Peyronie's disease with erectile dysfunction: penile modeling over inflatable penile prostheses

Peyronie's disease - outcomes of collagenase clostridium histolyticum injection: A systematic review

Objective

To review recent literature pertaining to collagenase clostridium histolyticum (CCh)and other intralesional (IL) therapies for the treatment of Peyronie’s disease (PD). 

Methods

A systematic search of literature was performed using MEDLINE and PubMed.‘Peyronie’s Disease Clostridium Histolyticum’, ‘Peyronie’s Disease Intralesional’, ‘Peyronie’sDisease Causes’, and ‘Atypical Peyronie’s Disease’ were used as query entries. Inclusion criteriarequired English text from 1980 onwards and have a full text available. Records were reviewed for study power, accuracy, and relevance to our research topic. The review was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses criteria.

Results

Recent literature supports the notion that CCh is the most effective IL treatment forpatients with typical and atypical PD. The capstone CCh study was the IMPRESS trial thatshowed a 34% reduction in curvature with a mean (SD) – 17.0 (14.8)° reduction with IL CCh,while men in the placebo saw an average 18.2% decrease in penile bend with a mean (SD) – 9.3 (13.6)° per person (P < 0.001). A shortened protocol for IL CCh treatment offered a 31.4%reduction in curvature, while decreasing cost and office visits, potentially increasing patientcompliance. Lastly, literature shows CCh is used most in atypical cases, with ~64.8% of patients being treated with CCh, probably because of the high efficacy and safetyprofile that it offers. Serious complications associated with CCh include urethralinjury, corporal rupture, and penile fracture.

Conclusion

Since the approval of CCh by the United States Food and Drug Administration in2013, it has been a staple in the treatment of PD, and here we report the continuedsuperiority of this therapy. CCh is an effective, minimally invasive option in most PDpopulations; however, recent changes have made CCh unavailable for commercial use outside the United States, impacting many patients who have previously benefited.

The evolution in the surgical management of Peyronie's disease

Peyronie's disease (PD) is due to a fibrotic alteration of the tunica albuginea of the penis. It is responsible of penile pain, angulation, and possible erectile dysfunction (ED). Despite almost three centuries have passed since the first description of the disease, etiology still remains uncertain. This fact has led to the lack of a truly effective medical therapy and to date the surgical treatment, although not yet standardized, is the only one that offers acceptable outcomes in terms of function and overall patient's satisfaction. Since the beginning of the surgical experience in this field, two different currents of thought have developed: the first, involved the proposal of a number of different plication techniques, applied on the healthy side of the penis, opposite to the sick side, with the sole purpose of correcting the curvature; on the other side, efforts have focused on treating the "focus" of the disease, thus developing the so called "plaque surgery." If with the passing of the decades neither of the two "philosophical" currents has prevailed, this probably depends on the fact that is still not clear which is the lesser of evils: the frequent onset of ED which may follows the plaque surgery or rather the penis shortening that inevitably occurs if any technique of plication has been applied. Our contribution aims to offer an historical retrospective of the surgical treatment of this disease as well as to discuss the latest international guidelines on this topic. The reader will also find some notes about our personal experience in this field.

Management of residual penile curvature after penile prosthesis placement

Residual penile curvature is a common situation following the implantation of a penile prosthesis in patients with Peyronie's disease. Currently, there is a variety of options for the correction of residual curvature, including penile modeling, plication techniques, as well as tunical incision/excision with or without grafting. A literature search of PubMed and Medline databases was conducted from 1964 until 2020, using search terms for all articles in the English language. In this article, we provide a review of the techniques and the outcomes, according to the published literature.

Modern treatment strategies for penile prosthetics in Peyronie's disease: a contemporary clinical review

Peyronie's disease is a common condition resulting in penile deformity, psychological bother, and sexual dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction is one common comorbid condition seen in men with Peyronie's disease, and its presence significantly impacts treatment considerations. In a man with Peyronie's disease and significant erectile dysfunction who desires the most reliable treatment, penile prosthesis placement should be strongly considered. In some instances, such as those patients with relatively mild curvature, prosthesis placement alone may result in adequate straightening. However, many patients will require additional straightening maneuvers such as manual modeling, penile plication, and tunica albuginea incision with or without grafting. For patients with severe penile shortening, penile length restoration techniques may also be considered. Herein, we provide a comprehensive clinical review of penile prosthesis placement in men with Peyronie's disease. Specifically, we discuss preoperative indications, intraoperative considerations, adjunctive straightening maneuvers, and postoperative outcomes.

Optimal Modeling: an Updated Method for Safely and Effectively Eliminating Curvature During Penile Prosthesis Implantation

OBJECTIVES

To assess outcomes of a variant of traditional modeling ("optimal modeling," OM) in patients with residual curvature following prosthesis implantation.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of all patients who underwent penile implant insertion. Patients with >30° of residual curvature after cylinder placement and inflation underwent OM and were compared 1:1 to a demographically-matched cohort who received implantation without ancillary straightening. Optimal modeling was performed by forcibly bending the erect penis in the direction opposite the point of maximal curvature while maintaining glanular pressure to prevent urethral injury. This was performed for 90-second intervals for as many cycles as necessary to achieve <15° curvature.

RESULTS

Eighty patients were included in the final analysis; 40 (50.0%) underwent optimal modeling while 40 (50.0%) did not need additional straightening following surgery. The mean premodeling curvature was 47.8° (range 30°-90°) while post-modeling curvature improved to a mean of 10.6° (range 0°-30°, P < .001); 87.5% of patients had <15° of residual curvature. Patients in the OM cohort experienced longer operative times (82.7 vs 75.8 min, P = .15). No patient in either group experienced an intraoperative or postoperative complication at a mean follow-up of 29.9 months.

CONCLUSION

Although many prosthetic urologists forego manual modeling in cases of moderate-severe penile curvature, our contemporary series shows it to be both safe and effective. OM may preclude the need for more time-consuming and complex surgical procedures.

Multicenter Experience Using Collagen Fleece for Plaque Incision With Grafting to Correct Residual Curvature at the Time of Inflatable Penile Prosthesis Placement in Patients With Peyronie's Disease

BACKGROUND

Adjuvant maneuvers are often necessary to correct residual curvature during inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) placement in patients with Peyronie's disease (PD).

AIM

We present our multicenter experience using collagen fleece as graft material for plaque incision and grafting (PIG) during IPP placement in patients with moderate to severe PD.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 51 patients with IPP from 3 sites who underwent PIG with Tachosil (Baxter, IL) collagen fleece. Coloplast (Minneapolis, MN) IPP devices were used. Factors associated with residual curvature, revision, and patient satisfaction were performed using chi-squared analysis.

OUTCOMES

We evaluated postoperative outcomes including factors associated with residual curvature, revision, and patient satisfaction.

RESULTS

The mean compound curvature was 69.6°. The mean follow-up was 10.6 (range 1-38) months. All patients reported erections sufficient for penetrative intercourse at the last follow-up. Residual curvature <15° was noted in 6 of 51 (12%) patients. 3 patients required device revision. 2 patients experienced temporary glanular paresthesia, and no patients experienced device infection.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

In our multicenter study, patients experienced substantial curve correction with minimal complications, and in the few patients who had persistent mild curvature, severe preoperative curvature (>60°) was found to be the only risk factor.

STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS

Our study represents the largest series of patients coming from multiple centers undergoing surgical correction of PD with IPP and collagen fleece grafting. Limitations of this study include the retrospective study design, lack of a comparison group, and modest follow-up.

CONCLUSION

PIG using collagen fleece is a safe and effective means of correcting residual curvature after IPP placement in patients with moderate to severe PD. Hatzichristodoulou G, Yang DY, Ring JD, et al. Multicenter Experience Using Collagen Fleece for Plaque Incision With Grafting to Correct Residual Curvature at the Time of Inflatable Penile Prosthesis Placement in Patients With Peyronie's Disease. J Sex Med 2020;17:1168-1174.

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

INTRODUCTION

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

AIM

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

METHODS

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

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Success and satisfaction rates of various procedures.

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSION

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

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

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

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

Background

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

Aims

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

Methods

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

Results

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

Conclusion

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

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

Penile prosthetic surgery for the management of Peyronie's disease

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

Evidence-Based Management Guidelines on Peyronie's Disease

INTRODUCTION

Despite recent advances in our knowledge and treatment strategies in Peyronie's Disease (PD), much remained unknown about this disease.

AIM

To provide a clinical framework and key guideline statements to assist clinicians in an evidence-based management of PD.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted to identify published literature relevant to PD. The search included all relevant articles published up to June 2015, including preclinical studies and published guidelines. References used in the text were assessed according to their level of evidence, and guideline recommendations were graded based on the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine Levels of Evidence. Owing to the paucity of larger series and randomized placebo-controlled trials with regard to surgical intervention, guideline statements are provided as clinical principle or expert opinion.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

This literature was discussed at a panel meeting, and selected articles with the highest evidence available were used to create consensus guideline statements for the Fourth International Consultation on Sexual Medicine guidelines on PD.

RESULTS

In addition to existing Third International Consultation on Sexual Medicine guidelines on PD, seven new summary recommendations were created.

CONCLUSION

A greater understanding of the scientific basis of PD is greatly needed to address our understanding of the pathophysiology, clinical epidemiology, psychosocial, and diagnostic assessment as well as treatment strategies.

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

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

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

INTRODUCTION

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

AIM

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

METHODS

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

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSIONS

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

Penile Prosthesis Surgery: Current Recommendations From the International Consultation on Sexual Medicine

INTRODUCTION

Penile prosthesis implantation has emerged as a definitive treatment to restore sexual function to the motivated man with erectile dysfunction. Substantial improvements in the design of inflatable devices have been made since they first became available more than four decades ago.

AIM

To review the history of the penile prosthesis, the indications, preoperative evaluation, and patient and partner satisfaction. The current approaches to addressing intra- and postoperative complications, provide an understanding of prosthesis infection, and placement of these devices will be reviewed.

METHODS

A committee of worldwide experts in this field was assembled during the 2015 International Consultation on Sexual Medicine (ICSM) and performed a systematic review of the peer-reviewed published medical literature pertaining to penile prosthesis. Particular attention was given to higher level trials when available. Recommendations are based upon the Oxford Criteria.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Unfortunately there is limited level 1 and 2 evidence, and where expert opinion was utilized, the decision was unanimous within the committee with a goal of presenting a clinically relevant guideline pertaining to penile prostheses.

RESULTS

Penile prosthesis has undergone an evolution over the past 40 years resulting in a more effective and reliable treatment for advanced erectile dysfunction not responding to less invasive methods including oral treatment with PDE5 inhibitors, vacuum erection device, and intracorporal injection therapy. It should be considered an appropriate treatment option for the man who wishes to restore erectile function and who understands the potential risk of mechanical failure and infection, both of which are less common now as a result of improvements made in device design as well as surgical protocols adhered to in the operating room. Patients must be clearly informed of the risks associated with penile prosthesis including mechanical failure, infection, shortening of the penis, change in sensation and configuration of the penis, as well as injury to local structures. Intraoperative complications are unusual but do occur and can usually be addressed intraoperatively to allow placement of the device at the time of initial surgery. Postoperative complications may also be addressed when they occur but may require more advanced reconstructive surgical techniques. Men with Peyronie's disease, corporal fibrosis due to infection, trauma, prior prosthesis explantation, priapism, and men who have undergone construction of a neophallus may require additional advanced maneuvers to obtain optimum results with a penile prosthesis.

CONCLUSION

Penile prosthesis remains as an important, viable, and effective treatment for male erectile dysfunction that does not respond to other less invasive approaches or when these approaches are contraindicated or not acceptable to the patient. These devices provide the patient with the ability to engage in penetrative sexual activity without interfering with urination, ejaculation, sensation, or orgasm. Although mechanical failure can occur, the current devices are more reliable as a result of design modifications. Infection remains the most dreaded complication but since the introduction of antibiotic and hydrophilic coatings, infection is less common. Overall, patient and partner satisfaction appear to be reasonably high when a penile prosthesis is used to restore erectile function.

Surgical treatment of Peyronie's disease with autologous tunica vaginalis of testis

Background

To investigate the feasibility and safety of surgical treatment for Peyronie’s disease (PD) by excising and repairing plaque using autologous tunica vaginalis of testis.

Methods

From March 2007 to December 2012, total 19 patients with PD underwent surgical treatment at our center. All patients had significant phallocampsis during erection. All patients complained of decreased sexual function. During the operation, the fibrotic plaque was excised and neurovascular bundle (NVB) was spared. A size-matching autologous tunica vaginalis of testis was harvested as the graft and patched to the defect. All patients received follow up every 3 months in the first year and 6 months in the following years. Data on sexual function before and after the operation was collected and compared.

Results

All operations were completed successfully without serious complications. The mean operative time was 74 min. The mean size of excised plaque was 3.0 cm². Postoperative pathological studies revealed the fibroplastic hyperplasia of excised tissue. All patients had satisfactory correction of penile appearance. The erectile penile length between pre- and post-operation didn’t show significant difference. Postoperative intercourse satisfaction and overall satisfaction measured by IIEF-5 were significant improved.

Conclusions

Our surgical treatment is feasible and safe for patients with PD. It can effectively improve the penile cosmetic appearance and patients’ intercourse/overall satisfaction on sexual life.

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

INTRODUCTION

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

AIM

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

METHODS

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

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

The outcome of the various surgical procedures is reported.

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSIONS

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

A practical overview of considerations for penile prosthesis placement

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

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

INTRODUCTION

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

AIM

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

METHODS

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

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSIONS

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

Surgical management of Peyronie's disease

Peyronie's disease (PD) has a significant impact on the quality of life of both patients and their partners due to the compromised sexual function and physical deformation resulting from the condition. PD is a connective tissue disorder marked by fibrotic healing of the tunica albuginea, leading to penile deformities including curvature, shortening, loss of girth, hourglass appearance, and hinging. Despite the multiple medical therapies available, surgery is the gold standard of treatment once the plaque has stabilized. We present a review of the disease process, preoperative evaluation, operative planning, surgical treatments with outcomes and complications, and nascent developments in surgical management and graft development. Options include tunical lengthening procedures, tunical shortening procedures, and penile prosthesis. Decision-making is governed by degree of curvature, erectile function, and associated penile deformities. In cases with curvature of less than 60-70 degrees, adequate penile length, and no hourglass deformity, patients are candidates for tunical shortening procedures. Patients with curvature greater than 60-70 degrees, penile hourglass or hinge-destabilizing deformities, and adequate erectile function should be counseled with regard to tunical lengthening procedures. Patients with poor preoperative erectile function should undergo inflatable penile prosthesis placement, with possible secondary straightening procedures. Technique selection should be based upon surgeon preference, expertise, and experience, as evidence does not necessarily support one procedure over another.

Penile straightening maneuvers employed during penile prosthesis surgery: technical options and outcomes

Straightening maneuvers (SM), including manual penile modeling, tunical relaxing incisions and corporal reconstruction using grafting techniques, are occasionally required during inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) implantation to ensure functional penile straightness. The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of men undergoing SM employed during IPP implantation compared with those wherein these maneuvers were not required. A retrospective review of 391 patients undergoing IPP implantation at the Johns Hopkins Hospital from January 2000 to December 2011 was performed. Patients in whom some SM was employed (SM, n=93, 23.9% of the overall cohort) were compared with those for whom SM was not required (IPP group, n=298). Seven patients were excluded from final analysis (6 patients with IPPs inserted in neophalli (SM group), and 1 patient with incomplete data (IPP group). Patients in whom a SM was used were younger (55.4 vs 62.3 years), more likely to have Peyronie's disease, and less likely to have prostate cancer, radical prostatectomy or to have previously used erectile aids (all P<0.05). Mean operating room time in the SM group was longer (173.8 vs 152.9 min, P=0.003). Within the SM group, modeling was performed in 40 (43%), tunical relaxing incisions in 37 (39.8%) and tunical reconstruction in 16 (17.2%) (most commonly using allograft dermis or pericardium, or synthetic gore-tex grafts). There were no significant differences in terms of device infection (P=0.15), mechanical failure (P=0.23) or erosion (P=0.96). Although limited in size, this cohort study suggests that IPP implantation in men with penile deformity requiring complex reconstruction to achieve straightening may be done proficiently and without increased adverse outcome risk.

A critical analysis of the surgical outcomes for the treatment of Peyronie's disease

Peyronie’s disease (PD) is a relatively common condition, which can impair sexual function and result in emotional and psychological distress. Despite an abundance of minimally invasive treatments, few have confirmed efficacy for improving penile curvature and function. Surgical therapies include many different techniques and are reserved for patients with stable disease of ⩾12 months’ duration. We searched PubMed for all articles from 1990 to the present relating to the surgical management of PD. Preference was given to recent articles, larger series, and those comparing various techniques and/or materials. Outcomes were subsequently analysed and organised by surgical technique and the graft material used. Available surgical techniques include plication/corporoplasty procedures, incision and grafting (I&G), and placing a penile prosthesis with or without adjunctive procedures. Although several surgical algorithms have been reported, in general, plication/corporoplasty procedures are reserved for patients with adequate erectile function, simple curvatures of <60°, and with no deformities (hour-glass, hinge). I&G are reserved for complex curvatures of >60° and those with deformities. Penile prostheses are indicated for combined erectile dysfunction and PD. Overall outcomes show high rates of improved curvature and patient satisfaction, with mildly decreased erectile function with both plication and the I&G procedure (I&G >plication) and decreases in penile length (plication >I&G). Surgical management of PD remains an excellent treatment option for patients with penile curvature precluding or impairing sexual activity. Surgical algorithms are available to assist treating clinicians in appropriately stratifying surgical candidates. Additional research is needed to identify optimal surgical techniques and materials based on patient and disease characteristics.

Penile prosthesis implantation and tunica albuginea incision without grafting in the treatment of Peyronie's disease with erectile dysfunction

We evaluated penile prosthesis implantation with tunica albuginea-relaxing incisions without grafting in the treatment of Peyronie's disease associated with erectile dysfunction. Between April 2005 and June 2011, 62 patients underwent surgery due to severe Peyronie's disease associated with erectile dysfunction. Malleable and inflatable penile prostheses were inserted in 49 and 13 cases, respectively. Penile prostheses were inserted into the corpora cavernosa using the standard ventral approach. After lifting the neurovascular bundle, the tunica albuginea was incised and opened at the plaque region to correct the deformities and to lengthen the penis. Subsequently, the wide neurovascular bundle was replaced, and all incisions of the tunica albuginea were covered to prevent corporal grafting. In the median follow-up of 35 months (range 14-82 months), the penis was completely straightened in 59 (95%) patients. Numbness of the glans, which the patients found initially upsetting, decreased or disappeared spontaneously 3-6 months later. Penile prosthesis implantation with tunica albuginea incisions is a viable alternative in the treatment of Peyronie's disease because the extensive dissection of the neurovascular bundle allows a good approach to the plaque and provides excellent covering of the incised tunica albuginea without additional grafting.

Comparison between AMS 700™ CX and Coloplast™ Titan inflatable penile prosthesis for Peyronie's disease treatment and remodeling: clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction

INTRODUCTION

The implantation of inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) with simultaneous manual penile remodeling allows for men to undergo a single procedure aimed at correcting both the penile deformity/curvature and erectile dysfunction (ED).

AIM

To evaluate the clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction in men with Peyronie's disease (PD) and ED who underwent AMS 700™ CX and the newer Coloplast™ Titan inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) implant.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Patient demographics, type of IPP, clinical outcomes, post-implant sexual characteristics, and overall patient satisfaction.

METHODS

A single-center retrospective review of clinical database and prospective telephone survey were conducted in all men with PD who underwent IPP between January 2006 and November 2010.

RESULTS

A total of 138 patients with an average age of 57.7 (32 to 80) underwent AMS 700 CX (88 patients) and Coloplast Titans (50 patients) IPP implantation during the 5-year period. The majority of patients (91%) had only one IPP implantation. The IPP clinical outcomes include eight (6%) revision surgery for device malfunction and three (2%) device explantation for prosthesis infection. While there was no statistically significance in device survival between the two devices, the trend favored AMS 700 CX over Titan (5-year Kaplan-Meier estimates of mechanical survival were 91% vs. 87%, P>0.05) and both IPPs provided similar penile straightening without the need for revision surgery. Most men (79%) reported great satisfaction following CX or Titan implants with greater than two thirds of men reported greater self-confidence and 82% of patients would undergo the same operation again.

CONCLUSIONS

AMS 700™ CX and Coloplast™ Titan IPP implantation and penile remodeling appeared to provide permanent penile straightening and high patient satisfaction without an increase risk of revision surgery.

Surgery for Peyronie's disease

Peyronie's disease (PD) is most simply referred to as a fibrotic wound-healing disorder of the tunica albuginea. It is both a physically and psychologically devastating disorder that causes penile deformity, curvature, hinging, narrowing and shortening, which may compromise sexual function. Although a variety of non-surgical treatments have been suggested, none to date offer a reliable and effective correction of the penile deformity. As a result, surgery remains the gold standard treatment option, offering the most rapid and reliable treatment which will be the focus of this article. We review the preoperative evaluation, surgical algorithm, graft materials and postoperative management of PD. Outcomes for tunical shortening, tunical lengthening and penile prosthesis placement for penile straightening are reviewed. Tunica albuginea plication is the preferred method of straightening for men with adequate rigidity and less severe disease defined as curvature less than 70° without narrowing/hinging. Men who have more severe, complex deformity, but maintain strong preoperative erectile function should be considered candidates for straightening with plaque incision or partial excision and grafting. Finally, for those men who have inadequate rigidity and PD, penile prosthesis placement with straightening is the best approach to address both problems.

Penile length and girth restoration in severe Peyronie's disease using circular and longitudinal grafting

OBJECTIVE

To report patient outcomes and satisfaction with our technique for penile length and girth restoration in severe Peyronie's disease (PD).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between November 2006 and November 2011, 105 men with severe PD and erectile dysfunction (ED) underwent surgical correction using our new approach. The technique consists of penile prosthesis implantation with concomitant penile lengthening and girth restoration through circular and longitudinal incisions in the tunica albuginea according to geometric principles.

RESULTS

The overall patient satisfaction rate was 89.4%. The mean (sd; range) functional penile length gain was 3.6 (0.7; 2-5) cm. Patient satisfaction with penile length gain was 95.2%. Three patients (2.9%) developed retraction with residual curvature of up to 30°, but no re-operation was necessary. In one (1%) patient, the prosthesis had to be removed because of wound infection. At a mean (sd; range) follow-up of 18.2 (5.9; 6-46) months, 104 patients (99%) were able to have sexual intercourse.

CONCLUSIONS

Our surgical approach for penile length and girth restoration leads to high patient satisfaction rates and excellent functional outcomes. Our surgical approach is a safe and valid therapeutic method for the treatment of severe PD associated with ED.

Treatment of Peyronie's disease: 2012 update

Peyronie's disease (PD) is the occurrence of a fibrous inelastic scar of the tunica albuginea of the penis. It is a relatively common disorder among men, with a reported prevalence of 3% to 8%. It is often associated with penile pain, anatomical deformities in the erect state, and difficulty with intromission. Because the exact pathophysiology of PD remains unknown and standards for evaluating or reporting treatment outcomes are unclear, research on effective therapies has been limited. The benefits of nonsurgical treatment options are conflicting and further controlled studies are required before any therapy can be fully recommended. The success of surgery has been well documented; however, surgery is invasive and costly and carries potential side effects. Patients who report stable disease that has been present for longer than 12 months and who experience penile deformity preventing satisfactory sexual intercourse are best suited for surgery. Additionally, failed conservative management and a patient's preference for definitive correction are important additional indications for surgical treatment.

Current status and new developments in Peyronie's disease: medical, minimally invasive and surgical treatment options

INTRODUCTION

Peyronie's disease (PD) is a wound-healing disorder of the tunica albuginea of the penis which affects 3-9% of adult males. Clinically, any combination of plaque formation, penile pain, angulation and erectile dysfunction may appear. This condition may progress, stabilize or, uncommonly, regress during the initial acute phase (6-18 months).

AREAS COVERED

Information regarding this review was searched in PubMed until August 2010. Vitamin E, paraaminobenzoate and colchicine are sparingly employed oral medical therapies. Intralesional injections as a minimally invasive therapy for PD includes injection with verapamil, interferon-α-2b, and collagenase. Men suffering with PD who have significant penile deformity precluding successful coitus can be appraised for surgical correction. Surgery is considered the gold standard and includes plication, incision and grafting- or penile-prosthesis-related procedures.

EXPERT OPINION

This paper provides a broad overview of the subject of PD, available nonsurgical options and surgical approaches that will aid in the routine clinical diagnosis and management of PD. Increased public and medical awareness of PD prevalence, presentation, diagnosis and treatment options will serve well the large population of men who suffer in silence with this common condition.

The management of residual curvature after penile prosthesis implantation in men with Peyronie's disease

OBJECTIVE

• To report our experience in the management of residual curvature after implantation of a penile prosthesis in men with Peyronie's disease (PD).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

• From January 1985 to June 2009, 62 (29%) of the 209 patients with PD that have undergone the insertion of a penile prosthesis have required an additional straightening procedure to correct the residual curvature after the insertion of the cylinders of the implant. • The types of additional manoeuvres, their success in correcting the residual curvature and eventual complications have been reported.

RESULTS

• Among the additional straightening procedures, modelling was more successful in achieving straightening when performed on an inflatable device (84%) than on a malleable implant (54%). • If the curvature persisted after modelling or if the curvature was ventral, straightening was achieved with tunical plications or incision with or without grafting.

CONCLUSION

• Although it is common for the simple implantation of cylinders alone to straighten the penis, some patients will present a residual curvature that must be successfully corrected with additional straightening procedures.

Peyronie's disease compromises the durability and component-malfunction rates in patients implanted with an inflatable penile prosthesis

OBJECTIVE

To compare the durability and complication rates of surgery to implant an inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) between patients with and without Peyronie's disease (PD).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed all patients undergoing IPP surgery at one centre (Memphis) between July 1997 and May 2007. Variables included age at surgery, race, body mass index, presence of PD, brand/type of IPP (two vs three pieces), presence of diabetes mellitus (DM), active tobacco use, and complications. The result were assessed using t-tests, chi-square and regression analysis, with P < 0.05 considered to indicate significant differences.

RESULTS

In all, 79 men were analysed (mean age 59.8 years, range 38.1-81.5). Nine (11%) patients had PD and had a IPP implanted, with penile modelling. Overall, 43 (54%) patients had pre-existing DM and 51 (65%) actively used tobacco. At a mean (range) follow-up of 19.6 (0.1-115.3) months, six (8%) patients had component malfunctions. Of these, three had DM and four actively smoked. Of the nine patients with PD, three developed component malfunctions, vs three (4%) who did not have PD (P= 0.002). Both groups had similar infection rates (P= 0.98). The mean (range) time to component malfunction was 4.3 (0.1-9.6) months, which was longer (but not significantly) in the PD group, with a mean (median, range) of 10.9 (6.3, 1.1-9.6) months, than the 3.0 (1.0, 0.2-7.9) months in the group without PD (P= 0.4). Groups were matched for rates of DM (P= 0.1) and tobacco use (P= 0.2). PD was a significant predictor of component malfunction on both univariate (P= 0.001) and multivariate analysis (P= 0.002) when adjusting for age (P= 0.2), body mass index (P= 0.7), DM (P= 0.3) and tobacco use (P= 0.8).

CONCLUSION

Patients with PD implanted with a IPP, with penile modelling, had significantly higher component malfunction rates. Further, PD independently predicted component malfunction. These findings might be related to stress on the device at the time of surgery, during use, or both. Further study into this relationship is required.

Trans-corporal incision of Peyronie's plaques

INTRODUCTION

Patients presenting with Peyronie's disease (PD) curvature and erectile dysfunction (ED) can achieve straightening and rigidity through penile prosthesis implantation and manual modeling and, if necessary, a relaxing tunical incision with or without grafting. Unfortunately, this maneuver will not correct PD-induced shortening. In addition, incision and grafting after the prosthesis has already been implanted adds to operative time and risk, and may indicate mobilization of the neurovascular bundle and, possibly, a secondary skin incision.

AIM

This work describes trans-corporal incision (TCI), a minimally invasive endoscopic approach for plaque incision from within the corpora cavernosa, restoring straightness and length to the penis, before calibration of the corpora cavernosa, allowing implantation of a longer prosthesis in a straight penis, with neither mobilizing the neurovascular bundle nor a secondary incision.

METHODS

Sixteen patients with PD deformity and refractory ED were operated upon. Intra-operative artificial erection demonstrated the deformity. Through a penoscrotal incision, the corpora were dilated. TCI was performed to incise Peyronie's plaques at the point of maximum deformity. Artificial erection was re-induced and correction of curvature evaluated. Length was measured before and after TCI. Implantation proceeded as usual.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Penile straightness and length.

RESULTS

Following implantation, the penis was straight in all cases. Pre-TCI length of the corpora was unequal on either side. Post-TCI, both corpora were of equal length with an average increase of 2.5 cm (11.9%) on the right side and 1.9 (9.1%) on the left.

CONCLUSION

TCI; corporoscopic incision of Peyronie's plaques upon implantation of penile prosthesis is a minimally invasive approach that restores both straightness and length to patients with PD and ED, with neither mobilization of the neurovascular bundle nor plaque incision and grafting.

Minimally invasive intracorporeal incision of Peyronie's plaque: initial experiences with a new technique

OBJECTIVES

Minimally invasive repairs represent an attractive treatment approach for the surgical correction of Peyronie's disease. We describe a novel intracorporeal incision technique and the results of our ongoing experience.

METHODS

In selected patients who had consented to surgical treatment of a localized Peyronie's scar, saline erection confirmed the degree and location of penile deformity. The skin was mobilized using a subcoronal, circumferential incision. After limited mobilization of the neurovascular bundle, a 1-cm incision lateral to the plaque allowed for the introduction of a triangle-shaped scalpel designed for endoscopic carpal tunnel release into the corpora. Multiple intracorporeal incisions were made, preserving the outer layer of the tunica. Saline erection confirmed curvature correction. A single pair of ventral plication sutures was required in select cases. The small corporotomy, Buck's fascia, and skin were then reapproximated. Patients were discharged home within 24 hours.

RESULTS

In 23 patients, the degree of curvature ranged from 30 degrees to 90 degrees (median 60 degrees). All patients had stable curvature and difficulty with intromission. The mean follow-up was 25 months. Correction of the deformity was successful in all but 2 patients (less than 10 degrees residual curvature), with 80% of patients reporting erections sufficient for intercourse and treatment satisfaction of 85%.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate good correction of curvature, minimal difficulties with erectile function, and high patient-reported satisfaction using our technique at a follow-up of 25 months. We continue to offer intracorporeal incision as a primary treatment option for discrete plaques less than 2 cm, using grafting techniques for larger and complex lesions.

Surgical Treatment of Peyronie’s Disease: A Critical Analysis

OBJECTIVE

The present paper reviews surgical treatment alternatives for patients with Peyronie's disease using knowledge obtained from the contemporary literature.

METHODS

: All aspects of surgical treatment for Peyronie's disease were examined on the basis of MEDLINE database researches.

RESULTS

Surgical treatment should be delayed until the acute inflammatory phase has resolved and should be considered in patients with deformity that impairs sexual function. Currently, surgical treatment alternatives are reconstructive surgery by either lengthening the concave side (incision and grafting) or shortening the convex side (Nesbit procedure or plication) of the penis, and implantation of penile prosthesis with or without incision of the plaque. PD patients with good erectile capacity are candidates for reconstructive surgery. Meanwhile, implantation of penile prosthesis with or without remodeling should be considered for patients without adequate erectile capacity.

CONCLUSIONS

The aim of the surgical treatment in Peyronie's disease is to correct the deformity while preserving or improving erectile capacity of the penis. Appropriate treatment options should be individualized according to the patients' expectations and erectile capacity.

Surgical Treatment of Peyronie's Disease

Peyronie's Disease (PD) is a sexually debilitating disease resulting in significant psycho-logic stress for many men. Urologists have an opportunity to help men suffering from PD to improve their lives. Appropriate treatment should be individualized and tailored to the patient's expectations, disease history, physical examination findings, and erectile function. This review is intended to share the experiences of other urologists in the surgical approach to PD.