The use of penile prostheses in the management of priapism

Evaluating the management trends for priapism and assessing the risk of priapism after in-office intracavernosal injections: a cross-sectional analysis

We describe the management trends of patients suffering from any priapism and evaluate the risks of developing priapism after intracavernosal injections (ICI) performed in office. We queried TriNetX for two separate male adult cohorts - those presenting with any priapism based on International Classification of Disease code, N48.3 (priapism) and those who underwent ICI in office based on Current Procedural Terminology code, 54235 (injection of corpora cavernosa with pharmacologic agent[s]). We evaluated treatment options for these patients after any priapism and described demographic risks for developing priapism after ICI performed in office. There were 17,545 priapism encounters and 26,104 usages of ICI in the office. Most common treatment for any priapism was corporal irrigation/injection of medications (11.3%). Patients presenting with priapism after ICI were younger (age > 65 years, OR 0.44 [95% CI 0.38-0.51], p < 0.01) and had a higher prevalence of mood disorders (20% vs 14%), behavioral disorders (7% vs 2%) and sickle cell disease (6% vs <1%). They were less likely to have diabetes (14% vs 22%), hypertension (33% vs 40%), prostate cancer (13% vs 25%) or have taken sildenafil or tadalafil (29-30% vs 35-38%). For patients administering ICI, proper screening and counseling of priapism is important to reduce complications.

Current devices, outcomes, and pain management considerations in penile implant surgery: an updated review of the literature

ABSTRACT

Penile prosthesis surgery is a definitive treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED). The two categories of penile prosthesis are endorsed by professional guidelines, inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) and malleable penile prosthesis (MPP). Each modality of penile prosthesis offers distinct advantages and incorporates specific design features, allowing for personalized device selection that aligns with individual needs and preferences. While the overall complication rate of penile implant surgery remains low, surgeons should maintain a high index of suspicion for complications in the perioperative time period. Multimodal analgesic regimens including nerve blocks and narcotic-free pathways should be administered to manage perioperative pain. Finally, the high patient satisfaction after penile prosthesis surgery underscores the success of this ED treatment option.

An update on the management algorithms of priapism during the last decade

Priapism is a persistent penile erection lasting longer than 4 hours, that needs emergency management. This disorder can induce irreversible erectile dysfunction. There are three subtypes of priapism: ischemic, non-ischemic, and stuttering priapism. If the patient has ischemic priapism (IP) of less than 24-hours (h) duration, the initial management should be a corporal blood aspiration followed by instillation of phenylephrine into the corpus cavernosum. If sympathomimetic fails or the patient has IP from 24 to 48h, surgical shunts should be performed. It is recommended that distal shunts should be attempted first. If distal shunt failed, proximal, venous shunt, or T-shunt with tunneling could be performed. If the patient had IP for 48 to 72h, proximal and venous shunt or T-shunt with tunneling is indicated, if those therapies failed, a penile prosthesis should be inserted. Non-ischemic priapism (NIP) is not a medical emergency and many patients will recover spontaneously. If the NIP does not resolve spontaneously within six months or the patient requests therapy, selective arterial embolization is indicated. The goal of the management of a patient with stuttering priapism (SP) is the prevention of future episodes. Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor therapy is considered an effective tool to prevent stuttering episodes but it is not validated yet. The management of priapism should follow the guidelines as the future erectile function is dependent on its quick resolution. This review briefly discusses the types, pathophysiology, and diagnosis of priapism. It will discuss an updated approach to treat each type of priapism.

Exploring the Use of Exchange Transfusion in the Surgical Management of Priapism in Sickle Cell Disease: A Population-Based Analysis

INTRODUCTION

Priapism is a urologic emergency that may require surgical intervention in cases refractory to supportive care. Exchange transfusion (ET) has been previously used to manage sickle cell disease (SCD), including in priapism; however, its utilization in the context of surgical intervention has not been well-established.

AIM

To explore the utilization of ET, as well as other patient and hospital-level factors, associated with surgical intervention for SCD-induced priapism METHODS: Using the National Inpatient Sample (2010-2015), males diagnosed with SCD and priapism were stratified by need for surgical intervention. Survey-weighted regression models were used to analyze the association of ET to surgical intervention. Furthermore, negative binomial regression and generalized linear models with logarithmic transformation were used to compare ET vs surgery to length of hospital stay (LOS) and total hospital charges, respectively.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Predictors of surgical intervention among patients with SCD-related priapism RESULTS: A weighted total of 8,087 hospitalizations were identified, with 1,782 (22%) receiving surgical intervention for priapism, 484 undergoing ET (6.0%), and 149 (1.8%) receiving combined therapy of both ET and surgery. On multivariable regression, pre-existing Elixhauser comorbidities (e.g. ≥2 Elixhauser: OR: 2.20; P < 0.001), other forms of insurance (OR: 2.12; P < 0.001), and ET (OR: 1.99; P = 0.009) had increased odds of undergoing surgical intervention. In contrast, Black race (OR: 0.45; P < 0.001) and other co-existing SCD complications (e.g. infectious complications OR: 0.52; P < 0.001) reduced such odds. Compared to supportive care alone, patients undergoing ET (adjusted IRR: 1.42; 95% CI: 1.10-1.83; P = 0.007) or combined therapy (adjusted IRR: 1.42; 95% CI: 111-1.82; P < 0.001) had a longer LOS vs. surgery alone (adjusted IRR: 0.85; 95% CI: 0.74-0.97; P = 0.017). Patients receiving ET (adjusted Ratio: 2.39; 95% CI: 1.52-3.76; P < 0.001) or combined therapy (adjusted Ratio: 4.42; 95% CI: 1.67-11.71; P = 0.003) had higher ratio of mean hospital charges compared with surgery alone (adjusted Ratio: 1.09; 95% CI: 0.69-1.72; P = 0.710).

CONCLUSIONS

Numerous factors were associated with the need for surgical intervention, including the use of ET. Those receiving ET, as well as those with combined therapy, had a longer LOS and increased total hospital charges. Ha AS, Wallace BK, Miles C, et al. Exploring the Use of Exchange Transfusion in the Surgical Management of Priapism in Sickle Cell Disease: A Population-Based Analysis. J Sex Med 2021;18:1788-1796.

Protective effects of dexmedetomidine on ischaemia-reperfusion injury in an experimental rat model of priapism

The study aimed to investigate the effects of dexmedetomidine against ischaemia-reperfusion injury occurring after priapism in a model of induced-priapism in rats. A total of 18 male rats were randomised into three groups. Group 1 was the control group. A priapism model was performed rats in Group 2 and then ischaemia-reperfusion injury was evaluated. Group 3 had similar procedures to the rats in Group 2. Rats in Group 3 additionally had 100 μg/kg dexmedetomidine administered intraperitoneally immediately after reperfusion. Blood and tissue samples were analysed. Biochemical analysis of blood samples revealed a decrease in the levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines including interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 Beta), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in Group 3 compared to Group 2 (p:.04, p:.009 and p:.009, respectively). Similarly, the highest malondialdehyde (MDA) level was in Group 2 (p:.002). The levels of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities were significantly higher in Group 3 than that of Group 2 (p:.037 and p:.045, respectively). Direct microscopic examinations revealed positive changes in desquamation, oedema, inflammation and vasocongestion scores in Group 3 compared to Group 2 (p:.007, p:.008, p:.007 and p:.006, respectively). Dexmedetomidine has a protective effect against ischaemia-reperfusion injury in penile tissue.

Priapisme veineux aigu aux urgences : procédure fondée sur une revue systématique de la littérature

Le priapisme veineux aigu (PVA) est urgent en raison de séquelles érectiles éventuelles. Sa rareté et l’absence de procédure expliquent des traitements encore inégaux, peu normés.

Objectif : Optimiser la prise en charge initiale d’un PVA grâce à une procédure décisionnelle, adaptée aux urgentistes.

Matériel et méthode : Une revue systématique de la littérature recense les algorithmes schématisés ainsi que des articles de revue et mises au point récents. Les critères diagnostiques et thérapeutiques ont été analysés puis comparés pour vérifier s’ils répondaient aux besoins. La validation de cette procédure par des experts a été recherchée. Résultats : L’originalité de notre procédure réside dans sa cible (urgentistes), sa hiérarchisation, « Que faire ? Comment faire ? Quand faire ? Qui fait ? », de façon graduée et séquentielle via une chronologie détaillée, et une priorité donnée à la gazométrie caverneuse, fil conducteur de la prise en charge, facilement disponible. À cela s’ajoutent des tableaux, des check-lists (contexte étiologique et souffrance ischémique), des schémas descriptifs des traitements médicaux indiqués en première ligne (technique, matériel de ponction décompressive et d’injection intracaverneuse d’alpha-stimulant), critères de recours à l’urologue, suivi et hospitalisation. Cette procédure a été validée par le conseil scientifique du réseau nord-alpin des Urgences, le comité d’andrologie et médecine sexuelle de l’Association française d’urologie.

Conclusion : Facile à utiliser, cette procédure inédite répond à un réel besoin. Son appropriation et sa diffusion s’inscrivent dans une démarche qualité adaptée au parcours de soins du PVA en France afin de prévenir les séquelles érectiles de cette urgence affectant majoritairement des sujets jeunes.

A Review of Economic Evaluations of Erectile Dysfunction Therapies

INTRODUCTION

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common and costly urologic condition with increasing prevalence as men age. Cost-effectiveness of ED therapies and whether cost-effectiveness varies for different populations of men remains underexplored.

AIM

To review and summarize available published data on the economic evaluation of ED therapies and to identify gaps in the literature that still need to be addressed.

METHODS

All relevant peer-reviewed publications and conference abstracts were reviewed and incorporated.

RESULTS

There are a number of medical and surgical treatment options available for ED. The economic evaluation of phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors, particularly sildenafil, has been well described. However, minimal research has been conducted to assess the cost-effectiveness of intracavernosal injections, intraurethral suppositories, penile prosthesis surgery, vacuum erection devices, and other emerging therapies in men with different causes of ED.

CONCLUSION

Available economic evaluations of ED therapies are dated, do not reflect present-day physician, pharmaceutical, and device costs, fail to account for patient comorbidities, and may not be generalizable to today's ED patients. Substantial research is needed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of ED treatments across different patient populations, countries, and reimbursement systems. Rezaee ME, Ward CE, Brandes ER, et al. A Review of Economic Evaluations of Erectile Dysfunction Therapies. Sex Med Rev 2019;8:497-503.