Tunica vaginalis flap for the management of disabling Peyronie's disease: surgical technique, results, and complications

Tissue Engineering for Penile Reconstruction

The penis is a complex organ with a development cycle from the fetal stage to puberty. In addition, it may suffer from either congenital or acquired anomalies. Penile surgical reconstruction has been the center of interest for many researchers but is still challenging due to the complexity of its anatomy and functionality. In this review, penile anatomy, pathologies, and current treatments are described, including surgical techniques and tissue engineering approaches. The self-assembly technique currently applied is emphasized since it is considered promising for an adequate tissue-engineered penile reconstructed substitute.

Comparison of technical success and adverse events of plaque incision and grafting methods in patients with Peyronie's disease: Tunica vaginalis versus buccal mucosa

OBJECTIVE

To compare the clinical outcomes of Peyronie's disease (PD) patients who were treated by plaque incision and grafting either with tunica vaginalis (TV) or buccal mucosa (BM) grafts.

METHODS

PD patients in BM (n=20) and TV group (n=20) were recruited between 2013 and 2020. Erectile dysfunction was assessed by short form of International Index of Erectile Function Questionnaire (IIEF-5). Technical success was defined as residual curvature ≤15°. Penile Doppler ultrasound was performed at baseline evaluation, 3-, and 24 months. Peak systolic velocity (PSV), end-diastolic velocity (EDV), and resistance index were measured in erect penis. Erect penile length and curvature angle were measured at baseline and at 3, 12, and 24 months.

RESULTS

Mean age of the groups was comparable (47.2±10.8 years in TV vs 46.5±9.9 years in BM groups). Baseline mean penile curvature was 48.0±6.6° (TV) and 50.3±11.6° (BM) (p<0.001). Mean residual curvature at 24-months visits was 12.4±4.9° (TV) and 7.9±3.7° (BM), not significantly different. Technical success rate was 90% for both groups at 24 months. Surgery significantly increased erect penile length in both groups. Mean preoperative IIEF-5 scores were 18.4±2.5 and 17.5±2.2 in TV and BM groups, respectively. In both groups, IIEF-5 scores significantly improved after surgery with no intergroup IIEF-5 difference (20.6±2.6 in TV and 21.3±2.2 in BM). Mean postoperative PSV significantly increased, EDV significantly decreased in both groups, however, there was no significant intergroup difference.

CONCLUSION

Both grafting materials provided similar beneficial effects regarding technical success, erectile dysfunction, and penile length.

Autologous testicular tunica vaginalis graft in Peyronie's disease: a prospective evaluation

BACKGROUND

Peyronie's disease (PD) is a two-phase progressive condition characterized by inelastic plaques in the tunica albuginea of the penis, leading to curvature of the penis. Men with PD also suffer from psychological distress, and sexual life and overall quality of life. Although the preferred surgical treatment modality in Peyronie's disease is plaque incision and grafting, there is lack of studies assessing the erectile function and penile vasculature after the treatment.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to evaluate the efficiency and safety of plaque incision and tunica vaginalis of testis grafting in PD.

METHODS

This was a prospective analysis. Erectile dysfunction was assessed via International Index of Erectile Function Questionnaire (IIEF-5). Penile Doppler ultrasound was performed to assess peak systolic velocity (PSV) and end-diastolic velocity (EDV). Postoperative follow-ups were scheduled at 3, 12, and 24 months.

RESULTS

Twenty patients (mean age 47.2 ± 10.8 years) were included. The mean preoperative penile curvature was 48 ± 6.6°. The technical success rate was 100% at 3 months and 90% at 24 months. At follow-up visits, mean erect penile length was no different from the baseline. The baseline mean IIEF-5 score was 18.4 ± 2.5. The mean IIEF-5 score was 20.6 ± 2.6 at 24-month visit (p < 0.0001). Mean PSV significantly increased, while EDV significantly reduced after surgery. There were no serious complications related to surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that surgical reconstruction of penile curvature with tunica vaginalis grafting was a safe and effective procedure in PD.

Initial experience in the treatment of Peyronie’s disease using testicular vaginal tunica graft

Background:

Peyronie’s disease (PD) is a progressive disorder of the connective tissue of the tunica albuginea of the penis that produces an abnormal curvature, painful erections and different degrees of erectile dysfunction (ED). The aim of this study is to evaluate our initial experience in the surgical treatment of PD using an autologous graft of testicular vaginal tunica.

Materials and methods:

A retrospective study of 23 patients was carried out between 2015 and 2019. The successful surgical stretching rate was defined as a functional 20 degrees of curvature or less. Postoperative sexual function and complications rate were evaluated as secondary objectives. We used the abbreviated IIEF-5 questionnaire and evaluated the sexual function before and after the surgical procedure. Wilcoxon signed-rank test for paired samples (U test) was used, considering a value of p<0.05 to be statistically significant.

Results:

Only one patient presented a recurrence of the penile curvature, resulting in a 95.6% success rate of functional stretching. We observed a 1.6 and 0.9 difference between pre- and postoperative total score and satisfaction ( p = 0.002 and p = 0.003 respectively)

Conclusion:

In this series, the use of testicular vaginal tunic was found to be safe and effective with a significant change in the quality of sexual life, especially reflected in the overall satisfaction after the procedure and a low rate of complications.

Level of evidence:

Not applicable for this multicentre audit.

Comparison of Patient's Satisfaction and Long-term Results of 2 Penile Plication Techniques: Lessons Learned From 387 Patients With Penile Curvature

OBJECTIVE

To compare the patient's satisfaction and long-term results of 2 penile plication procedures in patients with penile curvature.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 387 patients with congenital penile curvature (n = 260) and Peyronie's disease (n = 127) who underwent surgical correction of penile curvature with penile plication procedures. Of the patients, 202 underwent plication of tunica albuginea with the Lue's 16-dot technique, while 185 underwent highly superficial excision of tunica albuginea with the modified Nesbit corporoplasty. Surgical outcomes and patient's satisfaction were compared between the 2 techniques in all patients.

RESULTS

The mean duration of surgery was significantly shorter in the 16-dot plication technique (48.1 ± 7.5 minutes), compared with the modified Nesbit corporoplasty (63 ± 16.9 minutes) (P = .001). Complete penile straightening was achieved in 87.6% of the patients who underwent 16-dot plication technique and in 89.7% of the patients who underwent modified Nesbit plication, revealing no difference (P = .514). The rates of penile sensory loss (P = .001) and de-novo erectile dysfunction (P = .016) were significantly higher in the modified Nesbit corporoplasty than in the 16-dot plication technique, but rate of suture related complications was significantly higher in the 16-dot plication technique than in the modified Nesbit corporoplasty (P = .001). The patients with congenital penile curvature had significantly less ratio of postoperative penile length loss and de-novo erectile dysfunction than Peyronie's disease patients.

CONCLUSION

Overall, both surgical techniques have very high success and satisfaction rates with very low complication rates. However, the types of complications are significantly different between the 2 surgical procedures. Therefore, patients with penile curvature should be informed about outcomes of penile plication procedures, and surgical method should be preferred based on patient's preference and surgeon's experience.

The surgical treatment of Peyronie's disease: replacement of plaque by free autograft of buccal mucosa

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this work was the evaluation of clinical results of the use of buccal mucosa for replacement of Peyronie's disease plaque.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Twenty-six patients with Peyronie's disease were under observation. All the patients underwent the following investigations before and periodically within 3 years after the treatment: International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5), manual examination of plaque, autophotography of erect penis, conventional and power color Doppler sonography of penis, Peno-Brachial Index (PBI) before and its increase (IPBI) after the intracavernous injection of papaverin, Peak Systolic Velocity (PSV), end diastolic velocity (EDV), Resistance Index (RI), Sexual Encounter Profile questions (SEP-2 and SEP-3), measurements of penile length and curvature angle in the phase of rigidity. After stabilization in plaque's development (mean time 2.0+/-0.1 years) the patients underwent a surgery by means of excision of plaque and its replacement by free autograft of buccal mucosa.

RESULTS

After the surgical treatment (with mean follow up observation of 3.2+/-0.1 years) in 24 patients out of 26 (92.3%) the complete straightening of penis occurred, in two (7.7%) cases a residual curvature (<10 degrees) remained, in four patients (15.4%) the shortening of penis (by 1cm) and in two patients (7.7%) a partial reduction of erectile power were observed.

CONCLUSION

Buccal mucosa showed high properties of adaptation and revascularization, good anatomical and functional clinical results by replacement of indurative plaque, it kept a stable elasticity without shrinkage; the method is simple and can be recommended for wide use in clinics for surgical treatment of Peyronie's disease.

ORIGINAL RESEARCH—PHARMACOTHERAPY: Erectile Dysfunction Following Surgical Correction of Peyronie's Disease and a Pilot Study of the Use of Sildenafil Citrate Rehabilitation for Postoperative Erectile Dysfunction

INTRODUCTION

Peyronie's disease (PD) is correctable by several surgical approaches including plaque incision with grafting. While the best choice of graft material remains controversial, the risk of postoperative erectile dysfunction (ED) is apparent across previous reports.

AIM

We attempt to provide guidelines as to which patients may be at increased risk for developing postoperative ED after this procedure, as well as examine the role of sildenafil citrate (SC) in the postoperative period for prevention of this complication.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective review was performed on 37 patients who underwent surgical correction of PD with pericardial grafting after plaque incision. Mean follow-up was 24 months. We evaluated patient age, duration of disease, defect size, plaque location, degree of curvature, shaft narrowing, preoperative coital activity, vascular risk factors for ED, as well as preoperative erection grade and duplex ultrasound parameters. Twenty-six of these patients underwent a postoperative rehabilitation protocol of SC to enhance recovery of unassisted erections.

RESULTS

Overall, 11 patients (29%) noted diminished postoperative rigidity, that compromised unassisted coitus, compared to preoperative status. Comparison of rates of ED among those with or without vascular risk factors yielded no statistically significant results. Peyronie's disease duration, patient age, defect size, plaque location, degree of curvature, and narrowing were also insignificant predictors of which patients developed ED. An increased percentage of patients who developed ED were not sexually active preoperatively compared to those that did not develop ED (58% vs. 80%). When patients were compared based on preoperative erection grade, those patients with compromised erectile function were more likely to develop postoperative ED vs. those with full erections (P < 0.05). No significant differences were found in preoperative duplex ultrasound parameters between both sets of patients. For those undergoing SC rehabilitation, 7 out of 26 (26%) developed ED in comparison to 4 out of 11 patients (36%) developing diminished rigidity when not subjected to the protocol.

CONCLUSIONS

No single parameter was found that predicted the occurrence of postoperative ED with the exception of preoperative erectile status. The surgeon must carefully assess and consult each patient when considering grafting as well as consider the possible role of SC in attempting to prevent this complication.

Single-layer small intestinal submucosa or tunica vaginalis flap for correcting penile chordee

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the use of single-layer small intestinal submucosa (SIS) and tunica vaginalis flap (TVF) for covering defects in the ventral surface of the tunica albuginea to correct severe penile chordee.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In all, 24 New Zealand white rabbits had a rectangular area excised from the ventral surface of tunica albuginea. In 12 rabbits TVF was used to cover the defect and in the remaining animals single-layer SIS was used. Animals were killed in groups of four at 2-, 6- and 12-week intervals after surgery. Before death in the 12-week group, an artificial erection was induced and cavernosography performed. Transverse sections of the penis at the graft site were stained with haematoxylin and eosin and Masson's trichrome, and examined microscopically.

RESULTS

None of the animals developed haematoma or bleeding. The mean operative duration for TVF and SIS grafts were 56 and 29 min, respectively (P < 0.001). At the time of autopsy, there was no contracture in any of the rabbits. Of the 8 rabbits assessed, all had a straight rigid erection and cavernosography showed evidence of an intact corporal veno-occlusive mechanism. Histologically at 6 and 12 weeks, the mesothelial layers of the TVF and the SIS graft were completely replaced by well-collagenized tissue similar to that of normal tunica albuginea, with no inflammatory infiltrate.

CONCLUSIONS

Both the TVF and single-layer SIS graft are viable comparable options for corporal body grafting. The 'off-the-shelf' availability, significantly quicker operation and absence of donor site morbidity make single-layer SIS better than TVF for correcting chordee.

Critical analysis of surgery for Peyronieʼs disease

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review focuses on the surgical management of Peyronie's disease in the light of recent published reports from 2003 and 2004.

RECENT FINDINGS

Although there have been a number of non-surgical innovations in this field, the surgical treatment of Peyronie's disease still remains the only alternative for patients not responding to other therapies. Various surgical modalities have recently been promulgated, however the ideal surgical procedure is still not perfected, particularly in cases of severe and complex penile curvature. The recent results of various surgical approaches have engendered concern about their long term benefits.

SUMMARY

The initial management of the acute presentation of Peyronie's disease is conservative and non-surgical. Surgery for Peyronie's disease is contemplated only after stabilization of the fibrotic process, and is generally reserved for men with severe penile deformities that impede satisfactory sexual intercourse. If there is ample penile length and the deformity is mild to moderate in severity, a variety of plication techniques may be considered to provide a straight and functional penis. In patients with larger plaques, severe curvature, complete or hourglass deformities, then incision or excision of the plaque and the placement of a graft are recommended. Most authorities currently favor non-synthetic graft materials whose properties resemble the anatomy and functionality of the tunica albuginea. The implantation of a penile prosthesis, with or without excision/incision of the diseased tunica albuginea, is reserved for patients with erectile dysfunction who have not responded to medical therapies. Manual modeling of the deformed penis over a penile prosthesis may prevent some patients from needing more complex surgical grafting procedures.

Tunica albuginea plication for the correction of penile curvature

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of tunica albuginea plication (TAP) in the correction of congenital and acquired penile curvatures and determine key points for a successful outcome of this procedure.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From December 1995 to January 2001, 40 patients with penile curvature (10 congenital and 30 secondary to Peyronie's disease) underwent surgical correction by TAP. Indications were difficult or impossible penetration, normal erectile function, stable disease. For TAP we used non-absorbable inverted stitches tied with the assistant pushing down the tunica albuginea with a mosquito clamp to create an adequate groove for the knot. The results were evaluated subjectively and objectively.

RESULTS

At mean follow-up of 30 months, full subjective and objective success (straight penis, mild shortening, normal erection, penetration and sensation) was achieved in 37 (92.5%) patients. Objective but not subjective success was achieved in 2 patients (5%), 1 complaining of psychogenic erectile dysfunction and the other of excessive penile shortening. There was only one failure, namely persistent glans numbness due to damage of the non-mobilized neurovascular bundle.

CONCLUSIONS

TAP is a simple and effective method for the correction of congenital and acquired penile curvatures. Key points for successful outcome are adequate preoperative evaluation and counselling, careful preparation of tunica albuginea, mobilization of urethra or neurovascular bundle when needed, use of inverted stitches carefully buried, objective postoperative evaluation with a pharmacological erection test.

Small intestinal submucosa as a tunica albuginea graft material

PURPOSE

We evaluated the morphological, immunological and functional response to small intestinal submucosa grafting of the tunica albuginea to determine its potential as a grafting material for penile surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Male New Zealand White rabbits underwent a sham procedure (6) or tunical excision and grafting with small intestinal submucosa (6). The erectile response to the intracavernous vasoactive agents sodium nitroprusside plus a papaverine, phentolamine and prostaglandin E1 combination (Sigma Chemical Co., St. Louis, Missouri) was evaluated 45-day postoperatively. The area under the graft was evaluated for stromal collagen and smooth muscle content by Masson's trichrome stain. Protein expression of smooth muscle specific alpha-actin and the inflammatory markers inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) was evaluated by immunohistochemical methods. Total RNA was extracted from the corpora cavernosum underlying the small intestinal submucosa graft and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was done using an Access system (Promega, Madison, Wisconsin) with gene specific primers for inducible NOS, TGF-beta1 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).

RESULTS

Grafting of the tunica albuginea with small intestinal submucosa had no significant effect on the magnitude or duration of the erectile response to intracavernous vasoactive agents. Histological examination demonstrated no inflammatory changes in the tunica albuginea or corporeal tissue underlying the area of the small intestinal submucosa graft and there was no appreciable alteration in smooth muscle or collagen content. The 2 groups showed intense positive immunostaining to alpha-actin. Weak expression of TGF-beta1 predominantly associated with smooth muscle fibers was identified in the 2 groups of rabbits by immunostaining and RT-PCR. No significant inducible NOS was detected by immunostaining or RT-PCR in either group. Strong VEGF expression was observed in grafted rabbits. The most noticeable (3-fold) increase in expression was detected in splice variant 165.

CONCLUSIONS

Small intestinal submucosa grafting of the tunica albuginea preserves the duration and magnitude of the erectile response to vasoactive agents. This type of tunical grafting does not stimulate a significant inflammatory response, or cause corporeal fibrosis or loss of cavernous smooth muscle content. Stimulating VEGF may facilitate wound healing and the maintenance of normal erectile function.

Tunica albuginea acellular matrix graft for penile reconstruction in the rabbit: a model for treating Peyronie's disease

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the use of an acellular matrix graft of the tunica albuginea for functional penile reconstruction in severe cases of Peyronie's disease.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In 18 rabbits, an acellular matrix graft of the tunica albuginea was used to cover a 4 x 8 mm tunical defect, and six animals each were killed 1, 3 and 6 months later; four unoperated animals served as histological controls. Before death an erection was induced by papaverine, with the quality classified on a scale of 0-5, and cavernosography performed. After death the penis was prepared for histological study, and the cell number, collagen and elastic fibre content evaluated in the regenerated matrix, and in control specimens and four unimplanted matrices.

RESULTS

Of 18 experimental animals, 11 had normal erections before death, four had slight penile deviation and three developed no erection. Failure was caused by severe postoperative haematoma, resulting in scar tissue. There was no graft rejection. Histologically there was no difference between natural and regenerated tunica. The collagen content and cell number were not significantly different in regenerated and control samples. There were significantly fewer elastic fibres in the unimplanted grafts and the 1-month group, but in later samples this difference was no longer evident.

CONCLUSION

The homologous acellular matrix graft of the tunica albuginea warrants further evaluation as an alternative treatment in Peyronie's disease, despite some postoperative failures. The advantage of this orthotopic biomaterial is its rapid integration, with no rejection.