectile dysfunction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All inflatable penile prostheses within the past 20 years in a large regional health system were reviewed, and erectile dysfunction etiology was determined as radical-cystectomy, radical-prostatectomy, or organic/other ED. Cohorts were generated by 1:3 propensity score match using age, body mass index, and diabetes status. Baseline demographics and relevant comorbidities were evaluated. Clavien-Dindo complications, grade, and reoperation were assessed. Multivariable logarithmic regression was used to identify the predictors of 90-day complications following IPP implantation. Log-rank analysis was used to assess the time-to-reoperation after IPP implantation in patients with a history of cystectomy compared with non-cystectomy etiologies.

RESULTS

Of 2600 patients, 231 subjects were included in the study. Comparing patients undergoing IPP for cystectomy vs. pooled non-cystectomy indications, those who underwent radical-cystectomy had a higher overall complication rate(24% vs. 9%, p=0.02). Clavien-Dindo complication grades did not differ across groups. Reoperation was significantly more common following cystectomy (cystectomy: 21% vs. non-cystectomy: 7%, p=0.01), however time to reoperation did not differ significantly by indication (cystectomy: 8 years vs non-cystectomy: 10 years, p=0.09). Among cystectomy patients, 85% of reoperations were due to mechanical failure.

CONCLUSION

Compared to other erectile dysfunction etiologies, patients undergoing IPP with a history of cystectomy have an increased risk of complications within 90-days of implantation and need for surgical device revision, but no greater risk for high-grade complications. Overall IPP remains a valid treatment option after cystectomy.

Which patient may benefit the most from penile prosthesis implantation?

BACKGROUND

Penile prosthesis implantation has been associated with overall good functional outcomes. Of relevance, some patients reported higher level of satisfaction and quality of life.

AIM

We investigated the profile of the patients who may benefit the most from penile prosthesis implantation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data from a national multi-institutional registry of penile prostheses including patients treated from 2014 to 2017 in Italy (Italian Nationwide Systematic Inventarization of Surgical Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction) were analyzed. All data have been prospectively recorded by 45 surgeons on a dedicated website (www.registro.andrologiaitaliana.it) and revised by a single data manager. Patients' baseline characteristics were recorded. In order to simultaneously evaluate perceived penile prosthesis function and quality of life, all patients were re-assessed at 1-year follow-up using the validated questionnaire Quality of Life and Sexuality with Penile Prosthesis. High quality of life after surgery was defined as a score higher than the 75th percentile in each of the subdomains of the Quality of Life and Sexuality with Penile Prosthesis questionnaire. Logistic regression analysis tested the association between clinical characteristics and high quality of life after penile prosthesis implantation.

RESULTS

Follow-up data were available for 285 patients (median age 60 years; interquartile range: 56-67) who underwent penile prosthesis implantation. Erectile dysfunction etiology was organic in 40% (114), pelvic surgery/radiotherapy in 39% (111), and Peyronie's disease in 21% (60) of the cases. Patients showed good overall Quality of Life and Sexuality with Penile Prosthesis scores at 1-year follow-up for functional (22/25), personal (13/15), relational (17/20), and social (13/15) domains. Overall, 27.0% (77) of patients achieved scores consistent with the high quality of life definition. These patients did not differ in terms of median age (60 vs. 62), type of prosthesis (inflatable penile prostheses: 95% in both of the cases), and post-operative complications (10% vs. 14%) than those with lower quality of life score (all p > 0.1). At logistic regression analysis, erectile dysfunction etiology was the only factor independently associated with high quality of life at 1 year after surgery (p = 0.02). Patients treated for Peyronie's disease (odds ratio: 2.62; p = 0.01; 95% confidence interval: 1.20-5.74) were more likely to report better outcomes after accounting for age, post-operative complications, and surgical volume.

CONCLUSION

Penile prosthesis implantation is associated with an overall good quality of life. The subset of patients affected by erectile dysfunction secondary to Peyronie's disease seemed to benefit the most from penile prosthesis implantation in terms of functional outcomes, relationship with their partners and the outside world, and perceived self-image. The systematic use of validated questionnaires specifically addressed at evaluating quality of life and satisfaction after penile prosthesis implantation should be further implemented in future studies to better define the predictors of optimal satisfaction after penile prosthesis implantation.

Inflatable penile prosthesis reservoir placement-Are we ready for a paradigm change?

In 2002, Steve Wilson pioneered new procedures for alternative placement of reservoirs for inflatable prostheses in patients who have suffered damage to the space of Retzius following pelvic surgery or obliteration of the transversalis fascia by mesh hernia repair. Since then, surgical techniques and tools for ectopic reservoir placement have gradually gained acceptance to minimize palpability, and the risk of visceral and vascular lesions for high risk patients has been all but eliminated. Lockout valves and high submuscular placement techniques are now recommended, and reports of vascular, bowel or bladder injuries are uncommonly rare. While surgeons continue their search for safer and more effective placement methods, new skills and instruments are constantly being introduced to make recommendations to minimize complications and provide safety and functionality. Additional studies and comparisons of techniques are needed to achieve a consensus of best practice for reservoir placement solutions.

Tips and tricks in the management of inflatable penile prosthesis infection: A review

Objective:

To review the management of inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) infection.

Methods: The ‘gold-standard’ treatment for medication-refractory erectile dysfunction is the IPP, wherein the most dreaded complication is infection. To prevent and manage an infected IPP requires a strict protocol during the pre-, intra-, and postoperative course. A variety of techniques and antibiotics are used in conjunction with IPP implantation to prevent contamination. This modified Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) review of the literature examines the current practices by leading urologists in the management of IPP infection, as well as provides insights for improved patient outcomes.

Results

: Patient selection is important to reduce IPP infections, and those with risk factors need to be optimised prior to surgery. Proper antibiotic prophylaxis includes pre-, intra-, and postoperative administration. As most infections derive from normal skin flora, every measure must be taken to sterilise the skin and avoid direct device skin contact. Up to 3% of virgin IPPs develop infections and this number increases to 18% in revision cases. Antibiotic coverage depends on the presenting microbe, which can vary significantly between patients.

Conclusions

: A greater success in IPP implantation can be attributed to appropriate prophylaxis, field sterilisation, and surgical technique. For those implants that do become infected, often erectile function can be preserved by immediate antibiotic coverage combined with salvage procedures.

Practical Considerations in Inflatable Penile Implant Surgery

BACKGROUND

Penile prosthesis implantation remains an effective solution for men with medical-refractory erectile dysfunction (ED) following radical pelvic surgery. Despite the distortion of pelvic anatomy, a penile implant can be performed with excellent clinical outcomes provided strict patient selection, proper preoperative workup and safe surgical principles are adhered to.

AIM

To provide practical recommendations on inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) implantation in patients with medical-refractory ED, with an emphasis on patient selection and counselling, preoperative workup as well as surgical considerations to minimize intraoperative complications.

METHODS

A Medline search on relevant English-only articles on penile prostheses and pelvic surgery was undertaken and the following terms were included in the search for articles of interest: "bladder cancer", "prostate cancer", "rectal cancer", "pelvic surgery" and "inflatable penile implant".

OUTCOMES

Clinical key recommendations on patient selection, preoperative workup and surgical principles.

RESULTS

Patients should be made aware of the mechanics of IPP and the informed consent process should outline the benefits and disadvantages of IPP surgery, alternative treatment options, cost, potential prosthetic complications and patient's expectations on clinical outcomes. Specialised diagnostic test for workup for ED is often not necessary although preoperative workup should include screening for active infection and optimising pre-existing medical comorbidities. Precautionary measures should be carried out to minimise infective complication. Corporal dilation and reservoir placement can be challenging in this group, and surgeons may require knowledge of advanced reconstructive surgical techniques when dealing with specific cases such as coexisting Peyronie's disease and continence issue.

CLINICAL TRANSLATION

Strict patient selection and counselling process coupled with safe surgical principles are important to achieve excellent linical outcomes and patient satisfaction rates.

STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS

This masterclass paper provides an overview of the practical considerations for men who are undergoing IPP surgery following radical pelvic surgery. Limitations include the lack of highquality data and detailed surgical description on each surgical troubleshooting steps for various prosthetic-related complications.

CONCLUSION

The IPP implantation can be performed efficiently and safely in patients following radical pelvic surgery. Chung E, Mulhall J. Practical Considerations in Inflatable Penile Implant Surgery. J Sex Med 2021;18:1320-1327.

Long-term outcomes after penile prosthesis placement for the Management of Erectile Dysfunction: a single-Centre experience

Background

Penile prothesis (PP) is the gold-standard treatment of drug-refractory erectile dysfunction (ED). While postoperative outcomes have been widely described in the literature, there are few data about patient satisfaction and intraoperative events. We aimed to assess long-term patient satisfaction and perioperative outcomes after PP implantation in a single-centre cohort of unselected patients using validated scales.

Results

A total of 130 patients received a PP (median age: 62.5 years [IQR: 58–69]; median International Index of Erectile Function (IEEF-5) score: 6 [IQR: 5–7]). Median follow-up was 6.3 years [IQR: 4–9.4]. Thirty-two (24.6%) patients underwent surgical revision, of which 20 were PP removals (15.4%). Global PP survival rate was 84.6% and previous PP placement was a risk factor for PP removal (p = 0.02). There were six (4.6%) non-life-threatening intraoperative events including two which resulted in non-placement of a PP (1.5%). EAUiaic grade was 0 for 124 procedures (95.4%), 1 for four procedures (3.1%) and 2 for two procedures (1.5%). Of patients who still had their PP at the end of the study, 91 (80.5%) expressed satisfaction.

Conclusions

PP implantation is a last-resort treatment for ED with a satisfactory outcome. PPs are well accepted by patients.

Management of residual penile curvature after penile prosthesis placement

Residual penile curvature is a common situation following the implantation of a penile prosthesis in patients with Peyronie's disease. Currently, there is a variety of options for the correction of residual curvature, including penile modeling, plication techniques, as well as tunical incision/excision with or without grafting. A literature search of PubMed and Medline databases was conducted from 1964 until 2020, using search terms for all articles in the English language. In this article, we provide a review of the techniques and the outcomes, according to the published literature.

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.

Modern treatment strategies for penile prosthetics in Peyronie's disease: a contemporary clinical review

Peyronie's disease is a common condition resulting in penile deformity, psychological bother, and sexual dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction is one common comorbid condition seen in men with Peyronie's disease, and its presence significantly impacts treatment considerations. In a man with Peyronie's disease and significant erectile dysfunction who desires the most reliable treatment, penile prosthesis placement should be strongly considered. In some instances, such as those patients with relatively mild curvature, prosthesis placement alone may result in adequate straightening. However, many patients will require additional straightening maneuvers such as manual modeling, penile plication, and tunica albuginea incision with or without grafting. For patients with severe penile shortening, penile length restoration techniques may also be considered. Herein, we provide a comprehensive clinical review of penile prosthesis placement in men with Peyronie's disease. Specifically, we discuss preoperative indications, intraoperative considerations, adjunctive straightening maneuvers, and postoperative outcomes.

Risk profiling in patients undergoing penile prosthesis implantation

Penile prosthesis implantation is the gold standard of surgical therapy for patients with medication-refractory erectile dysfunction. However, this umbrella definition includes significant heterogeneity and associated risk profiles that should be candidly discussed and addressed perioperatively. Factors associated with operative success and patient satisfaction are often surgery specific; however, risk profiling via patient selection, preoperative optimization, proper device selection, and intraoperative consideration are highly correlated. Some examples of common risk profiles include comorbidity(ies) such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, prior abdominal surgery, Peyronie's disease, and psychological risk factors. Similarly, integration of surgeon- and patient-amenable characteristics is key to decreasing risk of infection, complication, and need for revision. Finally, patient risk profiling provides a unique context for proper device selection and evidence-based intraoperative considerations.

Intraoperative and postoperative complications of penile implant surgery. Diagnosis and treatment

We describe the most frequent complications associated with penile implant surgery, paying special attention to their practical management. We have analyzed preoperative complications and postoperative complications separately. The intraoperative include perforation of the corpora cavernosa during dilation, cylinder cross-over or cross-placement and urethral injury during implantation. The most frequent postoperative complications are mechanical failure, cylinder erosion and prosthesis infection. We emphasize on rescue surgery and reimplantation techniques in cavernous tissue fibrosis.

Supersonic Transporter Deformity in Transgender Men following Phalloplasty

Phalloplasty is often the final stage of gender-affirmation surgery for transgender men. Obtaining penile rigidity is important for sexual function, but may also bring complications, including supersonic transporter deformity, in which the glans becomes ventrally displaced and flaccid. Two cases of supersonic transporter deformity are presented here, one with a hydraulic penile implant and one with an autologous bone transplant. Attempt at surgical correction was performed in both. Careful attention must be paid to the unique anatomy of the neophallus and type of penile prosthesis to prevent or correct supersonic transporter deformity in transgender men. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:: Therapeutic, V.

Long-Term Follow-Up After Penile Prosthesis Implantation-Survival and Quality of Life Outcomes

INTRODUCTION

Hydraulic penile prostheses have shown an overall good mechanical reliability up to 10 years after surgery; however, few data have been published on very long-term follow-up.

AIM

We looked at long-term (≥15 years) complications, including functional and quality of life (QoL) outcomes, after 3-piece inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) implantation in patients with erectile dysfunction (ED).

METHODS

Data regarding 149 patients submitting to IPP placement before 2001 were analyzed. All patients were implanted with AMS CX and Ultrex Plus 3-piece prostheses.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Patients were reassessed to evaluate rates of complications and functional outcomes. The validated questionnaire Quality of Life and Sexuality with Penile Prosthesis (QoLSPP) was used to assess patient QoL. Kaplan-Meier analysis estimated the probability of prosthesis survival (defined as working device/not-explanted).

RESULTS

Median follow-up of 51 patients was 206 months (interquartile range [IQR], 145-257). The etiology of ED was vasculogenic (n = 20; 39%), Peyronie's disease (n = 15; 29%), pelvic surgery (n = 4; 7.8%), organic other than vasculogenic (n = 3; 5.9%), or other (n = 9; 18%). Throughout the follow-up, 24 patients (49%) experienced complications: mechanical failure (n = 19; 79%), pain (n = 3; 12%), orgasmic dysfunctions (n = 1; 4.5%), or device infection (n = 1; 4.5%). The estimated IPP survival was 53% (95% CI, 36-67) at 20-year follow-up. Baseline characteristics (age, Charlson comorbidity index, body mass index, and erectile dysfunction etiology) were not significantly associated with the risk of IPP failure over time by Cox regression analysis. At 20-year follow-up, 41% (95% CI, 19-49) of the patients were still using the device. Among them, QoLSPP median domain scores were high: functional 22/25 (IQR, 20-23), relational 17/20 (IQR, 15-18), personal 14/15 (IQR, 12-15), and social 14/15 (IQR, 11-15).

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

The longevity of the device and long-term satisfaction rates should be comprehensively discussed during patient consultation for IPP surgery.

STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS

To our knowledge, this is the first study reporting long-term QoL outcomes using a dedicated questionnaire for penile prostheses. The low response rate for the telephone interviews, the retrospective design of the study, and the relatively small number of patients are the main limitations.

CONCLUSION

Long-term follow-up data after IPP placement showed that almost half of the devices still worked properly 20 years after the original penile implant, as 60% of patients were still using the device with high satisfaction and adequate QoL outcomes. Both patients and physicians should be aware of the expected life and outcomes of IPP implants. Chierigo F, Capogrosso P, Dehò, et al. Long-Term Follow-Up After Penile Prosthesis Implantation-Survival and Quality of Life Outcomes. J Sex Med 2019;16:1827-1833.

An update on: long-term outcomes of penile prostheses for the treatment of erectile dysfunction

INTRODUCTION

Penile prosthesis placement is the gold standard for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) refractory to medical therapy; however, limited data exist on the long-term outcomes of these devices.

AREAS COVERED

A PubMed search focused on long-term outcomes of penile prosthetics was performed. Studies with a follow-up of less than 5 years were excluded. Included studies were arranged chronologically by implant date to identify trends in device lifetime. Data were further scrutinized to separate device failure secondary to mechanical malfunction from device failure secondary to infection.

EXPERT OPINION

Limited data prevent accurate 15-year predictions for modern prosthetics. The 5- and 10-year overall survival of modern prosthetics is estimated to be 90.4% and 86.6%, respectively. Infection rates are estimated to be 1.5% and 1.8% at 8 and 10 years, respectively. While great strides have been made in device design, there is still potential for advancement in both infection rate reduction and mechanical improvement. The combination of increased collaboration between implanting urologists and engineers from prosthetic device companies and improved, prospectively collected data will usher prosthetic urology into its next era.

The Urogenital Epithelium and Corporal Tissues Are the Primary Targets of Rejection in Penile Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation: A New Real-Time Tissue-Based Monitoring System

BACKGROUND

Although significant surgical advances have been made in the form of microvascular surgery and autologous free tissue transfer, penile reconstruction still poses several difficult challenges. Although interest in penile vascularized composite allotransplantation has grown since the first attempted transplant in 2006, little is known regarding the kinetics of rejection and subsequent function of penile allografts. The penis contains multiple tissue types that are not qualified by the Banff 2007 vascularized composite allotransplantation classification system, including urogenital mucosal epithelium and erectile tissues. In this study, the authors investigate the propagation of rejection and the resultant function following rejection in rat and human penile tissues.

METHODS

Rejected human and rat penile tissues were examined using an ex vivo real-time tissue-based derivative of the classic mixed lymphocyte reaction assay to determine the interactions occurring between en bloc penile tissues and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (autologous and allogeneic). Correlative in vivo heterotopic rat penile vascularized composite allotransplantation was used to correlate ex vivo findings.

RESULTS

In both human and rat ex vivo systems and in vivo rat vascularized composite allotransplantation, the urethral mucosa was the first to undergo rejection-associated apoptosis. The urethral mucosa was the most immunogenic and led to the highest level of peripheral blood mononuclear cell proliferative generations in all systems, whereas the neural tissues of the penis remained immune privileged.

CONCLUSION

These findings are the first to describe the kinetics of rejection in both human and rat penile vascularized composite allotransplantation and that the urethral mucosa is the most antigenic, suffering the highest level of rejection-associated apoptosis and peripheral blood mononuclear cell proliferative aggregation.

Spontaneous Penile Tumescence by Sparing Cavernous Tissue in the Course of Malleable Penile Prosthesis Implantation

INTRODUCTION

Spontaneous penile tumescence after penile prosthesis implantation has been sporadically reported in the literature.

AIM

To preserve residual erectile function of patients' spontaneous penile tumescence by sparing cavernous tissue in the course of malleable penile prosthesis implantation.

METHODS

Overall, 92 patients were randomized into 2 equal arms; patients undergoing conventional malleable penile prosthesis implantation, and patients undergoing the cavernous tissue-sparing technique. 1 month after surgery, these patients underwent penile duplex examination to assess the maximal cavernous tissue thickness around the implant cylinders. Additionally, they were asked about the occurrence of any spontaneous or arousal-induced penile tumescence.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Postoperative changes were compared with the preoperative ones.

RESULTS

The mean maximal cavernous tissue thickness was shown to be significantly higher in the cavernous tissue-sparing group compared with the conventional surgery group (5.2 ± 0.8 mm vs 2.2 ± 1.04 mm, P < .01). In the cavernous tissue-sparing group, 41 of 46 patients (89.13%) reported having a significantly higher incidence of residual penile tumescence vs 7 of 46 patients (15.2%) in the conventional surgery group (P < .001). The postoperative penile girth was significantly higher in the cavernous tissue-sparing group than in the conventional surgery group (11.16 ± 1.1 cm vs 10.11 ± 1.15 cm, P < .001).

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

This study provides a step-by-step approach to maintaining post-implantation penile tumescence and preserving penile girth in a reproducible manner.

STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS

This is the first study to demonstrate the benefits of implanting a penile prosthesis while the penis is in a pharmacologically induced tumescent state. It is also the first to make use of ultrasound imaging in assessing postoperative corporal tissue. The main limitations are the short postoperative follow-up period and the non-blinding of measurements.

CONCLUSION

It could be concluded that the cavernous tissue-sparing technique is a reproducible technique that has the added value of preserving residual erectile function in the form of retained postoperative penile tumescence and preserved penile girth. Zaazaa A, Mostafa T. Spontaneous Penile Tumescence by Sparing Cavernous Tissue in the Course of Malleable Penile Prosthesis Implantation. J Sex Med 2019;16:474-478.

Trends in penile prosthesis implantation and analysis of predictive factors for removal

PURPOSE

This study aims to analyze patient demographics, hospital characteristics, and clinical risk factors which predict penile prosthesis removal. We also examine costs of penile prosthesis removal and trends in inflatable versus non-inflatable penile prostheses implantation in the USA from 2003 to 2015.

METHODS

Cross-sectional analysis from Premier Perspective Database was completed using data from 2003 to 2015. We compared the relative proportion of inflatable versus non-inflatable penile prostheses implanted. We separated the prosthesis removal group based on indication for removal-Group 1 (infection), Group 2 (mechanical complication), and Group 3 (all explants). All groups were compared to a control group of patients with penile implants who were never subsequently explanted. Multivariate analysis was performed to analyze patient and hospital factors which predicted removal. Cost comparison was performed between the explant groups.

RESULTS

There were 5085 penile prostheses implanted with a stable relative proportion of inflatable versus non-inflatable prosthesis over the 13-year study period. There were 3317 explantations. Patient factors associated with prosthesis removal were non-black race, Charlson Comorbidity Index, diabetes, and HIV status. Hospital factors associated with removal included non-teaching status, hospital region, year of removal, and annual surgeon volume. Median hospitalization costs of all explantations were $10,878. Explantations due to infection cost $11,252 versus $8602 for mechanical complications.

CONCLUSIONS

This large population-based study demonstrates a stable trend in inflatable versus non-inflatable prosthesis implantation. We also identify patient and hospital factors that predict penile prosthesis removal which has clinical utility for patient risk stratification and counseling.

Role of Penile Prosthesis in Priapism: A Review

Ischemic priapism is a urological emergency that has been associated with long-standing and irreversible adverse effects on erectile function. Studies have demonstrated a linear relationship between the duration of critically ischemic episodes and the subsequent development of corporal fibrosis and irreversible erectile function loss. Placement of a penile prosthesis is a well-established therapeutic option for the management of erectile dysfunction secondary to ischemic priapism, and will be the focus of this review. Review of the current literature demonstrates a growing utilization of penile prostheses in the treatment of erectile dysfunction secondary to ischemic priapism. Unfortunately, there is a paucity of randomized-controlled trials describing the use of prosthesis in ischemic priapism. As a result, there is a lack of consensus regarding the type of prosthesis (malleable vs. inflatable), timing of surgery (acute vs. delayed), and anticipated complications for each approach. Both types of prostheses yielded comparable complication rates, but the inflatable penile prosthesis have higher satisfaction rates. Acute treatment of priapism was associated with increased risk of prosthetic infection, and could potentially cause psychological trauma, whereas delayed implantation was associated with greater corporal fibrosis, loss of penile length, and increased technical difficulty of implantation. The paucity of high-level evidence fuels the ongoing discussion of optimal use and timing of penile prosthesis implantation. Current guidance is based on consensus expert opinion derived from small, retrospective studies. Until more robust data is available, a patient-centered approach and joint decision-making between the patient and his urologist is recommended.

Preoperative counseling and expectation management for inflatable penile prosthesis implantation

The inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) is the gold standard surgical treatment for medical refractory erectile dysfunction (ED). While the modern IPP has enjoyed high satisfaction rates as a product of its continued innovation, reliability, and performance, patient dissatisfaction can still occur. IPP implantation restores physiologic function with cosmetic and psychological consequences, both of which place inherent emphasis on preoperative counseling and expectation management. This review aims to highlight the complex nature of such counseling and provide practitioners with a roadmap to navigate the landscape. Preoperative counseling begins with appropriate patient selection and identification of those patients who are at risk for dissatisfaction as a result of personality characteristics. The informed consent provides a natural framework to discuss the host of complications and risks that are associated with surgery, including infection, device malfunction, damage to nearby structures, and device erosion. Device selection is a nuanced process that merges patient preference with clinical factors and consideration. We address device selection through a description of cylinder construction, pump design, and reservoir placement in the context of preoperative counseling. Lastly, we draw attention to expectation management with a specific focus on possible post-operative changes to penile length and sensation as well as partner involvement. The modern IPP provides excellent results with high patient and partner satisfaction. Ultimately, satisfaction is dependent on multiple factors, but providing accurate, realistic counseling and expectation management prepares patients for the best possible outcomes.

Prevention, identification, and management of post-operative penile implant complications of infection, hematoma, and device malfunction

Penile prosthesis implant surgery is an effective management approach for a number of urological conditions, including medication refractory erectile dysfunction (ED). Complications encountered post-operatively include infection, bleeding/hematoma, and device malfunction. Since the 1970s, modifications to these devices have reduced complication rates through improvement in antisepsis and design using antibiotic coatings, kink-resistant tubing, lock-out valves to prevent autoinflation, and modified reservoir shapes. Device survival and complication rates have been investigated predominately by retrospective database-derived studies. This review article focuses on the identification and management of post-operative complications following penile prosthetic and implant surgery. Etiology for ED, surgical technique, and prosthesis type are variable among studies. The most common post-operative complications of infection, bleeding, and device malfunction may be minimized by adherence to consistent technique and standard protocol. Novel antibiotic coatings and standard antibiotic regimen may reduce infection rates. Meticulous hemostasis and intraoperative testing of devices may further reduce need for revision surgery. Additional prospective studies with consistent reporting of outcomes and comparison of surgical approach and prosthesis type in patients with variable ED etiology would be beneficial.

Erectile Dysfunction Following Pelvic Fracture Urethral Injury

INTRODUCTION

Although pelvic fracture urethral injuries (PFUIs) are rare, approximately half these patients will report erectile dysfunction (ED) after their injuries. The anatomic relations of the cavernosal nerves and arteries to the bones of the pelvis and the urethra put these structures at significant risk at the time of PFUI. This review examines the epidemiology, evaluation, and management of ED in this patient population.

AIM

To evaluate the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of patients with ED after PFUI.

METHODS

A literature review was performed to identify articles on PubMed published before May 2017 addressing PFUI and ED.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Incidence, mechanisms, risk factors, evaluation, and management strategies of ED after PFUI were analyzed.

RESULTS

Patients with pelvic fractures are at risk of post-injury ED, whereas those with PFUI appear to be at even higher risk. Different potential mechanisms contributing to the pathophysiology of ED in this setting have been described in the literature, including damage to the nervous supply to the penis, arterial insufficiency, and veno-occlusive dysfunction. However, there is a lack of consensus on the predominant etiology. Appropriate diagnostic evaluation can help to elucidate the underlying pathophysiology on an individual basis and can help guide management. Oral therapies, intracavernosal injections, and inflatable penile prostheses have shown great success. Furthermore, unlike patients with ED from other causes, select patients with isolated arteriogenic ED are potentially eligible for penile revascularization procedures.

CONCLUSION

Because most patients with pelvic trauma are younger than 40 years with a significant life expectancy, appropriate diagnosis and management of ED after PFUI can greatly improve quality of life and allow resumption of post-injury sexual function. Identification of the causative pathology can help tailor treatment on an individual basis. Johnsen NV, Kaufman MR, Dmochowski RR, Milam DF. Erectile Dysfunction Following Pelvic Fracture Urethral Injury. Sex Med Rev 2018;6;114-123.