Inflatable penile prosthesis placement in men with Peyronie's disease and drug-resistant erectile dysfunction: A single-center study

Penile prosthesis implantation: a bibliometric-based visualization study

The treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) using penile prosthesis implantation (PPI) has recently garnered significant interest, but reports of bibliometric analyses of studies on PPI have yet to appear. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to use visualization techniques to statistically and qualitatively assess the state of knowledge, current research topics, and trends in this field. The Science Citation Index-Expanded (SCI-E) from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) was searched for publications about PPI from the inception of the database to 2023. VOSviewer (version 1.6.19), CiteSpace (version 6.2. R2), and Excel (version 2021) were used for the data analysis. The results show a total of 1015 original articles and reviews on PPI published over this nearly 50 years, with an increasing trend in the number of studies published each year. The United States is the country with the most published studies (n = 578). Mayo Clinic is the organization with the most publications overall (n = 46). The Journal of Sexual Medicine has the most publications (n = 184). The most prolific author is Wilson, Steven K (n = 31). The most commonly used terms were erectile dysfunction (n = 509), penile prosthesis (n = 332), implantation (n = 207), satisfaction (n = 201), surgery (n = 200), infection (n = 134), outcomes (n = 128), Peyronie's disease (n = 121), men (n = 115), and experience (n = 109). Current research focuses on four main areas: complications of PPI, the current status of inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP), the use of PPI in radical prostatectomy and Peyronie's disease populations, and patient satisfaction after PPI. Improving patient satisfaction with PPI through improved mechanical design and surgical techniques is a key concern for future research.

Society of Urologic Prosthetic Surgeons' Coding and Billing Position Statement on Ancillary/Adjunct Penile Prosthesis Surgical Procedures: Part I

OBJECTIVE

To create a society position statement on common adjunct penile prosthesis (PP) procedures. While the Medicare Current Procedural Terminology code book lists descriptions of procedures, it is very brief and lacks detail in the small subspecialty of prosthetic urology. At educational/research meetings, wide variation was found in how experts in prosthetic urology code the same procedures, and need for a standardized format in billing common ancillary surgery was voiced.

METHODS

A subcommittee within the Society of Urologic Prosthetic Surgeons developed a survey assessing coding options for several procedures commonly adjunct to PP placement, which was distributed in the fall of 2022. The results of the survey were used to develop consensus statements on coding adjunct PP procedures; statements were distributed among society membership and meetings for approval.

RESULTS

Thirty members replied to the survey; demographics were obtained as follows: 73% were trained in a fellowship, 50% identified as university/academic practitioners, and 50% in community/private practice; and 63% respondents place more than 50 implants annually. Only 1 of the 30 respondents stated confidence in coding for these ancillary procedures. Specifically, differences in how to code curvature correction procedures were observed throughout the survey results.

CONCLUSION

Only 1 in 30 prosthetic urologists expressed confidence in coding and billing of adjunct PP procedures, further confirming the need for a society position statement. Therefore, we generated a consensus society position statement on common surgeries that are adjunct to PP placement.

The 100 most-cited publications on Peyronie's disease: a bibliometric analysis and visualization study

This study aimed to summarize the characteristics of the top 100 most-cited publications on Peyronie's disease (PD) research and to analyse past and current research hotspots and trends. The SCI-E database of the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) provided us with the top 100 most-cited publications in PD research, from which we took the following information: general trend of publication, year of publication, nation/region, institution, journal, author, and keywords. VOSviewer (version 1.6.18) and Excel (version 2016) were used for information analysis. Through a standardized search, we ultimately found 1019 papers in the field of PD research, from which we extracted the 100 articles that had received the highest citations. The articles were published between 1949 and 2016. The United States is a major contributor to PD research (n = 67). The University of California, Los Angeles, was the institution with the largest number of articles (n = 11). These articles were published in 16 journals, with the largest number appearing in the Journal of Urology (n = 47). The author with the most articles was Levine LA (n = 9). Gelbard MK's articles had the highest citation frequency (n = 1158). Erectile dysfunction (n = 19) was the keyword with the highest frequency, indicating that PD-related erectile dysfunction was the leading focus of research in this field. Most of the keywords that have appeared in the past decade are related to the clinical treatment of PD. Therefore, we believe that improving patients' erectile function to the greatest extent in clinical treatment is the frontier and hot spot of future research.

Himplant® subcutaneous penile implant improves penile appearance and erectile dysfunction after radical prostatectomy: a case series

Erectile dysfunction is a major postoperative complication following radical prostatectomy. Various treatments for post- radical prostatectomy erectile dysfunction including nonsurgical phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors, intraurethral alprostadil, intracavernosal injections and penile implant prosthesis, often yield suboptimal results. In this prospective single-center case series, we examine the efficacy and outcomes of Himplant®, a subcutaneous silicone penile implant, placement in four patients with post-radical prostatectomy erectile dysfunction who experienced limited benefits with phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors. Patient data including demographics, prostate cancer diagnoses, erectile dysfunction characteristics, previous treatments, and outcomes were collected. Himplant® placement was performed in a standardized manner through a high scrotal incision in all cases. Follow-up evaluations were conducted to assess the effectiveness of the procedure and any associated complications. Patients were contacted and asked 15 questions regarding satisfaction and erectile function with the responses recorded. This study presents findings of high patient satisfaction, increases in flaccid penile length and girth, no incidence of adverse events, and improved erectile function following Himplant® placement post-radical prostatectomy. Accordingly, we suggest Himplant® placement in patients who are frustrated by their penile appearance and suffering from erectile dysfunction after radical prostatectomy. Further multicenter studies are warranted to validate these findings and assess long-term outcomes and patient-reported satisfaction.

Residual penile curvature correction by modeling during penile prosthesis implantation in Peyronie's disease patients

With the advent of new surgical techniques to treat Peyronie's disease with concomitant erectile dysfunction, there remains a question of whether manual modeling (MM), an older technique, still has a place in the treatment algorithm within penile prosthesis (PP) surgery. While the implantation of a PP often corrects moderate to severe curvature, penile curvature can remain greater than 30°, even when concurrent MM is performed during prothesis implantation. There are new variations of the MM technique that have been recently utilized in the intraoperative and postoperative setting to achieve penile curvature less than 30° when the implant is fully inflated. The inflatable PP, regardless of the specific model of choice, is preferred over the noninflatable PP when utilizing the MM technique. MM should be the first line of treatment for persisting intraoperative penile curvature after the placement of a PP due to its long-term efficacy, noninvasive approach, and significantly low risk of adverse effects.

Risk of unfavorable outcomes after penile prosthesis implantation - results from a national registry (INSIST-ED)

Like all surgeries, penile prosthesis implantation (PPI) has the potential for both postoperative complications and suboptimal patient satisfaction. In order to assess risk factors for poor satisfaction, we reviewed patients who had been prospectively recruited in a national multi-institutional registry of penile prostheses procedures (INSIST-ED) from 2014 to 20121. Patient baseline characteristics and postoperative complications were recorded. The primary endpoint of this study was unfavorable outcomes after inflatable PPI, defined as significant postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo ≥2) and/or Sexuality with Quality of Life and Sexuality with Penile Prosthesis (QoLSPP) scores below the 10th percentile. A total of 256 patients were included in the study. The median age was 60 years (IQR 56-67). The most common cause of erectile dysfunction (ED) was organic (42.2%), followed by pelvic surgery/radiotherapy (39.8%) and Peyronie's disease (18.0%). Postoperative complications were recorded in 9.6%. High-grade complications (Clavien ≥2) occurred in 4.7%. At 1-year follow-up, the median QoLSPP total score was 71 (IQR 65-76). In all, 14.8% of patients were classified as having experienced unfavorable outcomes because of significant postoperative complications and/or QoLSPP scores below the 10th percentile. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated patient age to be non-linearly associated with the risk of experiencing unfavorable outcomes. A U-shaped correlation showed a lower risk for younger and older patients and a higher risk for middle-aged men. ED etiology and surgical volume were not associated with PPI outcomes. Physicians should, therefore, be aware that middle-aged men may be at higher risk of being unsatisfied following PPI compared to both younger and older patients.

Comparison of patient-reported outcomes after penile prosthesis placement in men with and without Peyronie's disease

We evaluated outcomes in patients undergoing penile prothesis (PP) implantation for erectile dysfunction (ED) and concurrent Peyronie's Disease (PD). A clinician-developed survey to assess satisfaction was sent to 354 patients who underwent PP placement from 2012-2018 by a single-surgeon. Results were compared based on the presence or absence of concurrent PD. 79 patients completed the survey (response rate 22%), including 38 patients (48%) with concurrent ED and PD (ED/PD). Mean follow-up was 31 months (standard deviation 19). 87% felt their condition was "very much" or "much" improved. There was no significant difference in patient-reported overall satisfaction with their PP or satisfaction with current penile length/girth based on the presence or absence of PD. 87% of patients with PD were satisfied with their degree of penile straightening after PP plus or minus concurrent straightening maneuvers such as modeling, plication, or incision/grafting. Sub-group analyses were performed to evaluate outcomes in those with concurrent PD/ED who required plaque incision/grafting at the time of PP placement for more severe deformity (n = 19). 47% of these patients were dissatisfied with their current penile length, compared with only 16% of those patients with PD/ED who did not require grafting (p = 0.05). In conclusion, the presence of PD alone may not impact PP satisfaction, but patients with more severe baseline deformity who require incision/grafting may be less satisfied with outcomes including penile length.

The use of collagen fleece to correct residual curvature during inflatable penile prosthesis implantation (PICS technique) in patients with complex Peyronie disease: a multicenter study

BACKGROUND

The PICS technique (penile implant in combination with the sealing) was recently described as a valuable option to correct residual curvature during inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) implantation in patients with complex Peyronie disease (PD).

AIM

To report the surgical and functional outcomes of the PICS technique in a multicentric series of patients.

METHODS

A consecutive series of patients with complex PD who underwent PICS were recruited. Patients were from 2 European tertiary referral centers. Data regarding baseline characteristics and perioperative, postoperative, and functional outcomes were retrospectively evaluated.

OUTCOMES

Complete penile straightness, duration of operative time and hospital stay, as well as postoperative complications (including hematoma, IPP infection, and IPP mechanical failure) were recorded, whereas functional outcomes were evaluated through the administration of validated questionnaires at baseline and 12 months postoperatively: International Index of Erectile Function-5, Sexual Encounter Profile questions 2 and 3 (SEP-2 and SEP-3), and Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven patients with a median age of 62 years (IQR, 57-70 years) were enrolled. Median preoperative curvature was 75° (IQR, 65°-77°). Median residual curvature after IPP implantation was 60° (IQR, 50°-70°). Overall, 31 patients (84%) achieved a totally straight penis. Only 6 patients (16%) experienced a residual penile curvature (<20° in all cases) after the procedure. No intraoperative complications were detected. Nine patients (24%) developed an early postoperative complication, 3 (8%) a transient fever, and 6 (16%) a genital hematoma. A single case of IPP acute infection requiring device explantation was recorded. The survey response rate was 100%. At the 12-month follow-up evaluation, the median IIEF-5 score was 23.5 (IQR, 22.2-25) with evident improvement vs the baseline value of 10 (IQR, 8-12). Accordingly, 92% of the patients responded positively to SEP-2 and SEP-3. For the Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction, patients recorded a median postoperative value of 25 (IQR, 21-30) 1 year after PICS.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Complex PD is an end-stage disease featured by severe penile curvature, penile shortening, and erectile dysfunction: the gold standard approach is deemed to be penile prosthesis implantation, aiming to address penile curvature and erectile dysfunction, but in a limited percentage of cases, additional maneuvers are deemed necessary to manage residual penile curvature.

STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS

Our study has some limitations: the retrospective nature, relatively short follow-up, and limited number of patients.

CONCLUSION

The PICS technique may represent a reliable and effective treatment option to address significant residual curvature after IPP implantation.

Clinical Significance of Shortened Penile Length and Alterations in Penile Length Following Treatment for Peyronie's Disease

INTRODUCTION

Across many cultures, penis size has been associated with virility, and concerns about penile length are commonplace. Peyronie's disease (PD) is a known acquired cause of penile shortening.

OBJECTIVES

This paper describes the psychosocial impacts of penile length on men and their partners, both generally and in men with PD, and evaluates the effect of PD treatments (eg, collagenase clostridium histolyticum , surgery, mechanical therapy) on this outcome measure.

METHODS

A PubMed database search was performed for English language articles through July 2021. Main outcome measures were association of penile length with emotional well-being, selfesteem, and relationship satisfaction in men with PD, and change from baseline penile length after treatment.

RESULTS

Shortened penile length caused by PD can negatively impact patient and partner quality of life, including effects on body image, emotional well-being, sexual function, and interpersonal relationships. In men with PD, studies have demonstrated an association between loss of penile length and emotional problems, reduced satisfaction with sexual performance, poor self-esteem, depression, and relationship difficulties. Loss of penile length can frequently occur after surgery for PD (including plication, plaque incision/excision with grafting, and penile implant). Advanced surgical techniques may preserve/increase penile length, but the increased risks associated with these complex procedures must be carefully considered. Treatment with collagenase clostridium histolyticum does not appear to negatively impact penile length, and 5-year follow-up data suggest potential longterm posttreatment improvements in this outcome measure. Penile traction therapy, either alone or as adjunctive therapy, may increase penile length in men with PD, but nonadherence may limit improvement.

CONCLUSION

Changes in penile length are important to many men, particularly those with PD, and should be considered during PD treatment selection. Penile length should be measured objectively before and after treatment for PD and should be included as an outcome measure in future studies on treatment effectiveness. Goldstein I, Gelbard MK, Lipshultz LI. Clinical Significance of Shortened Penile Length and Alterations in Penile Length Following Treatment for Peyronie's Disease. Sex Med Rev 2022;10:409-420.

Surgical Correction of Adult Congenital Penile Curvature: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Congenital penile curvature (CPC) is corrected surgically by various corporoplasty or tunica albuginea plication techniques, but the optimal surgical approach is not well-defined.

AIM

To provide a comprehensive evaluation of the published literature pertaining to outcomes with penile plication and corporoplasty techniques for surgical management of CPC. To determine if plication or corporoplasty offers superior outcomes in surgical correction of CPC.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Checklist. The following databases were queried from inception to March 18, 2020 to search for studies describing surgical treatment of CPC: Ovid MEDLINE(R) and Epub Ahead of Print, In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations and Daily, Ovid Embase, Ovid Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Ovid Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Scopus.

OUTCOMES

Objective and subjective postoperative outcomes including penile straightening, shortening, penile sensory changes, and reoperation rates for both corporoplasty and tunica albuginea plication were summarized.

RESULTS

Fifty-five articles comprising 2,956 patients with CPC who underwent a plication procedure (n = 1,375) or corporoplasty (n = 1,580) were included. The definition of "treatment success" varied widely and most often involved subjective patient reporting (22 studies; 40%) or objective assessment (15 studies; 27%). We considered curvature correction to be satisfactory if there was self-reported patient satisfaction or residual curvature after correction of <20˚. Reported rates of successful straightening ranged from 75 to 100% and 73 to 100% for plication and corporoplasty, respectively. A comprehensive and accurate assessment of surgical outcomes for CPC correction, such as satisfactory penile straightening, reoperation rates, glans sensory changes, and other complications was limited by significant inter-study heterogeneity with respect to the reporting of treatment outcomes.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

While both plication and corporoplasty appear to be safe and effective options in the treatment of CPC, definitive conclusions cannot be drawn with respect to treatment superiority due to low-quality study design, methodology flaws, and significant heterogeneity in reporting.

STRENGTH & LIMITATIONS

This report represents the most comprehensive review of CPC surgical management. However, there is a significant lack of standardization in the reporting of treatment outcomes for CPC, thereby limiting the reliability of the published data summarization encompassed by our review.

CONCLUSION

Both plication and corporoplasty demonstrate high success rates and relatively low complication rates in the treatment of CPC, albeit with low-level evidence available in most research publications. Robust comparison of the surgical techniques used to correct CPC is limited by significant variation in reporting methods used in the literature. C. J. Britton, F. A. Jefferson, B. L. Findlay, et al. Surgical Correction of Adult Congenital Penile Curvature: A Systematic Review. J Sex Med 2022;19:364-376.

ESSM Position Statement on Surgical Treatment of Peyronie's Disease

INTRODUCTION

Patients with Peyronie's disease may experience significat distress. The choice of treatment depends on a variety of factors, including the stage of the disease, the presence of pain, severity and direction of the curvature, penile length and the quality of erectile function.

AIM

To review the evidence associated with surgical treatment of Peyronie`s Disease and provide clinical recommendations on behalf of the European Society for Sexual Medicine. 131 peer-reviewed studies and systematic reviews, which were published from 2009 to 2019 in the English language, were included.

METHODS

MEDLINE, Google Scholar and EMBASE were searched for randomized clinical trials, meta-analyses, open-label prospective and retrospective studies.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

The panel provided statements on clinically relevant questions including patient involvement in the decision process, indications for surgery, choice of the approach, and the management of patient expectations. A comparison of the different grafts used in patients who have undergone plaque incision/excision and grafting in order to identify an ideal graft, has been carried out. The prevalence of postoperative complications has been summarized. Levels of evidence were provided according to the Oxford 2011 criteria and Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine recommendations.

RESULTS

In order to allow shared decision making, a patient preoperative counselling regarding the pros and cons of each intervention is recommended. In particular, adverse effects of surgical treatments should be discussed to set realistic understanding and expectations of surgical outcomes and ultimately improve postoperative satisfaction rates. Surgical treatment should be only offered in the chronic phase of the condition, when the deformity and/or degree of erectile dysfunction, prevent patients from engaging in satisfying sexual interaction, or if the deformity is the cause of severe bother.

CONCLUSIONS

Current European Society for Sexual Medicine recommendations cover several aspects of Peyronie's disease treatment. These recommendations aim both to ensure patients and partners have accurate and realistic expectations of their treatment options, as well as to formulate algorithms to guide clinician management pathways. Osmonov D, Ragheb A, Ward S et al, ESSM Position Statement on Surgical Treatment of Peyronie's Disease. Sex Med 2022;10:100459.

Penile surgery for patients with Peyronie's disease initially treated with collagenase clostridium histolyticum or surgery: a claims database analysis

Collagenase clostridium histolyticum (CCH) is an injectable therapy targeting collagen present in penile plaques in Peyronie's disease (PD). Data comparing CCH to penile surgery are limited, and long-term therapeutic outcomes are unknown. This retrospective analysis used a US claims database (January 2014-June 2017) to determine the percentage of men with subsequent penile surgery among those who initially received CCH (n = 1227) or surgery (index treatment; n = 620) for PD. Eligible patients were aged ≥18 years with continuous enrollment ≥6 months before and ≥12 months after index treatment date. During 12 months of post-index treatment follow-up, fewer patients with PD initially treated with CCH (4.6% [56/1227]) had subsequent penile surgery versus those initially treated with penile surgery (10.3% [64/620]; p < 0.0001). Mean ± SD time to first subsequent surgery after initial PD treatment was longer in the CCH versus surgery cohort (7.7 ± 3.0 vs 1.7 ± 3.2 months). The likelihood of subsequent surgery varied by initial surgery type: 18.2% after plaque incision or excision with grafting; 11.6% after penile implant; and 8.2% after tunical plication. Patients with PD who received CCH first were less likely to undergo subsequent surgery compared with those who received surgery first within a 12-month post-treatment follow-up.

Pathophysiology and Grayscale Ultrasonography of Penile Corporal Fibrosis

INTRODUCTION

Penile corporal fibrosis may occur secondary to explantation of an infected penile prosthesis, severe penile trauma, refractory low-flow priapism, Peyronie's disease, or chronic intra-cavernous injection of vasoactive drugs. Other etiologies of corporal fibrosis, presenting primarily with erectile dysfunction, can develop in chronic smokers, hypertensive patients, alcoholics, diabetics, and after radical prostatectomy. Corporal erectile tissue fibrosis is a significant pathophysiologic component of erectile dysfunction; however, current ultrasound-based penile imaging protocols do not directly assess it.

OBJECTIVE

To determine if grayscale ultrasonography (US) is a suitable imaging modality to identify and assess penile corporal erectile tissue fibrosis.

METHODS

A PubMed literature review was performed for studies that detailed ultrasonographic methods and findings of pathologies causing penile corporal fibrosis. Our main outcome measure was the ultrasonographic findings of pathologies causing penile corporal fibrosis.

RESULTS

Grayscale US demonstrates the capability to detect and localize the fibrotic changes of the corpora cavernosa. Ultrasonographic findings capture penile corporal tissue heterogeneity including diffuse, circumscribed, or localized patterns.

CONCLUSION

Overall, grayscale US may be a useful and convenient imaging modality to assess penile corporal fibrosis secondary to explantation of an infected penile prosthesis, priapism, penile trauma, chronic intra-cavernous injection of vasoactive drugs, diabetes, Peyronie's disease, and vascular disease. While limited by the skill and knowledge of the US operator, the combined knowledge of pathophysiology and US may help clinicians identify and manage the underlying etiology of penile corporal fibrosis. Kim J, Drury R, Morenas R et al. Pathophysiology and Grayscale Ultrasonography of Penile Corporal Fibrosis. Sex Med Rev 2022;10:99-107.

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.

Evolution of techniques for aesthetic penile enlargement during prosthesis placement: a chronicle of the Egydio non-grafting strategy

Since penile prostheses only provide axial rigidity, correction of penile deformity and enlargement of the visible penis during implant surgery may be desired. Evolving techniques of tunica expansion have made it possible to avoid grafting and preservation of the cylindrical appearance without bulges and indentations. After two decades of devising individualized solutions for patients and continuous enhancements of existing surgical solutions, Dr. Paulo Egydio has arrived at his Tunica Expansion Procedure (TEP). This strategy is his newest iteration of a lengthening techniques without grafting accompanied by penile prosthesis implantation. The TEP Strategy permits surgeons to use their own intuitive reasoning to determine the best pattern of multiple, small, staggered incisions to promote length and girth enlargement.

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.

Multicenter surgical outcomes of penile prosthesis placement in patients with corporal fibrosis and review of the literature

Penile prosthesis (PP) insertion in the setting of corporal fibrosis can be challenging and a variety of techniques have been described to accomplish this, however the necessity of these maneuvers is debatable. Our objective was to investigate techniques and outcomes of PP placement in patients with corporal fibrosis at tertiary referral centers. Multicenter outcomes of 42 patients (mean age 53.4 ± 1.9 years) with corporal fibrosis who underwent placement of PP over a 10-year period were reviewed. The most common etiology of corporal fibrosis was prior PP explant due to either infection (40.5%) and/or erosion (16.7%). Fourteen patients (33.3%) had a history of priapism, 5 (11.9%) of which had one or more distal surgical penile shunts. Techniques used for PP placement included: sequential dilation (8-12 mm) with standard dilators in 15 (35.7%), dilation with cavernotomes in 25 (59.5%) and limited sharp corporal excision and dilation with cavernotomes in 1 (2.4%). Narrow cylinders were employed in ten patients (23.8%). Major complications occurred in one patient (2.4%) who underwent explant for infection and distal erosion. Most patients with corporal fibrosis can undergo successful placement of a PP using standard dilators or cavernotomes. Sharp corporal excision and other measures are rarely required.

Penile prosthesis implant in the management of Peyronies' disease

INTRODUCTION

Penile prosthesis implantation (PPI), performed with or without adjunct straightening techniques, is one of the available surgical options in cases of Peyronie's disease (PD) with concomitant erectile dysfunction (ED). The aim of the study was to systematically identify and evaluate evidence regarding IPP in patients with PD and ED.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

Using Cochrane's methodological recommendations on systematic reviews, we conducted a systematic review of the literature on clinical research regarding the use of PPI, alone or in combination with any straightening maneuvers in the treatment of patients with PD and ED. The search was carried until January 2020. We included studies in English language with primary population patients with PD and ED who underwent IPP with the intent to treat the PD. All studies that were not original clinical research articles, reported insufficient data or included fewer than 5 patients were excluded from the final analysis.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

In total 43 clinical articles with more than 2000 patients (N.=2143) investigating the effects of penile prosthesis implantation (PPI) for the treatment of PD with or without ED were included in the study. Depending on the severity of the penile curvature, additional penile deformities (i.e. hourglass deformity), penile length, prior operations and surgeons experience, 6 main categories of surgical techniques of PPI for penile straightening and treatment of PD were identified: PPI only, PPI with modelling of the penis, PPI with plication of the penis on the convex side of the curvature, PPI with plaque incision(s), PPI with plaque incision/excision plus grafting and PPI with grafting and penile lengthening.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, patients with PD and ED can expect excellent outcomes with PPI against a minimal risk of side effects. No definite conclusions can be made regarding which technique is superior.

Enlargement of length and girth associated with implantation of penile prostheses

INTRODUCTION

Reduction in penile size is due to numerous conditions including Peyronie's disease, previous penile surgeries, diabetes, trauma, erectile dysfunction, pelvic surgery, and aging. Elasticity of the tunica albuginea is adversely affected by any of the above. Fibrosis then triggers progressive erectile dysfunction OBJECTIVES: When a penile prosthesis is indicated, it is important to determine whether the penis has already diminished in size prior to insertion of the implant. Because a prosthesis only provides axial rigidity and is not associated with the enlargement of the penis, reflection of strategies to simultaneously enlarge the size of the penis while implanting a device is recommended.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A systematic review of current scientific literature regarding procedures and tactics currently available for penile implants and enlargement was conducted.

RESULTS

The literature demonstrates that the evolution of penile implant surgery, accompanied by consideration of enlargement, has evolved through 5 fundamental techniques: Incision with Grafting; Sliding with Grafting; Modified Sliding without Grafting (MoST); Multiple Slit without Grafting (MUST); and the Egydio Paradigm for Tunica Expansion Procedures (TEP), a further evolution of previous strategies to achieve state of the art penile implantation accompanied by maximum penile enlargement. Evolving technology of tunica expansion procedures has led to diminution of the size of tunica defects and avoidance of grafts to prevent bulging and indentation, while developing solutions to preserve the strength of the tunica albuginea for firm positioning of the cylinders in the interior of the corpora cavernosa.

CONCLUSIONS

The evolution of these techniques is the transformation of larger tunica defects into smaller ones. While grafts are often used to reinforce the penile structure due to large defects, multiple incisions of the tunica albuginea are gaining popularity to promote girth and length enlargement without grafts and without the loss of tunica strength necessary to support the cylinders inside the corpora.

Peyronie's disease: Contemporary evaluation and management

Peyronie's disease is a common yet poorly understood condition characterized by penile pain, curvature, sexual dysfunction and psychological bother. Peyronie's disease represents a penile wound healing disorder, and is thought to arise from exuberant scarring in response to penile trauma in genetically predisposed men. In the absence of active treatment, the majority of men experience stable or worsening symptoms, with few reporting spontaneous resolution in penile curvature or other deformity. In contrast, penile pain improves or resolves in the majority of men. Treatment options vary based on symptom severity and stability. Several oral therapies are commonly prescribed, although to date there are no strong data to support any oral agents as monotherapy for Peyronie's disease. Other options including penile traction therapy and intralesional injections result in modest improvements for many patients, particularly when used early after symptom onset. Penile straightening through approaches, such as penile plication and plaque incision or partial excision and grafting, represent the most rapid and reliable approach to correct penile curvature once the symptoms have stabilized. Side-effects vary based on the type of surgery carried out, and include penile shortening, sensation changes and erectile dysfunction in the minority of men. In patients with drug refractory erectile dysfunction and Peyronie's disease, placement of a penile prosthesis will address both issues, and is associated with high levels of patient satisfaction. The current review provides a practical approach to the modern evaluation and management of patients presenting with Peyronie's disease.

Surgical Management of Peyronie's Disease With Co-Existent Erectile Dysfunction

INTRODUCTION

Surgical intervention in Peyronie's disease (PD) should ideally be delayed until the resolution of acute inflammatory phase.

AIM

The objective of this review was to highlight the results of penile prosthesis to correct refractory erectile dysfunction (ED) in patients with PD, and the secondary procedures that may be required to correct the penile curvature.

METHODS

A systematic search on PubMed online database using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses recommendations was done using the MeSH terms "Peyronie's disease" and "erectile dysfunction."

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Success and satisfaction rates of various procedures.

RESULTS

The search yielded 324 language-specific (English and Spanish language) articles and 58 articles were retained for final review. The following variables were assessed in different studies: number of patients, types of secondary procedure to correct the curvature, satisfaction rates, and follow-up period.

CONCLUSION

The aim of the surgery in PD should be to achieve a functionally straight penis (<20 degree curvature) with good erection. Patients with refractory ED in PD are candidates for penile prosthesis. Secondary procedures, like manual modeling, plication, plaque incision, or excision grafting, may be required depending on the degree of penile curvature and penile length. In quest for the best graft, TachoSil graft seems to have gained popularity in Europe. Krishnappa P, Fernandez-Pascual E, Carballido J, et al. Surgical Management of Peyronie's Disease With Co-Existent Erectile Dysfunction. Sex Med 2019;7:361-370.

Intraoperative methods for residual curvature correction during penile prosthesis implantation in patients with Peyronie's disease and refractory erectile dysfunction

Peyronie's disease, or fibrous transformations of the tunica albuginea of the corpora cavernosa that cause penile curvature, is estimated to affect 3.2-8.9% of the male population. Treatment options for PD are based on the severity of the penile deformity and erectile function; of which surgical options include manual modeling during penile prosthesis implantation, plication, plaque incision, and grafting. Multiple approaches may be employed; each with its own advantages, limitations, and risk/benefit ratios. In this regard, we sought to review and highlight the current approaches for the management of residual curvature, optimal patient selection, and preoperative planning.

Strategies and current practices for penile lengthening in severe Peyronie's disease cases: a systematic review

Several strategies to optimize penile length in the presence of Peyronie's Disease (PD) have been described so far. In case of severe curvature and preserved erectile function, plaque incision/excision (PIG/PEG) are advisable in order to maximize penile length, despite the risk of postoperative erectile dysfunction (ED), recurrent curvature, or penile shortening. For men with PD deformities associated to a certain degree of ED several lengthening techniques associated to penile prosthesis (PPI) implantation can be considered. Because of the potential postoperative complications, the indication must be balanced between patient's risk factors and surgeon's experience. Furthermore, adjuvant surgeries, such as prepubic V-Y plasty, suspensory ligament release, suprapubic lipectomy, and ventral phalloplasty, can be performed simultaneously or in a staged fashion to maximize the outcomes. Restoration a decent penile length in the case of a severe PD represents a real challenge for reconstructive surgeons. We present a systematic review of the literature on the current practices for penile lengthening in severe PD, providing the reader with a practical overview on the existing surgical strategies and their surgical and functional outcomes.

[Adjuvant surgical maneuvers in penile prostheses implant to improve their aesthetic and functional outcomes]

Penile prosthetic surgery is the definitive treatment for those patients with erectile dysfunction refractory to medical treatment. Although it associates satisfaction rates>90%, it is known that men with Peyronie's disease, body mass index>30kg/m² or those previously operated on radical prostatectomy have lower satisfaction rates than the general population. The main reasons for dissatisfaction are the subjective loss of penile length and glans' flaccidity. Given such circumstance, several adjuvant surgical techniques have been described to improve aesthetic and functional outcomes after the implant. In our review, we wanted to investigate the different maneuvers used in patients with Peyronie's disease, those used to avoid the reduction of penile length and those used to avoid the floppy glans syndrome.

A Comparison of Hemostatic Patches Versus Pericardium Allograft for the Treatment of Complex Peyronie's Disease With Penile Prosthesis and Plaque Incision

OBJECTIVE

To compare outcomes between hemostatic patches (HP) versus pericardium allografts (PA) for complex Peyronie's disease with erectile dysfunction managed with inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) and plaque incision and grafting (PIG).

METHODS

We reviewed all men who underwent IPP with PIG for PD at our institution (4/2010-9/2018). PIG was performed via relaxing tunical incisions during IPP implantation following manual modeling if there was persistent curve >30^° and/or significant narrowing. Tunical defects >2 cm were grafted. PA (Coloplast, Minneapolis, MN) or HP consisting of either Evarrest, Nu-Knit (Ethicon Inc., Somerville, NJ), or TachoSil (Baxter Int., Deerfield, IL) were used.

RESULTS

HP was placed in 18 men (n = 10 Evarrest, n = 6 Nu-Knit, and n = 2 TachoSil), 15 had PA. There was no difference in mean age, preoperative curvature (HP:75° vs PA:78°), or grafted area (HP:11.9 cm² vs PA:10.9 cm²) between HP and PA cohorts. Mean operative time was shorter for HP (122 vs 166 minutes, P = .01). Median follow-up: 6.6 months (range: 2-27 months) for HP and 34.6 months (range: 13-103 months) for PA. Residual curvature >20° was present following HP in 16.7% (n = 3) and PA in 13.3% (n = 2; P = 1.0). There were no complications attributable to HP/PA material and no IPP herniation through the tunical defect. Postoperatively, 94.4% (n = 17) of HP and 93.3% (n = 14) of PA patients were engaged in penetrative intercourse (P = 1.0).

CONCLUSION

HP are effective materials to cover the tunical defect over an IPP following plaque incision for PD. HP outcomes are similar to PA, while operative time is shorter for HP.

Malleable Penile Implant Is an Effective Therapeutic Option in Men With Peyronie's Disease and Erectile Dysfunction

Background

The inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) is typically the preferred implant for Peyronie’s disease (PD) and malleable penile prostheses (MPPs) have been discouraged.

Aims

To evaluate the effectiveness and patient satisfaction of the MPP vs IPP in patients with PD.

Methods

Men with PD and erectile dysfunction who elected for penile implant surgery constituted the study population. Preoperatively, demographic and comorbidity parameters were recorded. Curvature was measured with a goniometer at maximum rigidity after intracavernosal injection of a vasoactive agent. Postoperatively, overall satisfaction was measured at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months on 5-point Likert scale from 1 (dissatisfied) to 5 (very satisfied).

Results

166 men with a mean age of 59 ± 10 years were analyzed. The mean preoperative curvature in the entire cohort was 65° (range = 30–130°). 94% of patients with MPP had total resolution of their curvature at the end of the operation, whereas 8 patients (6%) had residual curvature (25–40°). In the IPP group 25 of 30 (83.3%) had a straight penis at the end of surgery, whereas 5 of 30 (16.7%) had residual curvature, with the mean magnitude being 33° in the MPP group and 30° in the IPP group. 86% of all patients had diabetes. There were no differences between the 2 implant groups in age, hemoglobin A_1c, body mass index, or smoking status. The mean patient satisfaction was 4.42 ± 0.70 (range = 2–5) and there was no difference between the 2 groups. The mean follow-up period was 23.4 months (range = 6–29 months).

Conclusion

We found that the MPP is as effective as the IPP in curvature correction in patients with PD, with similar patient satisfaction for the 2 groups.

Habous M, Farag M, Tealab A, et al. Malleable Penile Implant Is an Effective Therapeutic Option in Men With Peyronie’s Disease and Erectile Dysfunction. Sex Med 2018;6:24–29.

Penile Length: Measurement Technique and Applications

INTRODUCTION

Penile size has long been an important fixation in men's lives. On the one hand, a smaller penis has been associated with anxiety and apprehension; on the other hand, a larger penis has generally been related to virility and strength. These perceptions predominate during an erection, when penile size is representative of a man's masculinity.

AIM

To assess adult penile length and summarize average penile length assessments from the literature; analyze how various urologic diseases and therapies affect penile length and volume; and review how surgical treatments for Peyronie's disease, penile prosthesis implantation, and radical prostatectomy can affect penile size to appropriately counsel patients seeking such therapies and set realistic goals for patients.

METHODS

To achieve the aim of this review, we analyzed the literature on penile size and volume and how these can be affected by various urologic diagnoses and therapies. We summarize common diagnoses and therapies that can affect penile size.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

We thoroughly discuss how the aforementioned diagnoses and therapies can negatively affect penile size. In doing so, we allow readers to understand the intricacies of penile size when faced with such diagnoses and therapies in their patients.

RESULTS

Surgical treatments for Peyronie's disease, penile prosthesis implantation for refractory erectile dysfunction, and radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer can lead to a decrease in penile size.

CONCLUSION

Urologists must recognize that the different therapies they offer can affect a man's penile size, often negatively. This in turn can lead to poorer satisfaction outcomes in patients. Davoudzadeh EP, Davoudzadeh NP, Margolin E, et al. Penile Length: Measurement Technique and Applications. Sex Med Rev 2018;6:261-271.

Penile prosthetic surgery for the management of Peyronie's disease

With the increased prevalence of Peyronie’s disease (PD) among men, there is also an up-rise of associated erectile dysfunction (ED) which can be devastating psychologically and sexually to most men. A wide range of therapies including medical and surgical procedures are available to satisfactorily address this condition. However when ED coexists, the gold standard treatment is penile prosthetic prosthesis (PP) with or without additional straightening procedures. We herein systematically review the contemporary literature addressing the role of the PP in the management of PD with concomitant ED with particular emphasis on patient’s satisfaction, outcomes and safety.

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.

Lengthening strategies for Peyronie's disease

Loss of penile length is a common complaint of men with Peyronie's disease (PD), both before and after corrective intervention, which has a significant negative effect on patient quality of life. We sought to identify and describe the methods by which penile length can be preserved or increased. We conducted an extensive, systematic literature review, based on a search of the PUBMED database for articles published between 1990 and 2015. Articles with the key words "Peyronie's disease", "penile length" and/or "penile lengthening" were reviewed if they contained subjective or objective penile length outcomes. Only English-language articles that were related to PD and penile size were included. We found no evidence in the literature that medical therapy alone increases penile length. Classic inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) placement, plication procedures, and the Nesbit procedure appear likely to maintain or decrease penile length. Plaque incision (PI) and grafting appears likely to maintain or increase penile length, but is complicated by risk of post-operative erectile dysfunction (ED). There are several surgical procedures performed concomitantly with IPP placement that may be suitable treatment options for men with comorbid ED, and consistently increase penile length with otherwise good outcomes concerning sexual function. These include the subcoronal penile prosthesis (scIPP), Egydio circumferential technique, the sliding technique, the modified sliding technique (MoST), and the multiple slice technique (MuST). In addition, adjuvant therapies such as penile traction therapy (PTT), post-operative inflation protocols, suspensory ligament relaxation, lipectomy, and adjuvant medical therapy for glans engorgement appear to increase subjective and/or objective penile length for men at high risk of decreased penile length after PD surgery. Considering the psychological burden of length loss in men with PD, providers with adequate volume and expertise should attempt, if possible, to maintain or increase penile length for men undergoing surgical intervention. There are several evidence-based, safe, and effective ways to increase penile length for these men and multiple emerging adjuvant therapies that may help ensure adequate length.

A review of surgical strategies for penile prosthesis implantation in patients with Peyronie's disease

The introduction of the inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) has revolutionized the treatment of patients with both Peyronie's disease (PD) and erectile dysfunction (ED). A thorough literature review was performed in order to review the surgical strategies used to treat PD, using the PubMed online database with the keywords "penile prosthesis", "surgical management" and "Peyronie's disease". Patient satisfaction rates of 72-100% and partner satisfaction rates of 89% have been reported in the literature, although strong preoperative education may be needed to prepare patients for risks such as penile shortening, seen in up to 54% of patients. Three-piece IPPs are most commonly used, and when comparing the two most popular models (AMS 700 CX vs. Coloplast Titan), no significant differences were seen in functional outcomes or patient satisfaction. Simple insertion of an IPP has been shown to resolve curvature in 33-90% of patients, but surgeons may often need to also utilize ancillary straightening procedures for residual curvatures. Manual modeling can correct residual curvature with an 86-100% success rate, but with a 4% risk of urethral injury. When the post-modeling residual curvature exceeds 30 degrees, a plaque-releasing incision or plication is recommended to further reduce curvature. Grafting is recommended if the resulting incisional defect is larger than two centimeters. Alternative straightening techniques such as plication prior to IPP insertion, endoscopic plaque resection, the "scratch technique" and bone saw plaque incision have also been described.

Adjuvant Maneuvers for Residual Curvature Correction During Penile Prosthesis Implantation in Men with Peyronie's Disease

INTRODUCTION

The surgical treatment of comorbid erectile dysfunction and Peyronie's disease has long included the implantation of an inflatable penile prosthesis as well as a number of adjuvant maneuvers to address residual curvature after prosthesis placement.

AIM

To review the various surgical options for addressing curvature after prosthesis placement, with specific attention paid to an original article by Wilson et al. reporting on modeling over a penile prosthesis for the management of Peyronie's disease.

METHODS

A literature review was performed analyzing articles reporting the management of penile curvature in patients undergoing implantation of an inflatable penile prosthesis.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Reported improvement in Peyronie's deformity as well as the complication rate associated with the various surgical techniques described.

RESULTS

Modeling is a well-established treatment modality among patients with Peyronie's disease undergoing penile prosthesis implantation. A variety of other adjuvant maneuvers to address residual curvature when modeling alone is insufficient has been presented in the literature.

CONCLUSIONS

Over 20 years of experience with modeling over a penile prosthesis have proven the efficacy and safety of this treatment option, providing the surgeon a simple initial step for the management of residual curvature after penile implantation which allows for the use of additional adjuvant maneuvers in those with significant deformities.

A prospective multicentric international study on the surgical outcomes and patients' satisfaction rates of the 'sliding' technique for end-stage Peyronie's disease with severe shortening of the penis and erectile dysfunction

OBJECTIVES

To report the results from a prospective multicentric study of patients with Peyronie's disease (PD) treated with the 'sliding' technique (ST).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From June 2010 to January 2014, 28 consecutive patients affected by stable PD with severe penile shortening and end-stage erectile dysfunction (ED) were enrolled in three European PD tertiary referral centres. The validated International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire, the Sexual Encounter Profile (SEP) Questions 2 and 3, and the Peyronie's disease questionnaire (PDQ) were completed preoperatively by all patients. At the follow-up visits (at 3, 6 and 12 months), the IIEF, the SEP Questions 2 and 3, the PDQ, and the Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction (EDITS) were completed. The outcome analysis was focused on penile length restoration, and intra- and postoperative complications classified according the Clavien-Dindo Classification.

RESULTS

The mean (range) follow-up was 37 (9-60) months. A malleable penile prosthesis (PP) was implanted in seven patients, while an inflatable three-pieces PP was placed in the remainder. In the case of inflatable PP implantation, porcine small intestinal submucosa and acellular porcine dermal matrix were used to cover the tunical defects. While in patients undergoing malleable PP implantation, collagen-fibrin sponge was used. The mean operative time was 145 min in the inflatable PP group and 115 min in the malleable PP group. There were no intraoperative complications. Postoperative complications included profuse bleeding requiring a blood transfusion in one patient (3.5%) on anticoagulation therapy for a mechanical heart valve (Grade II) and PP infection requiring the removal of the device (7%) (Grade III). There were no late recurrences of the shaft deformation. The postoperative functional data showed a progressive improvement in the score of all questionnaires, peaking at 12 months postoperatively. The mean (range) penile lengthening was 3.2 (2.5-4) cm and no patient reported recurrence of the curvature.

CONCLUSIONS

The present series suggests that, in the hands of experienced high-volume surgeons, penile length restoration with the use of the ST represents an effective option for end-stage PD associated with ED and severe shortening of the shaft. Larger series and longer follow-up will be required to fully establish the efficacy of this procedure.

Long-Term Results of Reconstructive Surgery for Peyronie's Disease

INTRODUCTION

Peyronie's disease (PD) is an acquired benign connective tissue disorder that involves the tunica albuginea of the penis and can cause penile deformity and shortening. Because this condition is frequently associated with cardiovascular risk factors, a degree of erectile dysfunction is frequently present. The surgical management of PD should be offered once the acute phase of the disease has settled and the deformity is stable.

AIM

To critically review the most recent literature published on the surgical management of PD.

METHODS

A nonstructured PubMed-based review of the literature published in the last 10 years, searching for the words "Peyronie's disease," "erectile dysfunction," "plication," "grafting," "plaque," and "penile prosthesis," has been carried out.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

The outcome of the various surgical procedures is reported.

RESULTS

Surgery represents at present the gold standard treatment for PD. The type of procedure should be decided according to the degree of deformity, the quality of the erection, and penile length.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgery still represents the gold standard treatment in patients with PD and aims at obtaining a penis straight, rigid, and long enough for penetrative sexual intercourse. Adequate preoperative patient's selection, counselling and the choice of the right type of procedure according to the degree of penile shortening, the type of deformity and the quality of the erection are paramount to achieving satisfactory results. Garaffa G, Kuehhas FE, De Luca F, and Ralph DJ. Long-term results of reconstructive surgery for Peyronie's disease. Sex Med Rev 2015;3:113-121.

A practical overview of considerations for penile prosthesis placement

Penile prostheses have remained the gold-standard therapy for medically refractory erectile dysfunction (ED) since their popularization. Advances in device design and surgical techniques have yielded improved rates of infection, satisfaction, and mechanical survival of devices. Operative techniques in penile prosthesis surgery include the use of adjunctive procedures (such as ventral phalloplasty and release of the suspensory ligament), management of penile fibrosis, and manoeuvres to correct Peyronie's-disease-related curvature. Complications include urethral and corporal perforation, crossover, infection, impending erosion, and/or supersonic transporter deformity. Long-term data regarding mechanical, overall, and infection-free survival demonstrate excellent results, and, given the consistently high satisfaction rates and limited alternatives for medically refractory ED, penile prostheses are likely to remain a relevant and important treatment strategy for the foreseeable future.

Strategies for penile prosthesis placement in Peyronie's disease and corporal fibrosis

Peyronie's disease (PD) is a wound healing disorder of the tunica albuginea of the penis. PD is generally categorized into two phases: the early acute inflammatory and late chronic fibrotic. Surgical reconstruction is only recommended during the latter established phase. There are a variety of options when erections are functional. However, when erectile dysfunction is present, the gold standard treatment is the placement of an inflatable penile prosthesis with or without additional straightening procedures. General recommendations include that after implanting and inflating the cylinders, if a clinically significant curvature is present, manual modeling is performed. If a residual curve >30° remains after modeling, then various techniques, including plaque releasing incision, is the next step. Grafting can be considered if tunical defects are >2.0 cm. Causes of corporal fibrosis include complications from an infected implant such as explantation, priapism, penile trauma, and prolonged use of an intracavernosal injection agent. Implant placement in the setting of corporal fibrosis can be technically challenging. Available strategies include incision or excision of the scar, corporotomies with or without grafting, the use of cavernotomes, or other specialized dilators, implant downsizing, and transcorporeal resection.

Use of a microdebrider for corporeal excavation and penile prosthesis implantation in men with severely fibrosed corpora cavernosa: a new minimal invasive surgical technique

OBJECTIVE

To propose a new minimal invasive surgical technique using a microdebrider (shaver) to excavate the fibrosed corpora cavernosa for penile prosthesis implantation in patients with severe fibrosis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Two patients with severe corporeal fibrosis were implanted with a penile prosthesis using this technique. In the first patient, fibrosis was due to neglected idiopathic ischemic priapism and the second patient had his prosthesis extruded because of erosion in another center. Both patients were counseled about the procedure and the possible complications related to the experimental nature of the technique. A written informed consent was obtained from both patients. Excavation of the corpora was performed using microdebrider in both patients.

RESULTS

Both operations were performed successfully without any intraoperative complications, including urethral injury or perforation of the tunica. The mean operation time was 57 min. The postoperative period was uneventful without any infection, migration, erosion, or mechanical failure. The penile length was increased nearly 2 cm in both patients, and the penile girth was increased around 30% in the patient who underwent inflatable penile prosthesis implantation.

CONCLUSION

The microdebrider potentially provides an important advance in patients with severe corporeal fibrosis to excavate the fibrosed corpora cavernosa for penile prosthesis implantation. The main advantages include fast, safe, and effective excavation of fibrous corpora cavernosa adequate for a satisfactory penile prosthesis implantation.

History, Contemporary Outcomes, and Future of Penile Prostheses: A Review of the Literature

INTRODUCTION

Since their introduction, penile prostheses have consistently remained a superior treatment option for men with erectile dysfunction (ED) refractory to conservative measures. Ongoing enhancements to prosthetic design, materials, and surgical techniques have resulted in improved outcomes.

AIM

To review available literature on notable historical advancements and improvements of the penile prosthesis, summarize contemporary outcomes of recent devices, and discuss possible future directions of the penile prosthesis.

METHODS

A PubMed search was performed of all articles published from 1960 to present relating to penile prosthesis. Priority was given to series with 12 months of follow-up or greater, larger series, and studies reporting on outcomes of more recent prosthetic models.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Main outcomes included historical review of improvements leading to, and contemporary series reporting on rates of mechanical failures, infections, and satisfaction with penile prostheses.

RESULTS

Penile prostheses have undergone numerous enhancements since initial reports of synthetic materials utilized in the 1950s. Among others, recent notable device enhancements include Parylene coating, Bioflex® material, Inhibizone^TM antibacterial impregnation, hydrophilic coating, lockout valves, and easy release pump mechanisms, all of which have improved mechanical reliability, reduced infection rates, and/or improved patient satisfaction with penile prostheses. Contemporary series of 3-piece penile prostheses report mechanical survival of 81-94%, 68-89%, and 57-76% at 5, 10, and 15 years, respectively. Infection rates of current devices are 1-2% in first-time, low-risk populations, and 2-3% for higher risk groups, with patient and partner satisfaction at 92-100% and 91-95%, respectively. Two-piece and malleable devices are associated with slightly higher mechanical reliability and decreased patient satisfaction. Minimal data currently exist on the outcomes of selected patient populations, including Peyronie's disease and corporal fibrosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Penile prostheses are associated with excellent, long-term outcomes and remain the gold-standard treatment for men with refractory ED. Additional research with prospective studies utilizing objective measures and standardized questionnaires is required. Trost L and Hellstrom WJG. History, contemporary outcomes, and future of penile prostheses: A review of the literature. Sex Med Rev 2013;1:150-163.

Special considerations for placement of an inflatable penile prosthesis for the patient with Peyronie's disease: techniques and patient preference

Placement of an inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) is the mainstay of surgical treatment for patients with Peyronie’s disease (PD) and concomitant medication-refractory erectile dysfunction. Special considerations and adjunctive surgical techniques during the IPP procedure are often required for patients with PD to improve residual penile curvature, as well as postoperative penile length. The surgical outcomes and various adjunctive techniques are not significantly different from one another, and selection of the appropriate technique must be tailored to patient-specific factors including the extent of the deformity, the degree of penile shortening, and preoperative patient expectations. The aims of this review were to assess the current literature on published outcomes and surgical techniques involving IPP placement in the treatment of PD. Patient satisfaction and preferences are reported, along with the description and patient selection for surgical techniques that include manual penile modeling, management of refractory curvature with concurrent plication, and correction of severe residual curvature and penile shortening with tunica release and plaque incision and grafting. A thorough description of the available techniques and their associated outcomes may help guide surgeons to the most appropriate choice for their patients.

Penile lengthening and widening without grafting according to a modified 'sliding' technique

OBJECTIVE

To present the feasibility and safety of penile length and girth restoration based on a modified 'sliding' technique for patients with severe erectile dysfunction (ED) and significant penile shortening, with or without Peyronie's disease (PD).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between January 2013 and January 2014, 143 patients underwent our modified 'sliding' technique for penile length and girth restoration and concomitant penile prosthesis implantation. It is based on three key elements: (i) the sliding manoeuvre for penile length restoration; (ii) potential complementary longitudinal ventral and/or dorsal tunical incisions for girth restoration; and (iii) closure of the newly created rectangular bow-shaped tunical defects with Buck's fascia only.

RESULTS

In all, 143 patients underwent the procedure. The causes of penile shortening and narrowing were: PD in 53.8%; severe ED with unsuccessful intracavernosal injection therapy in 21%; post-radical prostatectomy 14.7%; androgen-deprivation therapy, with or without brachytherapy or external radiotherapy, for prostate cancer in 7%; post-penile fracture in 2.1%; post-redo-hypospadias repair in 0.7%; and post-priapism in 0.7%. In patients with ED and PD, the mean (range) deviation of the penile axis was 45 (0-100)°. The mean (range) subjective penile shortening reported by patients was 3.4 (1-7) cm and shaft constriction was present in 53.8%. Malleable penile prostheses were used in 133 patients and inflatable penile prostheses were inserted in 10 patients. The median (range) follow-up was 9.7 (6-18) months. The mean (range) penile length gain was 3.1 (2-7) cm. No penile prosthesis infection caused device explantation. The average International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) score increased from 24 points at baseline to 60 points at the 6-month follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Penile length and girth restoration based on our modified sliding technique is a safe and effective procedure. The elimination of grafting saves operative time and, consequently, decreases the infection risk and costs associated with surgery.