Penile prosthesis for erectile dysfunction: recommendations from the 5th International Consultation on Sexual Medicine

INTRODUCTION

Penile prosthesis (PP) is one of the main approved therapies for erectile dysfunction (ED). Greater than 50 years of clinical use has led to considerable innovation in PP surgery and patient care.

OBJECTIVES

To summarize the current literature and provide updated clinical evidence to inform healthcare providers on best practices with PP.

METHODS

A consensus panel was held with leading sexual medicine experts during the 5th International Consultation on Sexual Medicine (ICSM). Relevant peer-reviewed literature was reviewed with focus on research from but not limited to the last 10 years. The quality of each individual study was judged with Oxford levels of evidence (LOE) criteria, but overall LOE were not used as systematic review was not performed. The expert panel generated consensus statements based on the quality of evidence and criteria of GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation).

RESULTS

PP provides excellent outcomes for the treatment of ED. The panel developed 35 recommendations building upon previous recommendations. Nine recommendations (4, 5, 11,13,17, 25, 26, 31, and 32) are retained without change from 2015. Twelve recommendations (1, 2, 3, 7, 9,14,16,19,21, 28, 33, and 34) change syntax to make statements more active or change details. Fourteen recommendations (6, 8, 10, 12, 15, 18, 20, 22, 23, 24, 27, 29, 30, and 35) are novel in this update.

CONCLUSION

Since the 4th ICSM, new evidence has emerged to guide PP use in modern sexual medicine. While multi-institutional studies are needed to improve outcomes, key challenges remain: reducing infections, enhancing devices, and improving awareness and accessibility. We recommend following 5th ICSM guidelines while emphasizing the importance of clinical judgment and shared decision-making for optimal PP outcomes.

50 years of inflatable penile implants: Where do we stand in France?

INTRODUCTION

With 50 years' experience, inflatable penile implants are the preferred option for erectile dysfunction refractory to pharmacological and mechanical treatment. Technical and surgical improvements have optimized patient success and satisfaction. However, multi-factorial dissatisfaction persists.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to provide an overview of available technological improvements and innovations, as well as the perioperative management and complications of inflatable penile implant surgery.

METHOD

A literature review was carried out over the last twenty years to answer 4 questions: what are the different inflatable penile implants available in 2023, for which indications, results and complications.

RESULTS

Four companies propose inflatable penile implants in France. The main improvements have been in the various components of the prosthesis with better cylinder extension, more ergonomic reservoirs, and more manageable pumps, leading to a better durability. Indications have been extended to patients suffering from Peyronie's disease and in emergency cases of priapism. In response to demand from the transgender population, specific phalloplasty implants have been developed. New options are being developed for difficult cases of retracted penis. Results show a high satisfaction rate. Currently the main challenge is the management of infection with the development of rescue protocols using antibiotics to preserve implants - or replace them in a single operation.

CONCLUSION

After 50years' experience, improvements in penile implants led to effective, satisfactory and safe treatment and can be proposed in new indications. Further development is sill necessary to offer solutions in difficult cases.

Satisfaction assessment study in patients (and their partners) with/without Peyronie's disease and penile prosthesis implantation

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE

Among the many treatments for erectile dysfunction, implantation of a penile prosthesis has been associated with high patient satisfaction rates. However, patients with coexistent Peyronie's disease (PD) and refractory erectile dysfunction and/or severe deformities may show different results. The aim of our study was to assess and to compare the level of satisfaction, with an inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP), in men with/without coexistent PD.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A survey study based on a five-item satisfaction questionnaire was submitted to all those live patients implanted in the period 1992-2022 at our center (n=570) and their partners. Ninety-two percent of implants were inflatable devices. Surgeries were mainly performed by two surgeons. The main outcome measure used was the level of patient and partner satisfaction with sexual intercourse after IPP.

RESULTS

Of the 570 eligible patients, 479 (84%) completed the survey (393 Non-PD: GROUP 1; 70 non-complex PD-Group 2; 16 complex PD). Eighty-six per cent of patients in Group 1 reported satisfactory sexual intercourse (very or moderately satisfied). Non-complex PD implanted patients (Group 2) reported a global 81% satisfactory sexual intercourse (very or moderately satisfied) (p>0.05). However, when we evaluated the PD subgroup of patients with severe PD who require incision/excision/grafting at the time of implant (Group 3: n=20), only 61% reported satisfactory sexual intercourse (p<0.01) with predominance of moderately satisfied patients over very satisfied: 78% vs. 22%). Additionally, 84% (Group 1), 80% (Group 2) and 54% (Group 3) of partners reported satisfactory intercourses, respectively (p<0.01). Overall, 84% of Group 1 implants and 79% of Group 2 reported that they would undergo the procedure again if the IPP failed (p>0.05; ns). Only 50% of Group 3 patients would do it again. With regard to cosmetic aspects, 48% of the Group 3 implant reported penile shortness or soft glans as the main causes of their dissatisfaction. Only 2.4% of total PP patients expressed difficulty in manipulating the device.

CONCLUSION

The presence of PD alone may not impact PP patient and partner satisfaction, but patients with more severe baseline deformity who require incision/grafting may be less satisfied with outcomes including penile length and glans sensation.

Infection rates following urologic prosthetic revision without replacement of any device components compared to partial or complete device exchange: a single-center retrospective cohort study

Urologic implant revision carries a higher infection risk than virgin implantation. Historically, exchanging device components at the time of revision was performed to reduce infection risk. We hypothesize that revision without replacement of any parts of the device may not be associated with increased infection risk. A single-center, retrospective cohort study was performed on patients undergoing urologic implant revision from 2000 to 2021. Revisions involving exchange of any/all device components (+CE) were compared to revisions without exchange of any components (-CE). The primary outcome was infection or erosion within 12 weeks of revision. Infection rates were compared using Fischer exact test. Infection-free survival (IFS) was compared with Kaplan-Meier (KM) log-rank test and Cox proportional hazards (CPH) model. 551 revisions were included, including 497 revisions with CE and 54 without CE. Among those with at least 12 weeks follow-up, no difference was seen in infection rates within 12 weeks of revision [-CE 3/39 (7.7%) vs. +CE 10/383 (2.6%)], p = 0.109). In addition, IFS was comparable between groups (log-rank test p = 0.22, HR for -CE 1.65 (0.65-4.21). Revision surgery for IPP or AUS without CE may not present an elevated risk of infection in the properly selected patient.

The Efficacy of Suspensory Ligament Release and Pubic Lipectomy Via Penopubic Z Plasty During Penile Prosthesis Implantation in Improving Sexual Satisfaction: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

The utility of penile suspensory ligament release (SLR) in the setting of penile prosthesis implantation (PPI) has received limited attention in the literature.

AIM

To assess the efficacy and safety of penile SLR release, pubic lipectomy (PL), and the utility of penopubic Z-plasty (ZP) during malleable PPI in improving sexual satisfaction compared to that achieved with the conventional method.

METHODS

Between August 2018 and April 2020, 61 patients with refractory erectile dysfunction were prospectively randomized into 2 groups; group A included 31 patients who underwent PPI with SLR and PL via ZP, and group B included 30 patients who underwent conventional PPI via a penoscrotal incision.

OUTCOMES

Penile length was assessed at 3 months, and sexual satisfaction was assessed up to 1 year after PPI using both validated and non-validated tools.

RESULTS

The median operative time was higher in group A than in group B (170 min; interquartile range [IQR] [160-190] vs 97.5 min; IQR [90-110] P < .001).The median pre- to postoperative differences in functional and visible penile lengths for group A were 1.5 cm; IQR [0-2] and 2.5 cm; IQR [1-3.5], respectively, while those in group B were both 0 cm; IQR [-1 to 0] P < .001). Group A patients reported higher scores in the International Index of Erectile Function satisfaction domains than the group B patients did (13; IQR [12-14] and 9; IQR [8-10] vs 11; IQR [9.5-12] and 8; IQR [6.5-8.5], respectively, P < .001). Moreover, the postoperative Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction score was higher in group A than that in group B (95.40; IQR [91-97.7] vs 85.20; IQR [72.7-91], respectively, P < .001). Common complications in group A were penile edema (77.4%), penile instability (9.7%) and glans numbness (9.7%).

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

The benefit in patient satisfaction following SLR and PL via ZP during PPI may outweigh the incremental increase in complications.

STRENGTH & LIMITATIONS

To our knowledge, this is the first prospective randomized controlled study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of SLR, PL, and ZP during PPI. However, because an optimal tool for assessing sexual satisfaction after PPI is lacking at this time, we alternatively adopted the most used assessment tools. Further, our data applies only to malleable penile prosthesis.

CONCLUSION

SLR and PL via ZP during PPI resulted in a substantial improvement of the patients' sexual satisfaction without serious complications. Fotouh El Gharably MA, Ghoneima W, Lotfi MR, et al. The Efficacy of Suspensory Ligament Release and Pubic Lipectomy Via Penopubic Z Plasty During Penile Prosthesis Implantation in Improving Sexual Satisfaction: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial. J Sex Med 2022;19:852-863.

Canadian Urological Association guideline: Erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) impacts the wellness and quality of life of millions of Canadians. An evaluation focused on the identification of reversible and irreversible underlying factors is recommended for patients presenting with ED. Through a shared decision-making model framework, the goal of ED treatment is to improve functional outcomes and enhance sexual satisfaction while minimizing adverse effects associated with treatment. Given that ED is assessed and treated by multiple different types of health practitioners, the purpose of this guideline is to provide the best available evidence to facilitate care delivery through a Canadian lens. After a narrative review of ED assessment and treatment for general readership, five key clinical questions relating to priority areas of ED are assessed using the GRADE and evidence-to-decision-making frameworks.

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.

Management of complications in penile prosthesis reimplantation: A case report

A 74-years-old patient, without comorbidity, underwent malleable penile prosthesis (MPP) implantation in 2007. In 2015, after a perineal trauma, he experienced stress urinary incontinence, medial extrusion of the left prosthetic cylinder and an urethrocavernous fistula. The cylinder was removed and an artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) implanted, together with a three-component inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP). The left corpus cavernosum (CC) was significantly shorter than the right one due to fibrosis. After 8 months, partial lateral extrusion of the right prosthetic cylinder prompted a replacement with a shorter extensor. Six months after, a new diastasis of the ruptured area occurred due to a further CC shortening. The extensor was removed and the cylinder shortened, with a dermal graft applied to the area. Long-term patient satisfaction was high.

Intraoperative and postoperative complications of penile implant surgery. Diagnosis and treatment

We describe the most frequent complications associated with penile implant surgery, paying special attention to their practical management. We have analyzed preoperative complications and postoperative complications separately. The intraoperative include perforation of the corpora cavernosa during dilation, cylinder cross-over or cross-placement and urethral injury during implantation. The most frequent postoperative complications are mechanical failure, cylinder erosion and prosthesis infection. We emphasize on rescue surgery and reimplantation techniques in cavernous tissue fibrosis.

Analysis of preoperative and postoperative expectations of penile implant candidates

Penile prosthesis implantation is a good option for the treatment of refractory erectile dysfunction. However, the patient's expectations, among other factors, condition his satisfaction after surgery. This review article aims to present the scientific evidence available concerning patient satisfaction with penile prosthesis surgery.

Surgical implant options in patients with penile fibrosis due to infection or previous explants

Penile fibrosis due to previous penile infection and/or prosthesis explants entails situations of high surgical complexity. In these cases, reimplantation should follow an alternative scheme, aimed at minimizing perioperative and postoperative complications, as well as achieving maximum efficiency of the procedure and greater postoperative satisfaction of the patient and his partner. This article reviews the main surgical alternatives for these cases.

Three-piece inflatable penile prosthesis: Ectopic reservoir placement

INTRODUCTION

The complications associated to the placement of the reservoir are infrequent but potentially serious. Therefore, technical alternatives have been developed for the performance of the procedure in different locations (ectopic). The aim of this review is to revise the evidence available on the different options for the ectopic placement of the reservoir.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Narrative review based on a bibliographical search limited to PubMed- indexed relevant manuscripts, in Spanish or English, for the period 2000-2019, using «penile prosthesis», «ectopic reservoir», radical prostatectomy», «radical cystectomy», «pelvic radiotherapy», and «renal transplantation» as key words. Non original articles and reviews were not considered eligible. A total of 11 manuscripts were included.

RESULTS

Pelvic alterations after surgery and/or radiotherapy increase the difficulty in the placement of the prosthesis reservoir. In order to minimize the risk of complications, different modifications have been performed on the devices, and technical innovations have been developed for the submuscular placement of the reservoir. The available evidence regarding the functionality and complications of these techniques is limited to single institution, low volume, and retrospective series with short follow-up periods. The functionality seems to be adequate using the adapted devices. The complications are infrequent and mild in severity.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the available evidence is still limited, the ectopic placement of the reservoir may be considered a safe, effective, and reproducible technique. In addition, it may result particularly useful in cases of altered pelvic anatomy.

Initial experience of a single center with the use of ZSI 475 penile prosthesis

Objective

To evaluate surgical outcomes after implantation of the Zephyr ZSI 475 inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) and patients' quality of life.

Methods

From December 2014 to September 2018, 15 patients underwent prosthesis implantation with ZSI 475. A retrospective review of clinical data was performed. Patients' quality of life after implantation was investigated with Quality of Life and Sexuality with Penile Prosthesis (QoLSPP) questionnaire.

Results

The median age of patients was 57 years and the average follow-up time was 22 months. Twelve patients received a standard implantation due to severe erectile dysfunction (ED); three patients also presented penile curvature and additional corporoplasty with grafting was necessary. Three procedures had to be interrupted due to defects of the insertion tools. In one case a manufacturing defect resulted in a pump leak. In one case, a severe postoperative complication occurred, which requested explanation of the device. During the follow-up, four patients experienced mechanical failure of the prosthesis. Results of QoLSPP questionnaire at 12 months were skewed toward the positive end of the scale in all domains.

Conclusion

In our initial experience, ZSI 475 suffered a high rate of mechanical failures; on the other hand, the company showed great commitment in order to improve the quality and reliability of the device. The lower cost of ZSI 475 may add to the chances of the product to become a cost-effective alternative to treat those patient who need a IPP.

[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.

The Rear Tip Extender for Inflatable Penile Prostheses: Introduction of "Rigidity Factor" and Review of the Literature

INTRODUCTION

Rear tip extenders (RTEs) are often used in penile prosthesis surgery, and their value and use have varied with the evolution of penile prostheses.

AIM

To review the literature addressing RTEs and to introduce a new term, rigidity factor, which quantifies the ratio of inflatable to non-inflatable component of the cylinders.

METHODS

The urologic literature was reviewed for all mention of RTEs. In addition, literature regarding penile prostheses was explored for mention of RTEs.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

A search on PubMed for "rear tip extender" resulted in 17 publications. These publications were reviewed, and references were also explored for related publications.

RESULTS

The history of the development of RTEs, complications associated with the use of RTEs, and current practices in the use of RTEs are all discussed. In addition, recent publications regarding RTEs were examined in detail. RTEs were introduced in the 1980s to improve mechanical survival of prostheses. They were thought to decrease input tubing wear. Although the trend recently has been to place more rear tips, evidence has surfaced suggesting a link to increased need for reoperation with additional RTEs. In addition, we believe that increased length of RTEs can decrease erectile quality. Rigidity factor, defined as the ratio of the live (inflatable) portion of cylinder to the total cylinder length, can be used to quantify the effect of RTE on erectile strength. However, the effects of RTEs on biomechanical properties of the penis when fully inflated are still not fully understood.

CONCLUSION

The use of RTEs is a relatively underexplored area of penile prosthesis placement. Further laboratory and in vivo work will allow for a better understanding of the optimal role of RTEs in penile prosthesis surgery. Thirumavalavan N, Cordon BH, Gross MS, et al. The Rear Tip Extender for Inflatable Penile Prostheses: Introduction of "Rigidity Factor" and Review of the Literature. Sex Med Rev 2019;7:516-520.

Rear Tip Extenders and Penile Prosthesis Rigidity: A Laboratory Study of Coloplast Prostheses

BACKGROUND

Rear tip extenders (RTEs) are used commonly in penile prostheses, but their effect on erectile rigidity has not been extensively studied.

AIM

To determine whether RTEs affect erectile rigidity in inflatable penile prostheses and determine what length of RTE should be used for a given corporal length-in this case, 22 cm.

METHODS

To assess the effect of RTEs on erectile rigidity, we created a penile model simulating 2 corpora cavernosa that accommodated cylinders of varying lengths. Once the cylinders were inflated, a 200-g weight was then uniformly placed on the tip of the cylinders and deflection was measured using a ruler. Measurements were repeated for varying cylinder/RTE lengths to total 22 cm of overall corporal length.

OUTCOMES

Differences in rigidity and angular deflection based on RTE length were assessed.

RESULTS

Increasing the length of RTEs increased the deflection in our model, indicative of decreased axial rigidity.

CLINICAL TRANSLATIONS

The current work implies that having additional RTEs may decrease penile rigidity and in turn, patient satisfaction.

STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS

Though assessing effect of RTEs on erectile rigidity is novel, the exact ability of our model to predict in-vivo behavior is unknown.

CONCLUSION

An inflatable penile prosthesis represents a heterogeneous beam given that it is composed of a non-inflatable rear combined to an inflatable cylinder. In this model greater bending deflection was associated with more RTE length. Greater RTE length decreases the size of the inflatable device that can be implanted. The erect penis is subject to axial stress and bending deflection. Though further work is needed, these data support the notion that maximizing inflatable length by minimizing RTEs will improve overall erectile rigidity dynamics. Thirumavalavan N, Cordon BH, Gross MS, et al. Rear Tip Extenders and Penile Prosthesis Rigidity: A Laboratory Study of Coloplast Prostheses. J Sex Med 2018;15:1030-1033.

Complications, functional and quality of life outcomes following primary and secondary implantation of penile prosthesis at a tertiary referral center

The implantation of a penile prosthesis (PP) may be recommended in patients with severe erectile dysfunction (ED) who do not respond to conservative treatments. The aim of this study was to evaluate complications, as well as functional and quality of life outcomes following primary and secondary implantation of PP at a tertiary referral center. In this retrospective study, a total of 51 patients (41 patients with primary (PPP) and 10 with secondary PP (SPP)) were included. Patients and operative characteristics were recorded and complications were analyzed using the Clavien-Dindo classification. To evaluate satisfaction of patients and their partners, as well as PP long-term function, follow-up data were collected by using questionnaires (Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction (EDITS) and QLQC30). Fifty-one patients with a median age of 61 years (IQR 52-68) received PP implantation (44 AMS 700, 7 Coloplast Titan). Main causes of ED were after radical prostatectomy (27.5%), diabetes (21,6%), and other unknown reasons (43.1%). Median time of intervention was 94.5 min (IQR 80.8-110.3) with no significant difference between PPP and SPP. Only one patient undergoing PPP surgery had grade 3 complication. Follow-up data from a total of 43 patients (84.3%) with a median follow-up of 26 months (IQR 17-41 mo) was recorded. At the time of follow-up, 88.4% of the PPs were still functional (PPP n = 34 (94.4%), SPP n = 4 (57.1%), p = 0.024). Overall estimated mean PP survival was 63.0 mo ((95% CI) 56.2-70.8 mo) with no significant difference between PPP and SPP. Overall satisfaction (EDITS und QLQC30) was high in both groups with no significant difference. PP implantation shows to be a safe treatment option in the management of severe ED.

Defining a glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) level that predicts increased risk of penile implant infection

OBJECTIVES

To re-evaluate the role of diabetes mellitus (DM) as a risk factor for penile implant infection by exploring the association between glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels and penile implant infection rates and to define a threshold value that predicts implant infection.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We conducted a multicentre prospective study including all patients undergoing penile implant surgery between 2009 and 2015. Preoperative, perioperative and postoperative management were identical for the entire cohort. Univariate analysis was performed to define predictors of implant infection. The HbA1c levels were analysed as continuous variables and sequential analysis was conducted using 0.5% increments to define a threshold level predicting implant infection. Multivariable analysis was performed with the following factors entered in the model: DM, HbA1C level, patient age, implant type, number of vascular risk factors (VRFs), presence of Peyronie's disease (PD), body mass index (BMI), and surgeon volume. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was generated to define the optimal HbA1C threshold for infection prediction.

RESULTS

In all, 902 implant procedures were performed over the study period. The mean patient age was 56.6 years. The mean HbA1c level was 8.0%, with 81% of men having a HbA1c level of >6%. In all, 685 (76%) implants were malleable and 217 (24%) were inflatable devices; 302 (33.5%) patients also had a diagnosis of PD. The overall infection rate was 8.9% (80/902). Patients who had implant infection had significantly higher mean HbA1c levels, 9.5% vs 7.8% (P < 0.001). Grouping the cases by HbA1c level, we found infection rates were: 1.3% with HbA1c level of <6.5%, 1.5% for 6.5-7.5%, 6.5% for 7.6-8.5%, 14.7% for 8.6-9.5%, 22.4% for >9.5% (P < 0.001). Patient age, implant type, and number of VRFs were not predictive. Predictors defined on multivariable analysis were: PD, high BMI, and high HbA1c level, whilst a high-volume surgeon had a protective effect and was associated with a reduced infection risk. Using ROC analysis, we determined that a HbA1c threshold level of 8.5% predicted infection with a sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 65%.

CONCLUSION

Uncontrolled DM is associated with increased risk of infection after penile implant surgery. The risk is directly related to the HbA1c level. A threshold HbA1c level of 8.5% is suggested for clinical use to identify patients at increased infection risk.