A multicenter prospective cohort study of endoscopic urethral realignment versus suprapubic cystostomy after complete pelvic fracture urethral injury.

BACKGROUND: Pelvic fracture urethral injury (PFUI) occurs in up to 10% of pelvic fractures. There is mixed evidence supporting early endoscopic urethral realignment (EUR) over suprapubic tube (SPT) placement and delayed urethroplasty. Some studies show decreased urethral obstruction with EUR, while others show few differences. We hypothesized that EUR would reduce the rate of urethral obstruction after PFUI. METHODS: Twenty-six US medical centers contributed patients following either an EUR or SPT protocol from 2015 to 2020. If retrograde cystoscopic catheter placement failed, patients were included and underwent either EUR or SPT placement based on their institution's assigned treatment arm. Endoscopic urethral realignment involved simultaneous antegrade/retrograde cystoscopy to place a catheter across the urethral injury. The primary endpoint was development of urethral obstruction. Fisher's exact test was used to analyze the relationship between PFUI management and development of urethral obstruction. RESULTS: There were 106 patients with PFUI; 69 (65%) had complete urethral disruption and failure of catheter placement with retrograde cystoscopy. Of the 69 patients, there were 37 (54%) and 32 (46%) in the EUR and SPT arms, respectively. Mean age was 37.0 years (SD, 16.3 years) years, and mean follow-up was 463 days (SD, 280 days) from injury. In the EUR arm, 36 patients (97%) developed urethral obstruction compared with 30 patients (94%) in the SPT arm ( p = 0.471). Urethroplasty was performed in 31 (87%) and 29 patients (91%) in the EUR and SPT arms, respectively ( p = 0.784). CONCLUSION: In this prospective multi-institutional study of PFUI, EUR was not associated with a lower rate of urethral obstruction or need for urethroplasty when compared with SPT placement. Given the potential risk of EUR worsening injuries, clinicians should consider SPT placement as initial treatment for PFUI when simple retrograde cystoscopy is not successful in placement of a urethral catheter. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic/Care Management; Level III.

The Outcomes of Pelvic Fracture Urethral Injuries Stratified by Urethral Injury Severity: A Prospective Multi-institutional Genitourinary Trauma Study (MiGUTS).

OBJECTIVE: To determine patient outcomes across a range of pelvic fracture urethral injury (PFUI) severity. PFUI is a devastating consequence of a pelvic fracture. No study has stratified PFUI outcomes based on severity of the urethral distraction injury. METHODS: Adult male patients with blunt-trauma-related PFUI were followed prospectively for a minimum of six months at 27 US medical centers from 2015-2020. Patients underwent retrograde cystourethroscopy and retrograde urethrography to determine injury severity and were categorized into three groups: (1) major urethral distraction, (2) minor urethral distraction, and (3) partial urethral injury. Major distraction vs minor distraction was determined by the ability to pass a cystoscope retrograde into the bladder. Simple statistics summarized differences between groups. Multi-variable analyses determined odds ratios for obstruction and urethroplasty controlling for urethral injury type, age, and Injury Severity Score. RESULTS: There were 99 patients included, 72(72%) patients had major, 13(13%) had minor, and 14(14%) had partial urethral injuries. The rate of urethral obstruction differed in patients with major (95.8%), minor (84.6%), and partial injuries (50%) (P < 0.001). Urethroplasty was performed in 90% of major, 66.7% of minor, and 35.7% of partial injuries (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In PFUI, a spectrum of severity exists that influences outcomes. While major and minor distraction injuries are associated with a higher risk of developing urethral obstruction and need for urethroplasty, up to 50% of partial PFUI will result in obstruction, and as such need to be closely followed.

Urotrauma Guideline 2020: AUA Guideline.

PURPOSE: The authors of this guideline reviewed the urologic trauma literature to guide clinicians in the appropriate methods of evaluation and management of genitourinary injuries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Panel amended the Guideline in 2020 to reflect additional literature published through February 2020. When sufficient evidence existed, the Panel assigned the body of evidence a strength rating of A (high), B (moderate), or C (low) for support of Strong, Moderate, or Conditional Recommendations. In the absence of sufficient evidence, the Panel provided additional information as Clinical Principles and Expert Opinions (See table 1[Table: see text]). RESULTS: The Panel updated a total of six existing statements on renal, ureteral, bladder, urethra, and genital trauma. Additionally, four new statements were added based on literature released since the 2017 amendment. Statement 5b was added based on new evidence for treatment of hemodynamically unstable patients with renal trauma. Statement 20b was added based on new literature for percutaneous or open suprapubic tube placement following pelvic fracture urethral injury. Statements 30a and 30b were also added to provide guidance on ultrasonography for blunt scrotal injuries suggestive of testicular rupture and for performing surgical exploration with repair or orchiectomy for penetrating scrotal injuries respectively. CONCLUSIONS: These evidence-based updates to the AUA Guidelines further inform the treatment of urotrauma.

Age ≤40 is an independent predictor of anastomotic urethroplasty and successful repair of bulbar urethral strictures.

BACKGROUND: Among men with bulbar strictures, we aimed to analyze stricture characteristics, repair type, and treatment success in younger versus older patient cohorts. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed our single surgeon database with patients undergoing bulbar urethroplasty from 2007 to 2017. This population was then age-stratified into ≤40 and >40-year-old cohorts. Exclusion criteria included patients with penile strictures and those with history of hypospadias. Patient characteristics, surgical approach, and outcome were compiled by medical record and database review. Criterion for success included functional emptying and lack of repeat surgical intervention. Parameters associated with failure were included in multivariate logistic regression models. RESULTS: Eight hundred and fifty-three patients with bulbar strictures were identified, 231 patients (27.1%) ≤40 years old and 622 patients (72.9%) >40 years old. Mean stricture length was significantly longer in older men (2.3 vs. 2.7 cm, P=0.005). Excision and primary anastomosis (EPA) were more commonly utilized when managing younger compared to older patient groups (87% in ≤40 group, 77% in >40, P=0.0009). Younger men underwent significantly fewer endoscopic stricture treatments than older men (2.1 vs. 4.9, P=0.001). Traumatic etiology was more commonly attributable in the younger group (48% vs.17%, P<0.0001). Younger men presented less frequently with diabetes (1.7% vs. 21.7%, P<0.0001), coronary artery disease (0.4% vs. 19.1%, P<0.0001), and erectile dysfunction (11.5% vs. 29.2%, P<0.0001) relative to older men. Over a median follow-up of 52.4 months, success rates were higher in the ≤40 cohort (97.4%) than the >40 cohort (87.3%, P<0.0001). On multivariate logistic regression, independent predictors of urethroplasty success include younger age), utilization of EPA, and lack of pelvic radiation. CONCLUSIONS: Although men ≤40 years old have a higher incidence of traumatic etiology, bulbar urethroplasty has a higher success rate when compared to patients >40 years old. Bulbar strictures are more amenable to EPA in the younger population, likely due to fewer endoscopic treatments and favorable tissue characteristics.

Outpatient buccal mucosal graft urethroplasty outcomes are comparable to inpatient procedures.

BACKGROUND: We sought to compare outcomes between inpatient and outpatient buccal mucosal graft (BMG) urethroplasty among a large tertiary referral center series. METHODS: A retrospective review of consecutive patients who underwent BMG urethroplasty between 2007 and 2018 was performed, including only first stage and one stage graft procedures. Patients were divided into inpatient and outpatient groups. Demographic and outcome data were collected and analyzed, with success defined as no need for further endoscopic or open reoperative management. RESULTS: Of 143 patients undergoing BMG urethroplasty during the study period, 87 cases (60.8%) were performed on an inpatient basis, and 56 (39.2%) on an outpatient basis. Patient characteristics such as age, BMI, prior endoscopic procedures and co-morbid factors were similar between inpatient and outpatient groups. Perioperative characteristics such as estimated blood loss were also similar between groups, but the inpatient cohort had a longer operative time (157.6 vs. 123.1 min, P<0.0001). Operative success was comparable in the two groups (74.7% inpatient vs. 76.8% outpatient, P=0.7) as were rates of complications (29.9% inpatient vs. 26.8% outpatient, P=0.07). CONCLUSIONS: BMG urethroplasty can be safely performed in an ambulatory setting without increased complications or compromised outcomes.

Synchronous Urethral Repair During Prosthetic Surgery: Safety of Planned and Damage Control Approaches Using Suprapubic Tube Urinary Diversion.

BACKGROUND: Urethral injury during inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) or artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) placement is rare, and traditionally most prosthetic surgeons abort prosthetic implantation when urethral repair is necessary. AIM: To report our experience with synchronous urethroplasty (SU) as a planned or damage control surgery during urologic prosthetic surgery, to evaluate the safety and outcomes of the procedure. METHODS: A retrospective review of our IPP and AUS database was completed to identify patients who underwent an SU between 2007 and 2018. We included patients who underwent an SU during prosthetic surgery in either a planned procedure for known stricture or diverticulum or a "damage control" procedure after intraoperative injury. OUTCOME: Patient characteristics and surgical outcomes were assessed, with success defined as the absence of urethral stricture and revision surgery. RESULTS: From our database of 1,508 prosthetic cases, we identified 7 patients (0.46%) who had an SU in the same setting as complete prosthesis placement (4 AUS and 3 IPP [1 combined IPP/AUS], and 1 sling). Three patients underwent planned repair of a known urethral abnormality (urethral diverticulum, urethrocutaneous fistula, and urethral stricture), and 4 underwent repair of an intraoperative urethral injury. Among the patients who experienced an intraoperative urethral injury, contributing etiologies included previous anti-incontinence surgery with periurethral fibrosis (n = 2), severe corporal fibrosis from priapism, and previous urethral disruption from pelvic fracture. Nearly all of the urethroplasties (6 of 7; 86%) were completed with a primary closure. The average indwelling duration of suprapubic tube (SPT) catheters was 4.1 weeks (range, 7 to 47 days). The average duration of follow-up was 21.5 months, and all patients were continent at follow-up. No device infections or urethral complications were identified. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Our study illustrates the safety of concomitant urethral repair at time of prosthetic placement as an option to avoid the use of 2 anesthetics and prevent further scarring in high-risk patients. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS: This is the first study to address definitive urethral reconstruction during anti-incontinence procedures along with planned concomitant urethroplasty during IPP placement. This promising initial experience is relevant for surgeons who may encounter concomitant urethral pathology in the setting of complex reoperative prosthetic cases. The need for SU is rare, and thus our cohort size was limited in this retrospective, single-institution experience. CONCLUSION: SU with prolonged SPT urinary diversion offers a safe damage control approach for men with concomitant urethral pathology during prosthetic surgery without conferring an increased risk of infection or stricture. Yi YA, Fuchs JS, Davenport MT, et al. Synchronous Urethral Repair During Prosthetic Surgery: Safety of Planned and Damage Control Approaches Using Suprapubic Tube Urinary Diversion. J Sex Med 2019;16:1106-1110.

Excision and Primary Anastomosis Reconstruction for Traumatic Strictures of the Pendulous Urethra.

OBJECTIVES: To present a multi-institutional experience with functional and patient-reported outcomes among men undergoing excision and primary anastomosis (EPA) urethroplasty for pendulous urethral strictures. METHODS: We describe the technique and present our experience with EPA for focal penile strictures. Patients undergoing urethroplasty (2004-2017) at 2 tertiary referral centers were reviewed, of whom 14 (0.7%) underwent EPA of radiographically confirmed pendulous urethral strictures. Validated questionnaires were utilized to evaluate overall improvement (Patient Global Impression of Improvement), urinary bother (International Prostate Symptom Score), and sexual function (International Index of Erectile Function-5). Treatment success was defined as urethral patency without need for subsequent reconstruction. RESULTS: Among 14 men undergoing penile EPA, 13/14 (93%) had durable treatment success over a median follow-up of 43 months. No patient reported penile curvature postoperatively. Stricture etiology in most cases was posttraumatic (12/14), of which 4 had a history of urethral disruption secondary to penile fracture and 8 iatrogenic trauma. Median age was 51 years (IQR 30-60) and stricture length 1.0 cm (IQR 1.0-1.4). Erectile function was normal in 8/14 patients preoperatively, and postoperative median International Index of Erectile Function was 21. Most men reported significant global improvement in condition (median Patient Global Impression of Improvement 2, IQR 1-3) and most had only mild urinary bother (median International Prostate Symptom Score 4, quality of life 1). The single treatment failure had a history of hypospadias with multiple prior urethral procedures. CONCLUSION: For men with short strictures of the pendulous urethra, EPA has a high success rate, without adverse sequelae such as erectile function or penile curvature.

Erosion rates of 3.5-cm artificial urinary sphincter cuffs are similar to larger cuffs.

OBJECTIVE: To compare long-term outcomes and erosion rates of 3.5-cm artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) cuffs vs larger cuffs amongst men with stress urinary incontinence (SUI), with and without a history of pelvic radiotherapy (RT). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We reviewed the records of all men who underwent AUS placement by a single surgeon between September 2009 and June 2017 at our tertiary urban medical centre. A uniform perineal approach was used to ensure cuff placement around the most proximal corpus spongiosum after precise spongiosal measurement. Patients were stratified by cuff size and RT status, and patient demographics and surgical outcomes were analysed. Cases of AUS revision in which a new cuff was not placed were excluded. Success was defined as patient-reported pad use of ≤1 pad/day. RESULTS: Amongst 410 cases included in the analysis, the 3.5-cm cuff was used in 166 (40.5%), whilst 244 (59.5%) received larger cuffs (≥4.0 cm). Over a median follow-up of 50 months, there was AUS cuff erosion in 44 patients at a rate nearly identical in the 3.5-cm cuff (10.8%, 18/166) and the ≥4-cm cuff groups (10.7%, 26/244, P = 0.7). On multivariate logistic regression, clinical factors associated with AUS cuff erosion included a history of pelvic RT, prior AUS cuff erosion, prior urethroplasty, and a history of inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) placement. Patient demographics were similar between the cuff-size groups; including age, body mass index, comorbidities, smoking history, RT history, prior AUS, and prior IPP placement. Continence rates were high amongst all AUS patients, with similar success in both groups (82% for 3.5-cm cuff, 90% for ≥4-cm cuff, P = 0.1). CONCLUSIONS: After 8 years of experience and extended follow-up, the outcomes of the 3.5-cm AUS cuff appear to be similar to ≥4-cm cuffs for effectiveness and rates of urethral erosion. RT patients have a higher risk of cuff erosion regardless of cuff size.

Versatile algorithmic midline approach to perineal urethrostomy for complex urethral strictures.

PURPOSE: To present results of an algorithmic approach to perineal urethrostomy (PU) based on a midline perineal incision among men with complex urethral strictures. METHODS: A single surgeon retrospective review of consecutive patients who underwent PU between 2008 and 2017 was performed. Patient demographics and outcomes were collected via medical record review. After a midline perineal incision, the PU was matured either by (a) mobilization of the urethral plate (loop) alone in cases with distal strictures or low body mass index (BMI), or (b) with creation of a lateral perineal skin flap (7-flap) for those with longer urethra-to-skin distances. Success was defined as functional voiding without the need for further procedures. Patients were contacted by phone and administered validated questionnaires. RESULTS: Of 62 PU patients, 20 (32.3%) underwent the loop technique, and 42 (67.7%) had the 7-flap procedure, 7 of which were reoperative for prior failed PU. Median age was 61.9 years (range 23-85) and the median stricture length was 8.0 cm (range 2.5-18 cm). Mean BMI was greater among 7-flap compared to loop patients (34.9 vs. 30.0 kg/m2, p = 0.01). Success rates were 92.9% (39/42) in the 7-flap group and 100% (20/20) in the loop PU cohort during a median follow-up of 30.7 months. Among 62 PU patients, 19 (30.6%) responded to the survey-median PGI-I score was 1.0 (range 1-2) indicating that symptoms were "very much improved". CONCLUSIONS: The algorithmic midline approach to PU offers a standardized, versatile solution with excellent surgical outcomes and high patient satisfaction, even in obese or refractory stricture patients.

Plication for Severe Peyronie's Deformities Has Similar Long-Term Outcomes to Milder Cases.

INTRODUCTION: Penile plication (PP) for Peyronie's disease (PD) is an established treatment option for mild to moderate curvature, but scant data exist regarding its utility in severe deformities. AIM: To evaluate long-term outcomes among men undergoing PP for PD, comparing severe to mild/moderate penile deformities. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of patients who underwent PP for PD between 2009 and 2017. All patients underwent multiple parallel tunical plication without degloving. Severe PD was defined as either curvature ≥60 degrees or biplanar curvature ≥35 degrees. Patient demographics and surgical outcomes were analyzed. A modified PD Questionnaire and International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF)-5 were administered by telephone. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Long-term patient-reported outcomes were evaluated from a modified survey incorporating the PD Questionnaire and IIEF-5. RESULTS: Of 327 PP patients, 102 (31%) responded to the telephone survey at a median 59.5 months (interquartile range 28.3-84) since surgery. Patients were equally distributed into severe (n = 51) and mild/moderate (n = 51) groups. Despite a greater mean degree of curvature in severe compared to mild/moderate patients (71.6 degrees vs 37.7 degrees, respectively, P < .001), correction of penile curvature was achieved in 91% of patients, with a mean change of 60.7 degrees in severe cases compared to 31.4 degrees in mild/moderate cases (P < .001). Equal numbers of patients in severe and mild/moderate groups reported improvement of penile curvature (74.5% vs 74.5%, P = 1.0) and sexual function (51.0% vs 49.0%, P = .84). PD Questionnaire metrics were likewise similar between severe and mild/moderate patients (P > .1), as were rates of subjective penile shortening (62.7% vs 62.7%, P = 1.0) and IIEF-5, both pre-operatively (19.5 vs 19.7, P = .9) and post-operatively (19.4 vs 17.6, respectively, P = .15). On multivariate logistic regression, worsening sexual function was significantly associated with increased age (odds ratio 1.07, P = .01) and pre-operative IIEF (odds ratio 1.14, P = .02). CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: PP should be considered in PD patients with severe deformities, as outcomes are favorable and comparable to those with milder curvature. STRENGTH & LIMITATIONS: This is a novel study evaluating long-term patient-reported outcomes after PP, comparing patients with severe deformity to those with mild/moderate curvature. The study was limited by retrospective design, relatively low survey response rate (31%), and lack of validated post-operative PD questionnaire. CONCLUSION: Long-term patient-reported outcomes of PP for severe PD deformities are comparable to mild/moderate cases, supporting broader application of PP beyond milder deformities. Reddy RS, McKibben MJ, Fuchs JS, et al. Plication for Severe Peyronie's Deformities Has Similar Long-Term Outcomes to Milder Cases. J Sex Med 2018;15:1498-1505.

Changing Trends in Reconstruction of Complex Anterior Urethral Strictures: From Skin Flap to Perineal Urethrostomy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate procedural trends and outcomes for reconstruction of complex strictures at our tertiary center over the last decade. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed complex urethral reconstruction comparing 3 techniques: (1) buccal mucosal graft (BMG), (2) penile skin flap, or (3) perineal urethrostomy (PU) at our center (2007-2017) with ≥6 months follow-up. Strictures amenable to anastomotic repair were excluded. Success was defined as no need for further operative management. RESULTS: Among 1129 strictures cases, 403 complex strictures were identified for analysis (median length 4.5 cm). Median age was 53.2 years (standard deviation ± 14.9). Reconstruction was most commonly performed using BMG (61.3%), followed by penile skin flap (21.6%) and PU (19.1%). PU use has increased steadily over the past decade, rising from 4.3% of case volume in 2008 to 38.7% in 2017 (P = .01). Over time, the proportion of reconstruction using BMG has remained stable, while penile skin flaps are now less commonly utilized. Over a median follow-up of 50.7 months, 16.9% (68/403) patients failed at a median of 13.9 months. Success rates were higher following PU (94.8%) compared to BMG and skin flaps (78.5% and 78.2%, respectively) (P = .003) despite PU patients being older (median age 62.6 years), having longer strictures (median 5.0 cm) and more commonly having lichen sclerosus (LS) (22.1%). CONCLUSION: Over a decade of a urethral reconstructive practice, PU has increasingly become preferred for older patients with long strictures and adverse etiology. BMG urethroplasty rates remain stable, while penile skin flap use is decreasing. Success rates of PU for these complex strictures are markedly higher than those of grafts and flaps.

Prolonged Duration of Incontinence for Men Before Initial Anti-incontinence Surgery: An Opportunity for Improvement.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the duration and severity of male incontinence symptoms before presentation for initial anti-incontinence surgery (AIS) in a large tertiary subspecialty practice. Although male stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is known to profoundly compromise quality of life, many men do not undergo AIS in a timely manner. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed our male patients with SUI (2007-2017) and assessed time from SUI onset to initial AIS across various demographics comparing male sling and artificial urinary sphincter (AUS). Reoperative cases were excluded. RESULTS: Among 786 cases, 572 men undergoing initial AIS met the inclusion criteria (mean age 69 years), with 57.7% (330/572) undergoing AUS and 42.3% (242/572) undergoing sling. The median duration of incontinence before AIS was 32 months. AUS patients pursued surgical intervention earlier than men undergoing sling (median time 28.8 months vs 34.7 months, P = .03). Most patients deferred AIS for more than 2 years (69.8% of sling patients and 58.5% of AUS patients), and 32.3% demonstrated an extended delay of more than 5 years. Increasing age correlated with delays in both AUS (Spearman rho = 0.20, P = .0001) and sling (Spearman rho = 0.34, P <.0001). On multivariate analysis, age was significantly associated with duration of incontinence (P <.0001). Octogenarians had a notably higher median delay of 87.4 months. CONCLUSION: Although the median duration of SUI before the initial AIS is 2.7 years, one-third of men experience a delay of more than 5 years. AUS present for AIS 6 months less on average relative to sling patients. Older men demonstrate a longer duration of SUI before seeking surgical care.

Modified Transanosphincteric (York Mason) Repair of Nonradiated Rectourinary Fistulae: Patient-reported Fecal Continence Outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To review our experience with the modified York Mason (MYM) procedure in the treatment of rectourinary fistulas (RUFs) and to assess fecal continence using patient-reported measures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of patients who underwent MYM repair of nonradiated RUF with gluteal free fat graft from 2008 to 2016 at a single institution. Success was defined as resolution of the fistula without need for further surgery. The Cleveland Clinic-Florida Wexner Fecal Incontinence Score (CCFFIS) and the Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I) surveys were administered by phone. RESULTS: Of 17 patients who underwent MYM repair with a mean age of 61.8 years old, the most common fistula etiologies were prostatectomy in 11 patients (65%), cryoablation in 2 patients (12%), and transanal tumor excision (12%). Three patients (18%) failed prior perineal repairs. The mean fistula size was 10.1 mm (range 2-25), the median operative time was 231 minutes (range 151-365), and the median length of stay was 2.0 days (range 1-13). At the median follow-up of 39.4 months, 16 of the 17 patients (94%) had successful primary closures. The condition of the 10 patients who responded to the phone survey was "much better" (median PGI-I score 2), with 89.5% mean improvement. The mean CCFFIS was 1.4 (range 0-5) on a scale of 0 (total continence) to 20 (complete incontinence). Two patients (20%) reported rare (<1 per month) fecal incontinence, and 2/10 (20%) reported frequent flatal incontinence, but none reported significant lifestyle change or sought further treatment for bowel symptoms. CONCLUSION: The MYM technique has a high success rate in the treatment of nonradiated RUF with negligible impact on fecal continence.

Low Serum Testosterone is Present in Nearly Half of Men Undergoing Artificial Urinary Sphincter Placement.

OBJECTIVES: To report the prevalence of low serum testosterone (LST) in men undergoing artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) placement at a single high-volume institution. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all men undergoing AUS procedures by a single surgeon from January 2015 to January 2018 to identify men with pretreatment total serum testosterone levels. LST was defined as less than 280 ng/dL. Patients with only posttreatment testosterone levels were excluded. Demographic characteristics and clinical outcomes were compared between men with and without LST. RESULTS: Among 113 patients who underwent AUS with pretreatment serum testosterone levels drawn an average of 2.2 months before AUS surgery, 45.1% (51 of 113) met criteria for LST, including 18 patients on androgen deprivation therapy. The rate of primary LST was 34.7% (33 of 95). The median total serum testosterone level among men with LST was 118 ng/dL (interquartile range 6-211), and 413 mg/dL (interquartile range 333-550) in the normal serum testosterone group. There were no differences in patient age, history of radiation, erectile dysfunction, or other comorbidities between the groups. Body mass index was higher in the LST group compared to normal serum testosterone (30 vs 27 kg/m2, P = .001). Cuff size and rates of transcorporal cuff placement were similar between groups. CONCLUSION: Nearly one-half of men with stress urinary incontinence undergoing AUS placement present with LST. While AUS cuff erosion appears to be more common in men with LST, further study is needed to determine if treating LST will reduce cuff erosion rates.

Refined nomogram incorporating standing cough test improves prediction of male transobturator sling success.

AIMS: To develop a decision aid in predicting sling success, incorporating the Male Stress Incontinence Grading Scale (MSIGS) into existing treatment algorithms. METHODS: We reviewed men undergoing first-time transobturator sling for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) from 2007 to 2016 at our institution. Patient demographics, reported pads per day (PPD), and Standing Cough Test (SCT) results graded 0-4, according to MSIGS, were assessed. Treatment failure was defined as subsequent need for >1 PPD or further procedures. Parameters associated with failure were included in multivariable logistic models, compared by area under the receiver-operating characteristic curves. A nomogram was generated from the model with greatest AUC and internally validated. RESULTS: Overall 203 men (median age 67 years, IQR 63-72) were evaluated with median follow-up of 45 months (IQR 11-75 months). A total of 185 men (91%) were status-post radical prostatectomy and 29 (14%) had pelvic radiation history. Median PPD and SCT grade were both two. Eighty men (39%) failed treatment (use of ≥1 PPD or subsequent anti-incontinence procedures) at a median of 9 months. History of radiation (P = 0.03), increasing MSIGS (P < 0.0001) and increasing preoperative PPD (P < 0.0001) were associated with failure on univariate analysis. In a multivariable model with AUC 0.81, MSIGS, and PPD remained associated (P = 0.002 and <0.0001 respectively, and radiation history P = 0.06), and was superior to models incorporating PPD and radiation alone (AUC 0.77, P = 0.02), PPD alone (AUC 0.76, P = 0.02), and a cutpoint of >2 PPD alone (AUC 0.71, P = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: MSIGS adds prognostic value to PPD in assessing success of transobturator sling for treatment of SUI.

Penoscrotal Decompression-Promising New Treatment Paradigm for Refractory Ischemic Priapism.

BACKGROUND: For prolonged ischemic priapism, outcomes after distal shunt are poor, with only 30% success for priapic episodes lasting longer than 48 hours. AIM: To present a novel, glans-sparing approach of corporal decompression through a penoscrotal approach for cases of refractory ischemic priapism (RIP) after failed distal shunt procedures. METHODS: We describe the technique and present our initial experience with penoscrotal decompression (PSD) for treatment of RIP after failed distal shunt. We compared outcomes of patients with RIP undergoing surgical management using PSD or malleable penile prosthesis (MPP) placement after failed distal penile shunt procedures (2008-2017). OUTCOMES: Our initial experience showed favorable outcomes with PSD compared with early MPP placement in patients with RIP whose distal shunt failed. RESULTS: Of 14 patients with RIP undergoing surgical management after failed distal penile shunt procedures, all patients presented after a prolonged duration of priapism (median = 61 hours) after which the priapism was refractory to multiple prior treatments (median = 3, range = 1-75) including at least 1 distal shunt. MPP was inserted in 8 patients (57.1%), whereas the most recent 6 patients (42.9%) underwent PSD. All patients with PSD (6 of 6, 100%) were successfully treated with corporal decompression without additional intervention and noted immediate relief of pain postoperatively. In contrast, 37.5% of patients (3 of 8) undergoing MPP after failed distal shunt procedures required a total of 8 revision surgeries during a median follow-up of 41.5 months. The most common indications for revision surgery after MPP placement included distal (4 of 8, 50%) and impending lateral (2 of 8, 25%) extrusion. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: PSD is a simple, effective technique in the management of RIP after failed distal shunt procedures with fewer complications than MPP placement. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: Although PSD is effective in the management of RIP after failed distal shunt procedures, long-term assessment of erectile function and ease of future penile prosthetic implantation is needed. CONCLUSION: Corporal decompression resolves RIP through a glans-sparing approach and avoids the high complication rate of prosthetic insertion after failed distal shunt procedures. Fuchs JS, Shakir N, McKibben MJ, et al. Penoscrotal Decompression-Promising New Treatment Paradigm for Refractory Ischemic Priapism. J Sex Med 2018;15:797-802.

Cord Blood Antiparasite Interleukin 10 as a Risk Marker for Compromised Vaccine Immunogenicity in Early Childhood.

Background: Antenatal exposure to parasites can affect infants' subsequent responses to vaccination. The present study investigated how maternal prenatal infections and newborns' antiparasite cytokine profiles relate to immunoglobulin G (IgG) responses to standard vaccination during infancy. Methods: A total of 450 Kenyan women were tested for parasitic infections during pregnancy. Their newborns' responses to Plasmodium falciparum, schistosome, and filaria antigens were assessed in cord blood lymphocytes. Following standard neonatal vaccination, this infant cohort was followed biannually to age 30 months for measurement of circulating IgG levels against Haemophilus influenzae b (Hib), diphtheria toxoid (DT), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and tetanus toxoid. Results: Trajectories of postvaccination IgG levels were classified by functional principal component (PC) analysis to assess each child's response profile. Two main components, PC1, reflecting height of response over time, and PC2, reflecting crossover from high to low responses or from low to high responses, were identified. Cord blood cytokine responses to schistosome and filarial antigens showed a significant association between augmented antihelminth interleukin 10 and reduced antibody levels, particularly to DT and HBV, and a more rapid postvaccination decline in circulating IgG levels against Hib. Conclusion: Antenatal sensitization to schistosomiasis or filariasis and related production of antiparasite interleukin 10 at birth are associated with reduced antivaccine IgG levels in infancy, with possibly impaired protection.

Advanced Practice Providers in U.S. Urology: A National Survey of Demographics and Clinical Roles.

INTRODUCTION: Projections suggest a significant shortage of urologists coupled with an increasing burden of urological disease due to an aging population. To meet this need, urologists have increasingly partnered with advanced practice providers. However, to this point the advanced practice provider workforce has not been comprehensively evaluated. Understanding the impact of advanced practice providers on the urology workforce is essential to maximize collaborative care as we strive for value and quality in evolving delivery models. METHODS: A 29-item, web based survey was administered to advanced practice providers identified by the AUA (American Urological Association), UAPA (Urological Association of Physician Assistants) and SUNA (Society of Urologic Nurses and Associates), querying many aspects of their practice. RESULTS: A total of 296 advanced practice providers completed the survey. Advanced practice nurses comprised 62% of respondents while physician assistants comprised the remaining 38%. More than two-thirds of the respondents were female and median age was 46 years. Only 6% reported having participated in formal postgraduate urological training. Advanced practice providers were evenly divided between institutional and private practice settings, and overwhelmingly in urban or suburban environments. The majority of advanced practice providers practice in the ambulatory setting (74%) and characterize their practice as general urology (72%). Overall 81% reported performing procedures independently, with 63% performing some procedures considered to be of moderate or high complexity. CONCLUSIONS: Advanced practice providers are active in the provision of urological care in many roles, including complex procedures. Given future workforce needs, advanced practice providers will likely assume additional responsibilities. As roles shift we must ensure we have the necessary educational and training opportunities to equip this vital part of our workforce.

Projecting the Urology Workforce Over the Next 20 Years.

OBJECTIVE: To forecast the size and composition of the urologist and urology advanced care provider (ACP; nurse practitioner, physicians' assistant) workforce over the next 20 years. METHODS: Current urologist workforce was estimated from the American Board of Urology certification data and the 2014 American Urological Association (AUA) Census. Incoming workforce was estimated from the American Board of Urology and AUA residency match data. Estimates of the ACP workforce were extracted from the 2012 AUA Physician Survey. Full-time equivalent (FTE) calculations were based on a 2014 urology workforce survey. Workforce projections were created using a stock and flow population model with multiple alternative forecast scenarios. RESULTS: Slight growth in overall (urologist + ACP) workforce FTEs is expected, from 14,792 in 2015 to 15,160 in 2035. A significant decline in urologist FTEs is likely, from 11,221 in 2015 to 8859 in 2035. ACPs should increase markedly, from 8,710 in 2015 to 15,369 in 2035. Female urologists should increase by 2035, from the current 7.0% to 18.6% of urologist workforce. Alternate scenarios were evaluated, with forecasted FTEs in 2035 ranging from 14,066 to 17,675. In 2035, workforce shortage predictions range from 12% to 46%. CONCLUSION: With a decrease in urologists over the coming decades, urologists and ACPs may not meet future demand. This forecast highlights the need for discussion and planning among leadership in the field to find creative solutions for this impending workforce shortage.

Gender Differences in Compensation, Job Satisfaction and Other Practice Patterns in Urology.

PURPOSE: The proportion of women in urology has increased from less than 0.5% in 1981 to 10% today. Furthermore, 33% of students matching in urology are now female. In this analysis we characterize the female workforce in urology compared to that of men with regard to income, workload and job satisfaction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We collaborated with the American Urological Association to survey its domestic membership of practicing urologists regarding socioeconomic, workforce and quality of life issues. A total of 6,511 survey invitations were sent via e-mail. The survey consisted of 26 questions and took approximately 13 minutes to complete. Linear regression models were used to evaluate bivariable and multivariable associations with job satisfaction and compensation. RESULTS: A total of 848 responses (660 or 90% male, 73 or 10% female) were collected for a total response rate of 13%. On bivariable analysis female urologists were younger (p <0.0001), more likely to be fellowship trained (p=0.002), worked in academics (p=0.008), were less likely to be self-employed and worked fewer hours (p=0.03) compared to male urologists. On multivariable analysis female gender was a significant predictor of lower compensation (p=0.001) when controlling for work hours, call frequency, age, practice setting and type, fellowship training and advance practice provider employment. Adjusted salaries among female urologists were $76,321 less than those of men. Gender was not a predictor of job satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: Female urologists are significantly less compensated compared to male urologists after adjusting for several factors likely contributing to compensation. There is no difference in job satisfaction between male and female urologists.