The role of tissue biomechanics in the implantation and performance of inflatable penile prostheses: current state of the art and future perspective.

INTRODUCTION: Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects to some degree approximately 52% of the male population aged 40-70 years. Many men do not respond to, or are precluded from using, pharmaceutical treatments for ED and are therefore advised to consider penile prostheses. Different types of penile prosthesis are available, such as inflatable penile prostheses (IPPs). IPPs consist of a pair of inflatable cylinders inserted into the corpora cavernosa (CC). During inflation/deflation of these cylinders, the CC and other surrounding tissues such as the tunica albuginea (TA) are highly impacted. Therefore, it is critical to understand the mechanics of penile tissues for successful implantation of IPPs and to reduce tissue damage induced by IPPs. OBJECTIVES: We explored the importance of the biomechanics of penile tissues for successful IPP function and reviewed and summarized the most significant studies on penile biomechanics that have been reported to date. METHODS: We performed an extensive literature review of publications on penile biomechanics and IPP implantation. RESULTS: Indenters have been used to characterize the mechanical behavior of whole penile tissue; however, this technique applied only local deformation, which limited insights into individual tissue components. Although one reported study addressed the mechanical behavior of TA, this investigation did not consider anisotropy, and there is a notable absence of biomechanical studies on CC and CS. This lack of understanding of penile tissue biomechanics has resulted in computational models that use linear-elastic materials, despite soft tissues generally exhibiting hyperelastic behavior. Furthermore, available benchtop/synthetic models do not have tissue properties matched to those of the human penis, limiting the scope of these models for use as preclinical testbeds for IPP testing. CONCLUSION: Improved understanding of penile tissue biomechanics would assist the development of realistic benchtop/synthetic and computational models enabling the long-term performance of IPPs to be better assessed.

Implante de prótesis de pene en la era COVID. Seguimiento tras la cirugía y manejo de complicaciones / Penile prosthesis implantation in the covid era. post-surgery follow up and management of complications

Objetivos: Establecer unas recomendaciones lo más seguras posibles con respecto a la implantación de prótesis peneanas, su seguimiento tras la cirugía y manejo de las posibles complicaciones durante las diferentes fases de la pandemia por la COVID-19.Material y métodos: Diseñamos una revisión narrativa crítica de los estudios que investigan el impacto de la COVID-19 en la práctica de la urología y en la implantología de prótesis de pene. Se realizó una búsqueda exhaustiva en la base de datos MEDLINE. Se utilizaron diferentes combinaciones de las siguientes palabras clave según un protocolo de texto libre: SARS-CoV-2, COVID19, COVID Urology, COVID19 surgery, penile prostheses. Fueron incluidos trabajos en idioma inglés y español, publicados hasta septiembre de 2020.Resultados: La cirugía del implante de la prótesis de pene es una cirugía electiva que siempre debería diferirse para cuando se pueda hacer en máximas condiciones de seguridad. Sin embargo, este tipo de cirugía puede conllevar en ocasiones complicaciones que deben resolverse de manera urgente, o preferente incluso dentro de la situación de pandemia por la COVID-19.Conclusiones: En la situación actual es importante desarrollar estrategias compartidas para evitar el daño colateral potencial de la pandemia de COVID-19 para nuestros pacientes. En el caso de la cirugía de la prótesis de pene ha de primar la seguridad del paciente, posponiéndola para evitar riesgos innecesarios o minimizando estos riesgos con todas las medidas necesarias. (AU)

Objectives: To provide recommendations regarding surgery, follow-up, and management of possible complications related to penile prostheses implantation, during the COVID-19 pandemic.Material and methods: We designed a critical narrative review of the studies investigating the impact of COVID-19 on urology practice and on penile prosthetic implantology. A comprehensive search in the MEDLINE database was performed. Different combinations of the following keywords were used according to a free-text protocol:: “SARS-CoV-2”, “COVID19“, “COVID Urology”, “COVID19 surgery”, “penile prostheses”. Papers in English and Spanish language, published until September 2020 were included in the review.Results: Penile prosthesis implantation is an elective surgery which should always be deferred when it cannot be performed in maximum safety conditions. However, it may lead to complications wich must be resolved urgently even within the COVID-19 Era.Conclusions: Currently, it is mandatory to develop shared strategies to avoid potential COVID-19-related complications for surgical patients. Penile prosthesis implantation should be deferred to avoid unnecessary risks and all preventive measures should be taken to minimize the risks in the event of non-delayable surgery. (AU)

[Penile prosthesis implantation in the covid era. post-surgery follow up and management of complications]. / Implante de prótesis de pene en la era COVID. Seguimiento tras la cirugía y manejo de complicaciones.

OBJECTIVES: To provide recommendations regarding surgery, follow-up, and management of possible complications related to penile prostheses implantation, during the COVID-19 pandemic. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We designed a critical narrative review of the studies investigating the impact of COVID-19 on urology practice and on penile prosthetic implantology. A comprehensive search in the MEDLINE database was performed. Different combinations of the following keywords were used according to a free-text protocol:: "SARS-CoV-2", "COVID19", "COVID Urology", "COVID19 surgery", "penile prostheses". Papers in English and Spanish language, published until September 2020 were included in the review. RESULTS: Penile prosthesis implantation is an elective surgery which should always be deferred when it cannot be performed in maximum safety conditions. However, it may lead to complications wich must be resolved urgently even within the COVID-19 Era. CONCLUSIONS: Currently, it is mandatory to develop shared strategies to avoid potential COVID-19-related complications for surgical patients. Penile prosthesis implantation should be deferred to avoid unnecessary risks and all preventive measures should be taken to minimize the risks in the event of non-delayable surgery.

Surgical Experience and Outcomes of Implantation of the ZSI 100 FtM Malleable Penile Implant in Transgender Men After Phalloplasty.

INTRODUCTION: After free or pedicled flap phalloplasty, many transgender men need penile prosthesis implantation to successfully engage in penetrative sexual intercourse. Postoperative complications occur frequently. There is a choice between inflatable and malleable penile prostheses. Until recently, no prostheses were designed specifically for this population. AIM: The aim of this study was to describe our preliminary experience with, and surgical outcomes of, implantation of the ZSI 100 FtM Malleable Penile Implant after phalloplasty in transgender men. METHODS: A retrospective chart study was conducted on surgical characteristics and postoperative complications after implantation of the ZSI Malleable Penile Implant in transgender men in 3 European centers for genital transgender surgery in Amsterdam, Stockholm, and Reykjavik. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The main outcomes measures were surgical outcome, complications, and reason of implant failure. RESULTS: 25 patients were retrospectively identified, with a mean age of 36 ± 9 years at implantation. The mean time between prosthesis implantation and phalloplasty was 3.6 ± 2.5 years. 10 patients previously underwent free radial forearm flap phalloplasty, 6 patients had anterolateral thigh flap phalloplasty, 2 patients had superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator phalloplasty, 1 patient had groin flap phalloplasty, and 6 patients underwent combination flap phalloplasty. With a mean follow-up of 6.3 months, prosthesis explantation because of complications was performed in 8 patients (32%), because of infection (n = 3), protrusion (n = 4), or pubic pain (n = 1). In an additional 3 patients, the prosthesis was explanted due to difficulty living with the malleable prosthesis. Of those with the prosthesis in place, 13 of 14 patients (93%) were able to engage in penetrative sexual intercourse. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The current article provides advantages and disadvantages of this medical device. STRENGTH & LIMITATIONS: This is the first study on the ZSI Malleable Penile Implant prostheses in this patient group. It also provides information on the use of malleable prostheses; whereas current literature predominantly focusses on inflatable devices. Limitations comprise the small patient population, short follow-up time, and retrospective nature of the study. CONCLUSION: Complication rates of the ZSI Malleable Penile Implant prosthesis seem high at the start of the learning curve. Although designed specifically for the transgender community, not all transgender patients will be eligible for this type of prosthesis. Patients need to be well counseled on specific (dis)advantages of the prosthesis. Pigot GLS, Sigurjónsson H, Ronkes B, et al. Surgical Experience and Outcomes of Implantation of the ZSI 100 FtM Malleable Penile Implant in Transgender Men After Phalloplasty. J Sex Med 2020;17:152-158.

Imaging of the adult male urethra, penile prostheses and artificial urinary sphincters.

To discuss the imaging appearances of various pathologies affecting adult male urethra and to review the role of imaging in the assessment of artificial urinary sphincters and penile prostheses. Diagnosis of common male urethral diseases heavily depends on two conventional fluoroscopic techniques namely retrograde urethrography and voiding cystourethrography. These are useful in evaluating common urethral diseases like traumatic injury, infections, and strictures. Cross-sectional imaging can be useful in evaluating periurethral pathologies. Artificial urinary sphincters, slings, and periurethral bulking agents are used in the management of urinary incontinence and imaging can be utilized to detect complications in these devices. Cross-sectional imaging especially MRI plays a significant role in evaluating the different types of penile prostheses and their malfunctioning.

Introduction to Imaging of Penile Prostheses: A Primer for the Radiologist.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to provide radiologists with an introduction to the imaging appearances of various types of penile prostheses and discuss imaging pitfalls. CONCLUSION: Two major types of penile prostheses currently are in use: malleable penile prostheses and inflatable penile prostheses. Sonography is useful in the assessment of the pelvic reservoir and scrotal pump. MRI helps in the complete evaluation of all the prosthetic components, making it a "one-stop shop" imaging technique.

Non-pharmacological and non-surgical strategies to promote sexual recovery for men with erectile dysfunction.

Erectile dysfunction (ED), the most commonly reported sexual problem for men, reduces the quality of life for both patients and their partners. Even when physiologically effective, long-term adherence to ED treatments is poor. We review here the implication of having patients' partners involved in ED treatment, starting with treatment selection. We suggest that having partners engaged from the outset may promote an erotic association of the treatment with the partner, i.e., conceptually linking the aid to the sexual pleasure that the partner provides. We hypothesize that this erotic association should enhance the sexual aid's effectiveness and might potentially help improve long-term adherence. The primary focus of this review, though, is non-pharmacological and non-surgical options for maintaining sexual activity for men with ED. Though not ED treatments per se, anecdotal data suggest that these options may be effective for some patients and their partners in regaining a satisfying sex life. The aids discussed include external penile prostheses, penile sleeves, and penile support devices. These devices can allow men to participate in penetrative sexual intercourse despite moderate to severe ED. External penile prostheses can be personalized so they match in size and shape a man's normal full erection. Penile sleeves can similarly be customized with a lumen that fits best a patient's penis for optimal tactile stimulation. We review how multi-sensory integration can enhance sexual arousal for men who use such devices, allowing them to achieve orgasm despite intractable ED. Patients are not always advised within ED clinics about these options nor why and how they can facilitate non-erection dependent sexual recovery. Clinicians need to be aware of these devices and their positive attributes, so they can objectively counsel and encourage couples to explore their use as an alternative to more invasive treatments. The most commonly promoted non-medical ED aid offered to patients is the vacuum erection device. We discuss how erections achieved with the vacuum erection device have a "hinge effect", that is an underappreciated barrier to the effectiveness of the erection. With a hinged erection, the penis points downward rather than upward. We show how the normal kinematics of the penis during coitus is not strictly linear (i.e., not uniaxial; not just in-and-out), and is impeded by hinging. Positional adjustment, such as the receptive partner being on top, may help overcome this problem for some couples. Lastly, we suggest that, in the case where ED can be anticipated from a pending medical treatment, such as a prostatectomy, pre-habilitative approaches may potentially improve adherence to sexual aid use in the long-term. In conclusion, non-pharmacological and non-surgical options for sexual recovery are available. Scientific studies on the effectiveness of these interventions in restoring satisfying sex are warranted.

[Early implantation of a penile prosthesis as an optimal treatment of retractory low flow priapism]. / Implantation précoce d'une prothèse pénienne comme traitement optimal du Priapisme réfractaire à bas débit.

Low flow priapism is a urologic emergency because it leads to erectile dysfunction due to cavernosal fibrosis. Several treatments exist, including cavernosal aspiration, washing with or without alpha-mimetic agent or shunting surgery. In case of failure of these methods or prolonged priapism (superior to 36 hours), the option of early penile prostheses implantation should be discussed with a motivated patient in order to improve sexual satisfaction.

Le priapisme à bas débit est une urgence urologique car il conduit inévitablement à la fibrose des corps caverneux et donc à une dysfonction érectile totale. Différentes méthodes de détumescence existent allant de la ponction évacuatrice, le lavage avec ou sans agent vasoconstricteur à la chirurgie de «shunting¼. En cas d'échec de ces manoeuvres ou en cas de priapisme de plus de 36 heures, les recommandations actuelles sont de proposer au patient motivé l'implantation précoce d'une prothèse pénienne pour optimiser la satisfaction sexuelle ultérieure.

[Evolution of the number and type of penile prostheses implanted in France for erectile dysfunction: Analysis of French national coding database (2006-2013)]. / Évolution du nombre et du type de prothèses péniennes posées en France pour dysfonction érectile : analyse des données nationales de codage pour la période 2006-2013.

OBJECTIVES: Patients who are not responding to injectable and/or vacuum oral pharmacological treatments can receive a penile prosthesis. Three types of penile prostheses are used in France: rigid, semi-rigid and inflatable prostheses 3-piece or 2-piece. We have assessed the National surgical insertion practices between 2006 and 2013 (number of prostheses insertions, types, procedure locations, number of surgeons and distribution [public or private sectors]). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data analysis from the French Technical Agency of Information on Hospitals (ATIH) (2006-2013) using the common classification of medical acts (CCAM) and after code extractions related to this surgery (JHLA002, JHLA003, JHLA004). RESULTS: Between 2006 and 2013, the number of penile implants in France doubled (307 to 633), inflatable penile prostheses with an extracavernous component remained the most frequently used (87 %) (228 to 552) (+142 %). The use of semi-rigid prostheses declined by 26.7 %. The distribution between the private and public sector was close to 1 in 2013. More than half of French penile prostheses were implanted in three regions (Île-de-France, Languedoc-Roussillon, Rhône-Alpes). Nearly 62 % of surgeons implanted only one or two three-compartment prostheses in 2013. CONCLUSION: The number of penile prostheses in France doubled between 2006 and 2013. Three regions were particularly active as far as this surgery is concerned (Île-de-France, Languedoc-Roussillon, Rhône-Alpes). They were boosted by 5 surgeons with more than 20 prostheses surgeries a year. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

[Penile prosthesis: Systematic review of infectious complications]. / Prothèse pénienne : revue de la littérature des complications infectieuses postopératoires.

OBJECTIVES: In the absence of practice recommendations, it was realized a review of the literature to establish the epidemiological and bacteriological data, prevention of infection, therapeutic attitude according to the clinical situation as well as the future prospects about the infections of penile prostheses. METHODS: A systematic review of the scientific literature was realized by the base of Pubmed data (http://www.ncbi.nim.gov/pubmed/). The literature search was made between 1992 and 2014 using the keywords: penile prostheses, penile implant, infection. The article was developed according to the recommendations Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses 2009 (Prisma). RESULTS: The analysis of 10 meta-analysis and series published in various expert centers allowed us to synthesize the care recommended at present. Coagulasse négative staphylococcus were germs most frequently persons in charge but variations are secondarily observed in the current practices. The physiopathological knowledge (biofilm and risk factors) allowed to develop the antibiotic antibioprophylaxis, the precautionary measures of the infection of the operating site, the design of prostheses antimicrobial-impregnated or antibiotic-dipped and meticulous surgical technique ("Wash-Out", "No Touch"). In case of real infection, it was recommended in the absence of contra-indication to realize immediate salvage procedure allowing to set up a new penile prostheses, so avoiding the penile fibrosis. CONCLUSION: All these measures have induced a decrease of the infection of penile implants significantly as well in case of primary implantation as of surgical revision. The future perspectives aim at preventing the infection by inhibition of the formation of the biofilm and by a more effective action of antibiotics about germs which it contains; or to use devices intrapenile "spacer" when the immediate salvage procedure is not feasible to facilitate the next implantation.

Infections Associated with Inflatable Penile Prostheses.

INTRODUCTION: The implantation of inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) has become a successful method for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Infections are rare but they can result in devastating complications following surgical implantation of the prosthesis. AIM: To discuss pathogenesis, risk factors, and microbiology of IPP infections, summarize clinical manifestation and diagnostic methods, and discuss future directions of prevention and management. METHODS: A PubMed search was performed of all articles published from 1960 to present relating to IPP infections. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE AND RESULTS: Skin flora organisms such as Staphylococcus epidermis are the most common source of infection. Several host and surgical risk factors for prosthesis infection have been demonstrated, including uncontrolled diabetes mellitus and previous surgical interventions. Biofilms play an important role in the pathogenesis of device-related infections. Pain, fever, drainage, and device extrusions are suggestive of IPP infection. Preventive methods include preoperative skin cleansing, systemic antibiotic prophylaxis, and the use of surface-modified prostheses. The most frequently utilized surgical management is a single-stage approach that comprises aggressive irrigation and debridement, removal of all components of the infected prosthesis, and placement of a new IPP in the same surgical setting. CONCLUSION: Advances in systemic antimicrobial prophylaxis, skin cleansing and surface-modification of the devices, as well as a number of other potentially protective measures, have decreased the rates of infections. Currently, most infected IPP are surgically managed by adopting the salvage approach. Al Mohajer M and Darouiche RO. Infections associated with inflatable penile prostheses. Sex Med Rev 2014;2:134-140.

Comparison of patient satisfaction rates for the malleable and two piece-inflatable penile prostheses.

OBJECTIVE: To compare patient/partner satisfaction with AMS 600-650 and AMS Ambicore penile implants (American Medical Systems, Minneapolis, USA) in patients with erectile dysfunction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The modified Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction (EDITS) questionnaires at six months after implantation of 46 patients who underwent AMS 600-650 (n=23) or Ambicore placement (n=23) between 1/1/2008 and 1/1/2013 were analyzed. RESULTS: The percentages of patients with AMS 600-650 who reported to be satisfied, very satisfied and neither satisfied nor dissatisfied with their prostheses were 34.78% (n=8), 30.43% (n=7) and 34.78% (n=8), respectively. For patients with AMS Ambicore, these percentages were 73.91% (n=17), 13.04% (n=3) and 13.04% (n=3), respectively. These overall satisfaction rates were significantly different between patients with AMS 600-650 and Ambicore (p=0.013). For patients with AMS 600-650, the percentages of patients who reported to be very likely, neither likely nor unlikely, or very unlikely to continue using their prosthesis were 30.43% (n=7), 34.78% (n=8), and 34.78% (n=8) while for patients with AMS Ambicore, these percentages were 65.21%, 21.33%, and 13.04%, respectively. These percentages were different between patients with AMS 600-650 and Ambicore (p=0.018). CONCLUSION: The two-piece inflatable penile prosthesis was found to be more successful in overall satisfaction and more likely for continued use when compared to the malleable penile prosthesis.

Bilateral fractures of Hydroflex penile prostheses: an unusual complication

We report bilaterally fractured Hydroflex implants in 2 patients. One fracture was complete and three were incomplete. All the fractures occurred at the junction of the rear reservoir and the inflation chamber.

Implantation of Malleable Penile Prostheses in Peyronie's Disease Associated with Erectile Dysfunction / 대한비뇨기과학회지

Peyronie's disease is an idiopathic disorder of the penis that is unusually associated with erectile dysfunction. We treated 7 cases of Peyronie's disease associated with erectile dysfunction by implantation of malleable penile prostheses(AMS 600) and multiple full thickness transverse incision of the tunica albuginea corresponding to fibrotic plaque. Postoperatively the penile curvatures were corrected in all patients, who were able to engage in sexual intercourse as well . There were no complications such as pain or recurrence of penile curvature. Therefore, we recommend the incision of plaque and implantation of penile prostheses as the worth surgical methods in treatment of patients with Peyronie's disease associated with erectile dysfunction.