Erectile dysfunction management after failed phosphodiesterase-5-inhibitor trial: a cost-effectiveness analysis

Erectile Dysfunction: Treatments, Advances and New Therapeutic Strategies

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to get and maintain an adequate penile erection for satisfactory sexual intercourse. Due to its negative impacts on men's life quality and increase during aging (40% of men between 40 and 70 years), ED has always attracted researchers of different disciplines, from urology, andrology and neuropharmacology to regenerative medicine, and vascular and prosthesis implant surgery. Locally and/or centrally acting drugs are used to treat ED, e.g., phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors (first in the list) given orally, and phentolamine, prostaglandin E1 and papaverine injected intracavernously. Preclinical data also show that dopamine D4 receptor agonists, oxytocin and α-MSH analogues may have a role in ED treatment. However, since pro-erectile drugs are given on demand and are not always efficacious, new strategies are being tested for long lasting cures of ED. These include regenerative therapies, e.g., stem cells, plasma-enriched platelets and extracorporeal shock wave treatments to cure damaged erectile tissues. Although fascinating, these therapies are laborious, expensive and not easily reproducible. This leaves old vacuum erection devices and penile prostheses as the only way to get an artificial erection and sexual intercourse with intractable ED, with penile prosthesis used only by accurately selected patients.

Successful Management of Prolonged Acute Ischemic Priapism With Penoscrotal Decompression: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Intracavernosal injection of Trimix (a combination of phentolamine, papaverine, and alprostadil) is used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. A rare but serious side effect of Trimix is priapism, a persistent erection lasting for more than four hours. Penoscrotal decompression is a newer technique being used to treat refractory and persistent ischemic priapism. Here, we report a unique case of priapism treated with penoscrotal decompression in a patient following an unmeasured injection of Trimix. A 36-year-old male presented to the emergency room complaining of a persistent painful erection over the previous five days following a Trimix injection and illicit methamphetamine use. At bedside, aspiration and irrigation were attempted without any improvement. Phenylephrine injection was contraindicated due to sinus tachycardia. The patient then underwent bilateral penoscrotal decompression on day six post-Trimix injection. The procedure was successful with a resolution of the erection, though some moderate corporal fibrosis was noted. At a 10-day follow-up, the patient reported moderate pain in his penis but had regained complete potency. Misuse of Trimix can cause persistent ischemic priapism. Penoscrotal decompression is a novel technique used to treat persistent ischemic priapism and has been shown to have positive efficacy in the resolution of priapism as well as in salvaging erectile function. To our knowledge, treatment of persistent priapism with penoscrotal decompression after using Trimix has not yet been reported in the literature. Given the rarity of this, our report highlights a unique case that has potential benefit for future practitioners who are faced with this clinical scenario.

Synchronous Surgical Management of Erectile Dysfunction and Stress Urinary Incontinence: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Reoperation Rates

INTRODUCTION

The efficacy, safety, and postoperative outcomes of synchronous surgery for concomitant erectile dysfunction (ED) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI) remain unclear.

OBJECTIVES

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the available synchronous surgical approaches for concomitant ED and SUI and to assess the reoperation rates compared to asynchronous surgery and surgery only for ED or SUI.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases until June 2022 for relevant studies. Based on data availability, we performed a meta-analysis of odds ratios (ORs) comparing reoperation rates after synchronous surgery in patients with concomitant ED and SUI versus asynchronous surgery, as well as surgery solely for ED or SUI (PROSPERO: CRD42022326941).

RESULTS

We included 18 studies in the systematic review (16,517 patients) and 5 in the meta-analysis. Comparing synchronous implantation of penile prosthesis and artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) versus asynchronous surgery, no statistically significant differences were observed in the reoperation rates [OR:0.98, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.52-1.84, I²:0%). Comparing synchronous implantation of both penile prosthesis and AUS versus implantation of only a penile prosthesis or an AUS, combined surgery was associated with higher reoperation rates (OR:2.02, 95%CI: 1.29-3.16, I²:36% and OR:1.7, 95%CI: 1.25-2.32, I²:0%, respectively). Synchronous surgery led to high satisfaction rates and significant improvement in ED and SUI. Evidence for the combination of penile prosthesis with a male sling or the ProACT device is low, but data suggests it may be safe and effective. The synchronous placement of a Mini-Jupette sling and penile prosthesis represents a promising treatment modality for the correction of ED and mild SUI and/or climacturia.

CONCLUSIONS

Synchronous penile prosthesis and AUS implantation appears safe and effective in patients with severe ED and SUI. Further high-quality studies are mandatory to strengthen the current scarce evidence for synchronous surgery in patients with ED and SUI. Pyrgidis N, Barham DW, Hammad M, et al. Synchronous Surgical Management of Erectile Dysfunction and Stress Urinary Incontinence: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Reoperation Rates. Sex Med Rev 2022;XX:XXX-XXX.

Openness to Using an External Penile Prosthesis for Maintaining Sexual Intimacy by Individuals with Erectile Dysfunction: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) can lead to reduced sexual intimacy in men. The external penile prosthesis (EPP) is a device to help them participate in penetrative sex.

Aim

We investigate factors that may affect the willingness of individuals with ED to try an EPP and explore how the EPP could be presented most effectively to such patients to enhance their willingness to try an EPP.

Methods

Recruitment for this cross-sectional study occurred in-person and online. 147 participants (60.0 ± 14.3 years old; all experiencing self-reported ED) completed a survey containing both validated measures and questions specific to this study. The survey was open to English-speakers over the age of 18 who self-reported experiencing ED.

Main Outcome Measure

The primary outcome was participants’ willingness to try an EPP based on their level of knowledge about using the EPP. Secondary outcomes included the influence of the sexual function, sexual distress, ED history, age, relationship duration, sexual flexibility on willingness to try an EPP. We also collected feedback from participants’ on how and where they would like to be introduced to the EPP option.

Results

Most participants indicated a preference for being introduced to the EPP after trying some ED treatments (51.0%). Participants did not have strong preference regarding the setting where they were informed about the EPP. The majority however preferred having a sexual health therapist/counsellor (28.6%) or physician (25.9%) as the person introducing the EPP to them. Participants’ willingness to try the EPP increased with more information about the EPP presented to them (P < .001). Personalization of the EPP to match one's own penis was preferred by 38.7% of participants. Referring to this aid as an ‘external penile prosthesis’ was significantly more preferred over alternative labels, such as a “belted prosthetic phallus” or “strap-on dildo” (Ps < .001 for both). Multiple regression analyses showed that only sexual script flexibility was associated with the initial willingness to try an EPP (P < .01).

Clinical Implications

Clinicians should consider presenting the EPP to men with ED, who desire maintaining penetrative sexual intercourse with their partners.

Strength and Limitations

This is the first study to explore factors influencing the willingness to try an EPP. Further research is needed to establish the efficacy of EPPs for maintaining sexual activity and satisfaction in the real-life setting.

Conclusion

This study informs clinicians about effective ways to introduce the EPP to patients with ED who wish to maintain insertive/receptive sex.

Fu F, Duthie CJ, Wibowo E, et al. Openness to Using an External Penile Prosthesis for Maintaining Sexual Intimacy by Individuals with Erectile Dysfunction: A Cross-Sectional Study. Sex Med 2022;10:100559.

The Genus Eriosema (Fabaceae): From the Ethnopharmacology to an Evidence-Based Phytotherapeutic Perspective?

The genus Eriosema (Fabaceae) includes approximately 150 species widely distributed across tropical and subtropical regions of the world (Africa, Neotropics, Asia and Australia). Throughout these regions, several species are used since centuries in different traditional medicinal systems, while others are used as food or food supplement. The present review attempts to critically summarize current information concerning the uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology of the Eriosema genus and to evaluate the therapeutic potential. The information published in English and French (up to September 2020) on ethnopharmacology or traditional uses, chemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of Eriosema genus was collected from electronic databases [SciFinder, PubMed, Google, Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science, Prelude Medicinal Plants—http://www.ethnopharmacologia.org/recherche-dans-prelude/?plant, The Plant List (http://www.theplantlist.org/), POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/) and IUCN Red List Categories (https://www.iucnredlist.org/)], conference proceedings, books, M.Sc. and Ph.D. dissertations. The information retrieved on the ethnomedicinal indications of Eriosema genus allowed to list 25 species (∼16.6% of the genus). The majority of uses is recorded from Africa. Phytochemical analyses of 8 species led to the identification and/or isolation of 107 compounds, with flavonoids (69.2%), chromones (7.5%) and benzoic acid derivatives (3.7%) as the main chemical classes. Pharmacological investigations with crude extracts and isolated compounds showed a broad range of activities including aphrodisiac, estrogenic, anti-osteoporosis, hypolipidemic, anti-diabetic, anti-diarrheal, anti-microbial, anti-oxidant, anthelmintic, anti-cancer, and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities. Despite the low number of Eriosema species tested, there is convincing evidence in vitro and in vivo studies validating some traditional and ethnobotanical uses. However, the utility of several of the described uses has not yet been confirmed in pharmacological studies. Reviewed data could serve as a reference tool and preliminary information for advanced research on Eriosema species.

[Penile prosthesis]

The insertion of a penile prosthesis (PP) is a definitive treatment option for erectile dysfunction (ED), induratio penis plastica, after phalloplasty or priapism. The aim is a "normal" erection with the possibility of a satisfactory sexual life. The costs of the operation are covered by the health insurance. In addition, manual dexterity, concomitant diseases and possible contraindications should be considered preoperatively. While semirigid PPs are simply aligned in the desired position when used, inflatable PPs must be activated and deactivated via a pump. In addition to injury to local structures and postoperative infections, long-term complications such as mechanical implant failure or an undesirable cosmetic result may also occur. Careful patient selection and a detailed counselling and information session are therefore of decisive importance. Implantation is performed in the supine or lithotomy position via an infrapubic or penoscrotal approach. PPs should not be implanted if cutaneous, systemic or urinary tract infections are present. Inflatable PPs are preferred by most patients as they come closest to a "natural" erection. A PP offers one of the highest satisfaction rates among treatment options, regardless of indication, and is highly rated by patients and their partners across models due to product reliability. Differences between the models of the various manufacturers could not be demonstrated. The choice of prosthesis should therefore be adapted to the patient's individual requirements and health conditions.

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.

Effect of icariside II and metformin on penile erectile function, glucose metabolism, reaction oxygen species, superoxide dismutase, and mitochondrial autophagy in type 2 diabetic rats with erectile dysfunction

Background

Icariside II (ICAII) is a flavonoid isolated from herb Epimedium that has been shown to improve erectile function in rats. However, ICAII’s underlying mechanism remains unclear.

Methods

Type 2 diabetes mellitus erectile dysfunction (T2DMED) rats were induced by single intraperitoneal injection of 25 mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ) and fed a high-fat, high-sugar, and high-calorie diet for 8 weeks. In the control and T2DMED groups, rats were administered with normal saline; in the metformin (MET) group, rats were administered with MET at 0.2 g/kg/day; and in the ICAII + MET group, rats were administered with ICA II at 10 mg/kg/day and MET for 0.2 g/kg/day. The deposition of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), expression of receptor for AGEs (RAGEs), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells (CCSMCs) mitochondrial autophagy were measured. We also evaluated the expression of LC3-II/I, Beclin-1, P70S6K, PI3K, AKT, mTOR, phospho-AKT, phospho-mTOR, and phospho-P70S6K.

Results

ICAII and MET can improve erectile function, and decrease the levels of fasting plasma glucose (FPG), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and AGEs in rats with T2DMED. Furthermore, ICAII and MET can decrease excessive CCSMC mitochondrial autophagy and the level of RAGE and oxidant stress in rats with T2DMED. ICAII and MET may enhance signaling via the PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway in order to reduce the excessive mitochondrial autophagy of CCSMCs.

Conclusions

ICAII may effectively improve penile erectile function via decreasing excessive CCSMCs mitochondrial autophagy, RAGE, and oxidant stress. Furthermore, ICAII may enhance signaling via the PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway in order to reduce excessive CCSMC mitochondrial autophagy.