Extratunical grafting for minimally invasive management of complex Peyronie's disease deformities.

BACKGROUND: Penile deformities due to Peyronie's Disease (PD) often significantly impair men's sexual health and quality of life. AIM: In this article we discuss the extratunical graft (ETG) procedure as a management strategy for PD patients with hourglass or indent penile deformities. METHODS: We compiled descriptions of surgical techniques and performed a review of the literature regarding ETG for PD. OUTCOMES: The ETG procedure appears to have promising results in the management of indent/hourglass deformity of PD. RESULTS: The findings of this review of the literature demonstrate that ETG is a safe and effective reconstructive technique for penile deformity with minimal side effects. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: We recommend utilizing ETG with or without plication for PD patients with indent or hourglass deformities. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: Strengths of ETG are the improvement in patients with tunical indents and hourglass deformities secondary to PD. Additionally, patients who underwent ETG maintained sexual function given no significant change in penile length and intact erectile function. Limitations, however, are that the procedure is relatively new, and data are limited to small cohorts. CONCLUSION: The ETG procedure is a safe and effective for management of complex PD in the short- and intermediate-term follow-up cohort.

Long-term lower urinary tract sequelae following AUS cuff erosion.

AIMS: To examine the rate of lower urinary tract complications (LUTC) and urinary diversion (UD) after artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) explantation with the acute reconstruction of AUS cuff erosion defects. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of patients who underwent in-situ urethroplasty (ISU) for AUS cuff erosion from June 2007 to December 2020. Outcomes included LUTC (urethral stricture, diverticulum, fistula), AUS reimplantation, and UD. Defect size was prospectively estimated acutely and a subanalysis was performed to determine the impact of erosion severity (small erosions [<33% circumferential defect] and large erosions [≥33%]) on these outcomes. Kaplan-Meier curves were created to compare survival between the two groups. RESULTS: A total of 40 patients underwent ISU for urethral cuff erosion. The median patient age was 76 years old with a median erosion circumference of 46%. The overall LUTC rate was 30% (12/40) with 35% (14/40) of patients requiring permanent UD. Secondary AUS placement occurred in 24/40 (60%) patients with 11/24 (46%) leading to repeat erosion. On subanalysis, small erosion was associated with improved LUTC-free and UD-free survival but not associated with AUS reimplantation. CONCLUSIONS: Lower urinary tract complications are common after AUS cuff erosion and can lead to the need for permanent UD. Patients with larger erosions are more likely to undergo UD and reach this end-stage condition earlier compared to patients with small erosions.

Plication for Correction of Congenital Penile Curvature: With or Without Degloving?

INTRODUCTION: Previously, incisionless plication (IP) for correction of congenital penile curvature (CPC) has been performed after penile degloving via a circumscribing incision. AIM: To describe our experience with non-degloving incisionless penile plication (NDIP) for correction of CPC and compare these outcomes with those of men who underwent degloving incisionless penile plication (DIP). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of men ≤ 45 years of age who underwent incisionless penile plication for correction of CPC between 2008 and 2020 at two adult tertiary hospitals. Patients underwent either NDIP, performed through a 2-3 cm longitudinal incision along the proximal-to-mid shaft opposite the point of maximum penile curvature, or DIP via a sub-coronal circumscribing incision. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Surgical and patient-reported outcomes were compared between the non-degloving and degloving groups. RESULTS: Among the 38 men (mean age, 26 years) who met the inclusion criteria, 25 underwent NDIP, including 6 patients with biplanar curvature (2 Ventral, 4 Dorsal, 6 Lateral). Thirteen patients underwent DIP, including 1 patient with biplanar curvature (1 ventral, 1 lateral). Curvature reduction was 50 ± 23 degrees for the NDIP group and 36 ± 10 degrees for the DIP group (P = .04). Five (20%) patients in the NDIP group and nine (69%) patients in the DIP group experienced a reduction in stretched penile length following plication (SPL) (P = .01). One patient in the NDIP group underwent an additional plication for recurrent curvature. CONCLUSION: Both NDIP and DIP are safe and highly efficacious techniques for the correction of CPC. Kusin SB, Khouri RK, Dropkin BM, et al., Plication for Correction of Congenital Penile Curvature: With or Without Degloving?. Sex Med 2021;9:100462.

Most men with artificial urinary sphincter cuff erosion have low serum testosterone levels.

AIMS: To evaluate the relationship between serum testosterone (T) levels and artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) cuff erosion in a population of incontinent men who underwent AUS placement. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of our single-surgeon AUS database was performed to identify men with T levels within 24 months of AUS placement. Men were stratified into two groups based on serum testosterone: low serum testosterone (LT) (<280 ng/dl) and normal serum testosterone (NT) (>280 ng/dl). Multivariable analysis was performed to control for risk factors. The outcome of interest was the incidence of and time to spontaneous urethral cuff erosion; other risk factors for cuff erosion were also evaluated. RESULTS: Among 161 AUS patients with serum testosterone levels, 84 (52.2%) had LT (mean: 136.8 ng/dl, SD: 150.4 ng/dl) and 77 (47.8%) had NT (mean: 455.8 ng/dl, SD: 197.3 ng/dl). Cuff erosion was identified in 42 men (26.1%) at a median of 7.1 months postoperatively (interquartile range: 3.6-13.4 months), most of whom (30/42, 71.4%) were testosterone deficient. LT levels were less common (54/119, 45.4%) in the non-erosion cohort (p = 0.004). Men with low T were nearly three times as likely to suffer AUS erosion than men with normal T (odds ratio = 2.519, p = 0.021). LT level was the only factor associated with AUS erosion on multivariable analysis. CONCLUSIONS: LT is an independent risk factor for AUS cuff erosion. Men with LT are more likely to present with cuff erosion, but there is no difference in time to erosion.

Artificial Urinary Sphincter Complications: Risk Factors, Workup, and Clinical Approach.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To review risk factors for AUS complications and present a systematic approach to their diagnosis and management. RECENT FINDINGS: Established risk factors for AUS complications include catheterization, channel TURP, pelvic radiation, urethroplasty, anticoagulation, cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, frailty index, hypertension, low albumin, and low testosterone. We present our algorithm for diagnosis and management of AUS complications. Despite being the gold standard of treatment for men with SUI, major and minor complications can occur at any point after AUS insertion. Careful consideration of the urologic, medical, and operative risk factors for each patient can help prevent complications. A systematic approach to early and late complications facilitates their identification and effective management. The evaluating urologist must have a thorough understanding of potential AUS complications in order to restore quality of life in men with bothersome SUI.

Salvage therapy for localized recurrences of penile cancer.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To review the current literature and guidelines regarding salvage therapy for local and regional recurrence of primary penile cancer. RECENT FINDINGS: While invasive surgical management has not significantly changed, penile sparing treatments (PSTs) may have a promising role in the management of local recurrence. Penile sparing surgeries do appear to have higher rates of recurrence. However, the overall survival rate is comparable to that of partial and total penectomies. Additionally, a combination of therapies may have a more profound effect on management of penile cancer. SUMMARY: Clinicians must discuss the role of each type of therapy for penile cancer with their patients, and tailor their management to the extent of disease in each patient. While it is important to discuss the balance between quality of life and rates of relapse, one must also emphasize the rates of overall survival in patients with local recurrence who are treated with PSTs.

Standing cough test stratification of moderate male stress urinary incontinence

ABSTRACT Purpose: Patient-reported history of pads per day (PPD) is widely recognized as a fundamental element of decision-making for anti-incontinence procedures. We hypothesize that SUI severity is often underestimated among men with moderate SUI. We sought to compare patient history of incontinence severity versus objective in-office physical examination findings. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed our single-surgeon male SUI surgical database from 2007-2019. We excluded patients with incomplete preoperative or postoperative data and those who reported either mild or severe SUI, thus having more straightforward surgical counseling. For men reported to have moderate SUI, we determined the frequency of upgrading SUI severity by recording the results of an in-office standing cough test (SCT) using the Male Stress Incontinence Grading Scale (MSIGS). The correlation of MSIGS with sling success rate was calculated. Failure was defined as >1 PPD usage or need for additional incontinence procedure. Results: Among 233 patients with reported moderate SUI (2-3 PPD), 89 (38%) had MSIGS 3-4 on SCT, indicating severe SUI. Among patients with 2-3 PPD preoperatively, sling success rates were significantly higher for patients with MSIGS 0-2 (76/116, 64%) compared to MSIGS 3-4 (6/18, 33%) (p <0.01). Conclusions: Many men with self-reported history of moderate SUI actually present severe SUI observed on SCT. The SCT is a useful tool to stratify moderate SUI patients to more accurately predict sling success.

State of the Reservoir: Current Concepts of Penile Implant Reservoir Placement and Potential Complications.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To discuss mechanical and surgical innovations in inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) surgery and their implications on reservoir placement and patient outcomes. RECENT FINDINGS: The past decade has seen a new emphasis on optimizing outcomes and minimizing complications associated with IPP reservoirs. Innovations in device design have accordingly yielded safer, more durable IPP outcomes over the past four decades. Modifications in surgical approach for reservoir placement abound for both traditional space of Retzius and ectopic reservoir placement techniques. Surgical and medical history, patient anatomy, and patient preference should all be considered when choosing approach for IPP reservoir placement. Prosthetic urologists should be proficient in multiple approaches to provide the best care to their patients.

Standing cough test stratification of moderate male stress urinary incontinence.

PURPOSE: Patient-reported history of pads per day (PPD) is widely recognized as a fundamental element of decision-making for anti-incontinence procedures. We hypothesize that SUI severity is often underestimated among men with moderate SUI. We sought to compare patient history of incontinence severity versus objective in-office physical examination findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed our single-surgeon male SUI surgical database from 2007-2019. We excluded patients with incomplete preoperative or postoperative data and those who reported either mild or severe SUI, thus having more straightforward surgical counseling. For men reported to have moderate SUI, we determined the frequency of upgrading SUI severity by recording the results of an in-office standing cough test (SCT) using the Male Stress Incontinence Grading Scale (MSIGS). The correlation of MSIGS with sling success rate was calculated. Failure was defined as >1 PPD usage or need for additional incontinence procedure. RESULTS: Among 233 patients with reported moderate SUI (2-3 PPD), 89 (38%) had MSIGS 3-4 on SCT, indicating severe SUI. Among patients with 2-3 PPD preoperatively, sling success rates were significantly higher for patients with MSIGS 0-2 (76/116, 64%) compared to MSIGS 3-4 (6/18, 33%) (p <0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Many men with self-reported history of moderate SUI actually present severe SUI observed on SCT. The SCT is a useful tool to stratify moderate SUI patients to more accurately predict sling success.

Extended Primary Anastomosis With Penile Plication (EPAPP): A Promising New Alternative to Perineal Urethrostomy for Reconstruction of Long Urethral Strictures.

OBJECTIVE: At present, excision and primary anastomosis (EPA) urethroplasty is a highly reliable method of reconstruction for short bulbar urethral strictures. Longer strictures are often managed with grafting techniques to ensure a tension-free repair. Here we report our initial experience with a new, extended anastomotic technique for long bulbar strictures that incorporates plication of the ventral corporal bodies to reduce the distance between the urethral ends and obviates the need for grafting. METHODS: We reviewed records for all urethroplasties performed by a single surgeon at our institution between January 2018 and February 2020. We identified a cohort of older patients with complex strictures who underwent Extended Primary Anastomosis with Penile Plication (EPAPP). Patient demographics, stricture characteristics, perioperative 75 parameters, and postoperative outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: Of 346 urethroplasty records reviewed, 10 patients (2.9%) underwent EPAPP. Mean stricture length was 3.75 ± 1.4 cm. EPAPP patients were older than those repaired by other techniques (mean age 66.6 vs 55.6, P = .024), and most were not sexually active preoperatively. Postoperative voiding cystourethrogram confirmed urethral patency without extravasation in all patients. At a median follow up of 9.7 months (IQR 8.5-11.5) 8 patients remained asymptomatic after EPAPP alone and 2 patients required a single balloon dilation for stricture recurrence. CONCLUSION: EPAPP is a promising alternative option for the management of long bulbar strictures among appropriately selected patients.

Explantation of High Submuscular Reservoirs: Safety and Practical Considerations.

BACKGROUND: Over the past decade, high submuscular (HSM) placement of inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) reservoirs has emerged as a viable alternative to space of Retzius (SOR) placement; however, data comparing the feasibility and complications of HSM vs SOR reservoir removal do not presently exist. AIM: To present a comparison of the safety, feasibility, and ease of removal of HSM vs SOR reservoirs in a tertiary care, university-based, high-volume prosthetic urology practice. METHODS: Data were retrospectively collected on patients who underwent IPP reservoir removal between January 2011 and June 2020. Cases were separated into 2 cohorts based on reservoir location. Statistical analysis was performed using Fisher's exact and Chi-squared tests for categorical variables and Student's t-test for continuous variables. Timing from IPP insertion to explant was compared between the HSM and SOR groups using the Mann-Whitney U test. OUTCOMES: Time from IPP insertion to explant, operative time, intraoperative and postoperative complications, and need for a counter incision were compared between the HSM and SOR groups. RESULTS: Between January 2011 and June 2020, 106 (73 HSM, 33 SOR) patients underwent IPP removal or replacement by a single surgeon at our institution. Average time from IPP insertion to removal was 43.6 months (24.2 HSM, 52.7 SOR, P = .07)-reservoir removal occurred at the time of device explant in 70 of 106 (66%) cases. More HSM reservoirs were explanted at the time of IPP removal compared with the SOR cohort (54 of 73, 74% HSM vs 16 of 33, 48.5% SOR, P = .01). Similar rates of complications were noted between the HSM and SOR groups (1.9% vs 6.3%, P = .35). There was no significant difference in need for counter incision between the 2 groups (24 [42%] HSM vs 4 [25%] SOR, P = .16) or in average operative times (76.5 ± 38.3 minutes HSM vs 68.1 ± 34.3 minutes SOR, P = .52). CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Our experience with explanting HSM reservoirs supports the safety and ease of their removal. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: Although the absolute cohort size is relatively low, this study reflects one of the largest single-institution experiences examining penile implant reservoir removal. In addition, reservoir location was not randomized but was instead determined by which patients presented with complications necessitating reservoir removal during the study period. CONCLUSIONS: HSM reservoir removal has comparable perioperative complication rates and operative times when compared with SOR reservoir removal. Kavoussi M, Bhanvadia RR, VanDyke ME, et al. Explantation of High Submuscular Reservoirs: Safety and Practical Considerations. J Sex Med 2020;17:2488-2494.

High Submuscular IPP Reservoir Placement: The "Five-Step" Technique.

BACKGROUND: High submuscular (HSM) placement of inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) reservoirs is a promising new FDA approved alternative to traditional space of Retzius reservoir placement. In 2011, we began placing all reservoirs in a HSM position at our tertiary center. In 2014, we proposed a refined, "Five-Step" HSM reservoir placement technique (FST) to prevent deep pelvic complications. OBJECTIVES: To describe our HSM technique and report on our extended experience. MATERIAL: Our refined FST was developed to optimize outcomes and includes the following steps: (1) Position and Access; (2) Develop Lower HSM Pocket; (3) Develop Upper HSM Pocket; (4) Reservoir Delivery (Fill and Fine-Tune); (5) Confirm and Connect. Data was retrospectively collected on patients undergoing reservoir placement by FST between January 2014 and June 2019. A survey analyzing subjective outcomes and patient satisfaction was performed among 100 randomly selected patients. RESULTS: We placed 297 consecutive HSM IPP reservoirs via FST during this time period. Three patients (1.0%) required surgical revision (all for herniation). No deep pelvic (vascular, bladder, bowel) complications were reported. Of the 100 patients that were randomly surveyed, 86% of patients reported no palpability of the reservoir, and 95% of patients reported satisfaction with the procedure and would recommend the procedure to a friend. CONCLUSION: The FST for HSM reservoir placement is a simple and safe procedure with good outcomes and excellent patient satisfaction. This technique appears to effectively eliminate the risks of deep pelvic complications.

Favourable multi-institutional experience with penoscrotal decompression for prolonged ischaemic priapism.

OBJECTIVES: To report our multi-institutional experience using penoscrotal decompression (PSD) for the surgical treatment of prolonged ischaemic priapism (PIP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed clinical records for patients with PIP treated with PSD between 2017 and 2020. Priapisms were confirmed as ischaemic based on clinical presentations and cavernosal blood gas abnormalities. Treatment with irrigation and injection of α-agonists in all patients had failed prior to PSD. Patient characteristics, peri-operative variables and outcomes, and changes in International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) scores were evaluated. RESULTS: We analysed 25 patients who underwent a total of 27 PSD procedures. The mean duration of priapism at initial presentation was 71.0 h. Irrigations and injections in all patients had failed, while corporoglanular shunt treatment in 48.0% of patients (12/25) had also failed prior to PSD. Of the 10 patients who underwent unilateral PSD, two (20.0%) had priapism recurrence. Both were treated with bilateral PSD, with prompt and lasting detumescence. Among the 15 patients undergoing primary bilateral PSD, none had priapism recurrence. Of the 15 patients with documented sexual function status at last follow-up, nine (60%) reported spontaneous erectile function adequate for penetration, while six (40%) reported erectile dysfunction. The median (interquartile range) decrease in IIEF-5 score was 3.5 (0-6.75) points after PSD. Two patients underwent uneventful inflatable penile prosthesis placement following PSD. CONCLUSIONS: Penoscrotal decompression presents a simple, safe, highly effective and easily reproducible procedure for resolution of PIP. PSD should be considered as a viable salvage or alternative strategy to corporoglanular shunt procedures.

Avoiding deep pelvic complications using a 'Five-Step' technique for high submuscular placement of inflatable penile prosthesis reservoirs.

OBJECTIVES: To compare our extended experience with high submuscular (HSM) reservoir placement to traditional space of Retzius (SOR) placement and to present our current, refined 'Five-Step' technique (FST) for HSM placement. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data were retrospectively collected on patients undergoing inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) placement between January 2009 and June 2019. Re-operative cases were excluded. Reservoir-related complications and subsequent revisions were compared between SOR (2009-2012) and HSM reservoir groups (2012-2019). HSM patients were subdivided into two cohorts: 'Initial Technique' (2012-2014) and FST (2014-2019). The refined FST protocol was developed in 2014 to optimise outcomes and includes the following steps: (i) Position and Access; (ii) Develop Lower HSM Pocket; (iii) Develop Upper HSM Pocket; (iv) Reservoir Delivery (fill and fine-tune); (v) Confirm and Connect. RESULTS: Between January 2009 and June 2019, 733 total IPP procedures (586 HSM, 147 SOR) were performed by a single surgeon at our institution, 561 of which were virgin cases (430 HSM, 131 SOR) and included in this analysis. Overall, surgical revision was required in 10/430 (2.3%) HSM cases (one delayed bowel obstruction, nine herniations) and six of 131 (4.6%) SOR cases (one bladder erosion, two vascular injuries, and three herniations, P = 0.22). When comparing the FST to the Initial Technique, we noted a significant decrease in complications requiring surgical revision (P = 0.01). Among 133 cases performed with the Initial Technique, seven (5.3%) required surgical revision (one bowel obstruction after placement into the peritoneal cavity, six herniations). Among 297 FST cases, three (1.0%) required revision, all due to herniation. CONCLUSION: HSM placement of IPP reservoirs is a safe alternative to traditional SOR placement. Major deep pelvic reservoir complications were minimised using our current refined FST.

Artificial Urinary Sphincter Cuff Erosion Heat Map Shows Similar Anatomical Characteristics for Transcorporal and Standard Approach.

PURPOSE: We describe and compare artificial urinary sphincter cuff erosion sites and associated clinical implications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed men who presented with artificial urinary sphincter erosion treated by a single surgeon between 2007 and 2019 at a tertiary medical center. Transcorporal indications included complications of prior anti-incontinence procedures and prior urethral reconstruction. Location of artificial urinary sphincter cuff erosion defects was assessed by cystoscopy prior to device explantation, and findings were stratified into patients who had transcorporal vs standard artificial urinary sphincter placement. RESULTS: Out of 723 artificial urinary sphincter cases in 611 patients we identified 54 (7.5%) cuff erosions. Erosion developed in 15 of 82 (18.3%) cases of transcorporal artificial urinary sphincter and 39 of 641 (6.1%) cases of standard artificial urinary sphincter (p <0.05). Artificial urinary sphincter cuff erosions occurred predominantly ventrally in both groups (66.7% for transcorporal and 79.5% for standard artificial urinary sphincter, p=0.4) followed by lateral urethral location (33.3% transcorporal and 20.5% standard, p=0.3). Dorsal erosions were rare in both groups (20% transcorporal and 5.1% standard, p=0.1). History of artificial urinary sphincter and previous erosion were associated with transcorporal artificial urinary sphincter erosion. History of radiotherapy, prior urethroplasty, hypogonadism and urethral cuff size were similar between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Artificial urinary sphincter cuff erosions appear to occur ventrally and laterally in most patients regardless of cuff placement. Dorsal erosions were the least common in both groups. The protective effect of transcorporal artificial urinary sphincter could not be conclusively demonstrated.

Artificial Urinary Sphincter Outperforms Sling for Moderate Male Stress Urinary Incontinence.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the role of slings and artificial urinary sphincters (AUS) in the management of mild and moderate stress urinary incontinence (SUI). METHODS: A retrospective review of our single-surgeon male SUI database was completed. Men having AUS or AdVance sling procedures between 2008 and 2019 were included in the analysis. Those with severe incontinence and/or incomplete pre- or postoperative data were excluded. All patients were evaluated by standing cough test and stratified according to the Male Stress Incontinence Grading Scale. Scores of 0-1 and 2-3 defined mild and moderate SUI, respectively. We performed 2 analyses: (a) sling outcomes were compared between mild vs moderate SUI patients, and (b) for men with moderate SUI, we compared outcomes between slings and AUS. Treatment failure was defined as >1 pad per day or need for subsequent incontinence procedure. RESULTS: Among 202 sling cases, those with mild SUI had significantly higher success rate (69/88, 78%) than those with moderate SUI (72/114, 63%; P = .02). Among the 179 men with moderate SUI, those who underwent AUS had significantly higher success rate (52/65, 80%) than those who underwent sling (72/114, 63%; P = .02). CONCLUSION: Male slings are more effective for men with mild SUI than for men with moderate SUI. Men with moderate SUI have a higher success rate with AUS than with sling.

Comparison of 3.5 cm and transcorporal cuffs in high-risk artificial urinary sphincter populations.

BACKGROUND: The transcorporal (TC) artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) has traditionally been utilized in high-risk patients with urethral atrophy or prior urethral erosion. The 3.5 cm AUS cuff has been developed for use in a similar population. We compared the outcomes of TC AUS and 3.5 cm cuff patients to assess whether the TC approach was protective against urethral complications. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review for all men who underwent TC AUS and 3.5 cm AUS implantation by a single surgeon from 2007 to 2018 at a tertiary medical center. Demographic and outcomes data were collected and analyzed after database review to evaluate for rates of urethral erosion. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify co-morbid factors associated with urethral erosion. RESULTS: In our database of 625 AUS patients, we identified 59 (9%) men with TC AUS and 168 (27%) having a 3.5 cm cuff. Over a median follow-up time of 49 months, 28 (47%) men with TC cuffs developed urethral erosion compared with 25 (15%) men with a 3.5 cm cuff. On univariate analysis, a TC cuff was associated with increased odds of erosion (OR 6.65, 95% CI: 3.20-14.4, P<0.0001) when compared with a 3.5 cm cuff. On multivariate analysis, TC cuffs continued to portend significantly increased odds of cuff erosion. CONCLUSIONS: With longer follow up, TC AUS may not be as protective against urethral complications as previously described.