Correction of retractile penis with subcutaneous soft silicone penile implant

Outcomes of a Single Center's Initial Experience With the Penuma® Penile Implant

OBJECTIVE

To provide new data, techniques, and safety and efficacy outcomes in patients undergoing Penuma penile implant surgery at a large tertiary care center.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of men undergoing Penuma implants between November 2020 and January 2022 with a single surgeon at a tertiary hospital. Measurements of penile length were made both pre- and postoperatively. Adverse events including infection and unsatisfactory cosmetic outcomes requiring revision were recorded. We also provide detailed technique descriptions of Penuma implantation and revision. Outcomes include measurements of incidents of peri and post-operative adverse events and penile length and girth pre- and post-operatively.

RESULTS

49 male patients underwent Penuma implant surgery. Mean age was 40.2 ± 8.9 years. Mean BMI was 28.2 ± 4.5. All but 2 patients were nonsmokers and only 2 had comorbidities (diabetes). Preoperative mean flaccid length was 8.1 ± 1.9 cm. Postoperative mean length was 12.3 ± 1.9 cm. Patients added an average of 4.9 ± 2.9 cm to their penile length, a 52% increase (P < .01). Average follow up time was 6 months. Among the complications were 1 case of infection and 2 cases of erosion. There were 4 cases of persistent flaring of the Penuma; 3 required revision surgery, all with a good cosmetic outcome.

CONCLUSION

The Penuma implant can be used to safely enhance flaccid penile length and girth in patients with retractile penis or other cosmetic deformities. Should complications occur, they are mainly cosmetic and can be easily corrected with low risk.

The Role of Verteporfin in Prevention of Periprosthetic Capsular Fibrosis: An Experimental Study

BACKGROUND

Capsular contracture (CC) characterized by excessive fibrosis is one of the most common complications after silicone implant surgery. Verteporfin (VP), an inhibitor of Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1), has recently been found to reduce the fibrotic process.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to use an in vivo rabbit model to evaluate the efficacy of VP for the prevention of CC.

METHODS

Twenty-four New Zealand rabbits received 10-cc smooth saline silicone implants inserted in the dorsal skin and were randomly divided into 2 groups to receive 2 mL VP (1.5 mg/mL) or 2 mL phosphate-buffered saline solution instillation in the implant pocket. When the animals were killed on Day 60, capsule formation was observed both macroscopically and microscopically. Histologic evaluation included capsule thickness, fibrosis degree, and myofibroblast (α smooth muscle actin positive) content. In addition, the YAP1 expression level was examined by immunofluorescence staining. Transforming growth factor β1, collagen I, and connective tissue growth factor expression were measured by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

The VP-treated group exhibited thinner, more transparent capsules and less fibrosis than the control group at 60 days postsurgery (P < 0.05). Moreover, the VP treatment significantly reduced α smooth muscle actin, YAP1, transforming growth factor β1, collagen I, and connective tissue growth factor expression levels in the capsular tissues (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

VP reduced capsule formation after silicone implantation by inhibiting YAP1-mediated mechanical signaling, thereby attenuating excessive collagen deposition in the rabbit model. This preclinical study may provide a feasible strategy to prevent periprosthetic capsular fibrosis in clinical application.

Update on the Penuma® an FDA-cleared penile implant for aesthetic enhancement of the flaccid penis

The Penuma® implant is a medical-grade silicone implant surgically inserted subcutaneously to provide cosmetic improvement of the penile aesthetic. The principal author was invited to provide an update on the usage of the Penuma® implant for penile aesthetics. He collected as yet unpublished data, which is undergoing synchronous submission to Urologic meetings and peer-reviewed publications by a variety of authors for this communication. The objective of this article is to provide updated information regarding the Penuma® aesthetic penile implant. A new scrotal method of implantation named "concealed" is emerging. Through physician comparison of various factors prior to and after the scrotal method intervention, early findings suggest this approach seems to have less visible scar, is quicker and is followed by less seroma formation. As the device is now surgically implanted by surgeons other than its inventor, new developments have appeared authenticating the original published paper in 2018. Patients were contacted via phone and were asked five questions regarding satisfaction with the responses recorded. This new multicenter study shows findings of high patient and partner satisfaction coupled with acceptable adverse outcomes similar to the single-surgeon study. A new penile rehabilitation program has been developed with the aim for the penis appearance to be restored to its pre-operative state if the Penuma® is removed. 12 patients who underwent penile implant removal were followed for 6 months while participating in the penile rehabilitation program. The discipline worked in patients who desired removal for dissatisfaction and is currently under evaluation in patients who require device removal for medical reasons, e.g., infection or suture-related issues. Through new developments, the acceptance of Penuma® in the prosthetic community seems to be further solidified.

The Augmenta Implant: A Cadaver Model of a Novel Anatomic Subdermal Implant for Cosmetic Penile Enhancement

INTRODUCTION

There are limited options for cosmetic penile enhancement and the correction of structural penile deformities.

AIM

We present the Augmenta, an innovative, technologically advanced subcutaneous elastomer-silicone cosmetic penile implant (CPI), as evaluated by objective structural changes in a cadaveric model.

METHODS

Five fresh male cadaver pelves were utilized in this preclinical setting. Placement of a subcutaneous elastomer-silicone CPI was performed via a penoscrotal approach. Penile circumference was measured at the base and distal shaft before and after implant placement. Penile length was measured from the pubic bone to the tip of the glans penis before and after implantation of Augmenta.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Objective outcomes included changes in penile circumference and shaft length in both the flaccid and erect state, both before and after CPI placement.

RESULTS

In 5 cadaver models, implantation of the Augmenta CPI increased flaccid penile shaft base circumference from an average of 8.7 cm to 12.0 cm after implantation (39.1% increase, P < .001). Flaccid distal circumference increased from 7.3 cm to 10.3 cm (41.8% increase, P = .020). During the erect state, penile base circumference increased from an average of 12.5 cm to 13.7 cm (6.3% increase, P = .273), while distal erect circumference changed from an average of 11.3 cm to 12.4 cm (9.7% increase, P = .298). Nonstretched flaccid shaft length increased from an average of 12.1 cm to 14 cm (15.2% increase, P = .073).

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

The Augmenta CPI could serve as alternative option for men seeking cosmetic penile enhancement.

STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS

Limitations include a small number of cadavers which do not completely reproduce living physiologic function and the use of a single technical approach. However, a consistent and standardized surgical approach reduces operator-dependent outcomes. Another strength is the use of fresh human cadavers that most closely represent live models.

CONCLUSION

In a cadaveric model, the Augmenta CPI demonstrates enhancements in penile girth in both the flaccid and erect state. The unique honeycomb technology, the embedded polyester mesh, and the antimicrobial hydrophilic coating of the Augmenta CPI may provide an advantage to currently available CPIs. Clinical trials will be needed to demonstrate both the safety and feasibility. Clavell-Hernández J, Tatem AJ, Lipshultz LI, et al. The Augmenta Implant: A Cadaver Model of a Novel Anatomic Subdermal Implant for Cosmetic Penile Enhancement. Sex Med 2021;XX:XXXXXX.

Nonsurgical Methods for Penile Augmentation: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

There is no standardized approach for nonsurgical techniques for penile augmentation despite the increase of demand for this intervention.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy and safety between different injection techniques.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

On October 8, 2019, a literature search was performed on PubMed, Embase, Ovid, and Cochrane database. All articles describing penile augmentation were included.

RESULTS

Thirteen studies were included in this article with a total of 1,311 patients. Five studies were prospective cohort. The most commonly described technique was hyaluronic acid fillers with a total of 4 articles and 205 patients. The mean injected volume ranged from 20 to 40 mL. In all included studies, a minority of patients had side effects, but some had disabling complications.

CONCLUSION

There are no defined clinical guidelines for penile augmentation techniques implemented yet. Hyaluronic acid seems to be safe, efficient, and with a high satisfaction score. Further randomized control trials are warranted.

EBM LEVEL OF EVIDENCEBASED MEDICINE

2a.

Co-effects of C/Ag dual ion implantation on enhancing antibacterial ability and biocompatibility of silicone rubber

Although silicone implants are the most popular choice around the world for breast augmentation, reconstruction, and revision, due to the poor antibacterial properties and limited biocompatibility of silicone rubber (SR), one of the major complications, capsule contracture, is a lingering problem. To overcome the two main shortcomings, a dual ion implantation technique was applied to modify the surface of SR with the basic skeleton element of organic matter, carbon (C) and the broad-spectrum bactericide, silver (Ag). We present surface characterization, toxicological effects, and evaluation of the mechanical, antibacterial and biocompatible properties of C and Ag co-implanted SR (C/Ag-SRs). After ion implantation, surface roughness and tensile strength of these new materials increased. Biotoxicity was fully assessed by in vitro experiments on human fibroblasts and in vivo experiments on rats, showing that the low-Ag groups met safety standards. Both the anti-bacterial adhesion and bactericidal abilities of C/Ag-SRs were superior to those of SR, which had few antibacterial activities, especially against Staphylococcus epidermidis. With respect to biocompatibility, the adhesion of fibroblasts was promoted, while their proliferation was moderately inhibited on ion-implanted surfaces. After subcutaneous implantation in rats for 7, 30, 90 and 180 d, the capsular thickness around C/Ag-SRs was significantly lower than that around the SR. Additionally, there was no difference in the inflammatory reaction after 7 d of retention in vivo between C/Ag-SRs and SR. The results demonstrate that C/Ag-SRs are desirable shell materials for breast implants.