Faculty Bibliography

Background/UNASSIGNED:The transcorporal (TC) artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) has traditionally been utilized in high-risk patients with urethral atrophy or prior urethral erosion. The 3.5 cm AUS cuff has been developed for use in a similar population. We compared the outcomes of TC AUS and 3.5 cm cuff patients to assess whether the TC approach was protective against urethral complications. Methods/UNASSIGNED:We performed a retrospective review for all men who underwent TC AUS and 3.5 cm AUS implantation by a single surgeon from 2007 to 2018 at a tertiary medical center. Demographic and outcomes data were collected and analyzed after database review to evaluate for rates of urethral erosion. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify co-morbid factors associated with urethral erosion. Results/UNASSIGNED:In our database of 625 AUS patients, we identified 59 (9%) men with TC AUS and 168 (27%) having a 3.5 cm cuff. Over a median follow-up time of 49 months, 28 (47%) men with TC cuffs developed urethral erosion compared with 25 (15%) men with a 3.5 cm cuff. On univariate analysis, a TC cuff was associated with increased odds of erosion (OR 6.65, 95% CI: 3.20-14.4, P<0.0001) when compared with a 3.5 cm cuff. On multivariate analysis, TC cuffs continued to portend significantly increased odds of cuff erosion. Conclusions/UNASSIGNED:With longer follow up, TC AUS may not be as protective against urethral complications as previously described.

IMPORTANCE/OBJECTIVE:Targeted magnetic resonance (MR)/ultrasound fusion prostate biopsy has been shown to detect prostate cancer. The implications of targeted biopsy alone vs standard extended-sextant biopsy or the 2 modalities combined are not well understood. OBJECTIVE:To assess targeted vs standard biopsy and the 2 approaches combined for the diagnosis of intermediate- to high-risk prostate cancer. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS/METHODS:Prospective cohort study of 1003 men undergoing both targeted and standard biopsy concurrently from 2007 through 2014 at the National Cancer Institute in the United States. Patients were referred for elevated level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) or abnormal digital rectal examination results, often with prior negative biopsy results. Risk categorization was compared among targeted and standard biopsy and, when available, whole-gland pathology after prostatectomy as the "gold standard." INTERVENTIONS/METHODS:Patients underwent multiparametric prostate magnetic resonance imaging to identify regions of prostate cancer suspicion followed by targeted MR/ultrasound fusion biopsy and concurrent standard biopsy. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES/METHODS:The primary objective was to compare targeted and standard biopsy approaches for detection of high-risk prostate cancer (Gleason score ≥ 4 + 3); secondary end points focused on detection of low-risk prostate cancer (Gleason score 3 + 3 or low-volume 3 + 4) and the biopsy ability to predict whole-gland pathology at prostatectomy. RESULTS:Targeted MR/ultrasound fusion biopsy diagnosed 461 prostate cancer cases, and standard biopsy diagnosed 469 cases. There was exact agreement between targeted and standard biopsy in 690 men (69%) undergoing biopsy. Targeted biopsy diagnosed 30% more high-risk cancers vs standard biopsy (173 vs 122 cases, P < .001) and 17% fewer low-risk cancers (213 vs 258 cases, P < .001). When standard biopsy cores were combined with the targeted approach, an additional 103 cases (22%) of mostly low-risk prostate cancer were diagnosed (83% low risk, 12% intermediate risk, and 5% high risk). The predictive ability of targeted biopsy for differentiating low-risk from intermediate- and high-risk disease in 170 men with whole-gland pathology after prostatectomy was greater than that of standard biopsy or the 2 approaches combined (area under the curve, 0.73, 0.59, and 0.67, respectively; P < .05 for all comparisons). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE/CONCLUSIONS:Among men undergoing biopsy for suspected prostate cancer, targeted MR/ultrasound fusion biopsy, compared with standard extended-sextant ultrasound-guided biopsy, was associated with increased detection of high-risk prostate cancer and decreased detection of low-risk prostate cancer. Future studies will be needed to assess the ultimate clinical implications of targeted biopsy. TRIAL REGISTRATION/BACKGROUND:clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00102544.

BACKGROUND:Insufficient genital tissue has been reported as a barrier to achieving depth in gender-affirming vaginoplasty. The authors sought to characterize vaginal depth and revision outcomes in patients with genital hypoplasia undergoing robotic peritoneal flap vaginoplasty. METHODS:Retrospective case-control analysis of patients undergoing robotic peritoneal vaginoplasty between September of 2017 and August of 2020 was used. All 43 patients identified as having genital hypoplasia (genital length <7 cm) were included with 49 random controls from the remaining patients with greater than 7 cm genital length. Baseline clinical characteristics and perioperative variables were recorded to identify potential confounders. Outcomes measured included vaginal size reported at last visit and undergoing revision surgery for depth or for vulvar appearance. RESULTS:Patients were well matched other than median body mass index at the time of surgery, which was greater in the hypoplasia cohort by 3.6 kg/m 2 ( P < 0.0001). Patients had a median of 1-year of follow-up, with a minimum follow-up of 90 days. No significant differences in outcomes were observed, with a median vaginal depth of 14.5 cm (interquartile range, 13.3 to 14.5 cm), and a median width of dilator used of 3.8 cm (interquartile range, 3.8 to 3.8 cm). No depth revisions were observed, and an 11% ( n = 10) rate of external revision occurred. CONCLUSIONS:Patients with genital hypoplasia had equivalent dilation outcomes in a case-control analysis with consistent follow-up past 90 days. The robotic peritoneal flap vaginoplasty technique provides vaginal depth of 14 cm or greater regardless of genital tissue before surgery. Further investigation with patient-reported outcome measures is warranted. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:Risk, II.

Background: Patient-reported outcomes regarding sexual health are lacking or have not been validated for transgender patients following vaginoplasty. The aim of this study is to further characterize the difference in sexual health, genital self-image, and the relationship between them for patients who were pre- and postvaginoplasty. Methods: A community advisory board informed an anonymous online survey utilizing patient-reported outcomes. Pre- and postvaginoplasty respondents were recruited online. Survey measures included the Female Genital Self-Image Scale (FGSIS) and the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System sexual health measures. Welch approximation t tests were performed for FGSIS and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System questions, using Bonferroni correction. Results: A total of 690 respondents prevaginoplasty (n = 525; 76%) and postvaginoplasty (n = 165; 24%) participated. The postoperative cohort, compared with the preoperative cohort, reported higher scores for orgasm (P = 0.0003), satisfaction (P = 0.001), and pleasure (P = 0.002). FGSIS total score was higher among postoperative respondents (79.4% ± 17.1%) than preoperative respondents (50.6% ± 15.1%) (P < 0.0001). Using Spearman rho, no significant correlation between FGSIS total score and any Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System subsectional measures was observed for the postoperative cohort, but a correlation (P <0.001) was observed for the preoperative cohort. Conclusions: Individuals who are contemplating vaginoplasty have worse sexual health and genital self-image than those who underwent vaginoplasty, yet genital self-image does not correlate directly with sexual health. Sexual health is multimodal for each person.

BACKGROUND:The limitations of metoidioplasty and phalloplasty have been reported as deterrents for transgender and other gender expansive individuals (T/GE) desiring gender affirming surgery, and thus penile transplantation, epithesis, and composite tissue engineering (CTE) are being explored as alternative interventions. AIM:We aim to understand the acceptability of novel techniques and factors that may influence patient preferences in surgery to best treat this diverse population. METHODS:Descriptions of metoidioplasty, phalloplasty, epithesis, CTE, and penile transplant were delivered via online survey from January 2020 to May 2020. Respondents provided ordinal ranking of interest in each intervention from 1 to 5, with 1 representing greatest personal interest. Demographics found to be significant on univariable analysis underwent multivariable ordinal logistic regression to determine independent predictors of interest. OUTCOMES:Sexual orientation, gender, and age were independent predictors of interest in interventions. RESULTS:There were 965 qualifying respondents. Gay respondents were less likely to be interested in epithesis (OR: 2.282; P = .001) compared to other sexual orientations. Straight individuals were the least likely to be interested in metoidioplasty (OR 3.251; P = .001), and most interested in penile transplantation (OR 0.382; P = .005) and phalloplasty (OR 0.288, P < .001) as potential interventions. Gay and queer respondents showed a significant interest in phalloplasty (Gay: OR 0.472; P = .004; Queer: OR 0.594; P = .017). Those who identify as men were more interested in phalloplasty (OR 0.552; P < .001) than those with differing gender identities. Older age was the only variable associated with a decreased interest in phalloplasty (OR 1.033; P = .001). No demographic analyzed was an independent predictor of interest in CTE. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS:A thorough understanding of patient gender identity, sexual orientation, and sexual behavior should be obtained during consultation for gender affirming penile reconstruction, as these factors influence patient preferences for surgical interventions. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS:This study used an anonymous online survey that was distributed through community channels and allowed for the collection of a high quantity of responses throughout the T/GE population that would otherwise be impossible through single-center or in-person means. The community-based methodology minimized barriers to honesty, such as courtesy bias. The survey was only available in English and respondents skewed young and White. CONCLUSION:Despite previously reported concerns about the limitations of metoidioplasty, participants ranked it highly, along with CTE, in terms of personal interest, with sexual orientation, gender, and age independently influencing patient preferences, emphasizing their relevance in patient-surgeon consultations.

BACKGROUND:The limitations of metoidioplasty and phalloplasty have been reported as deterrents for transgender and other gender expansive individuals (T/GE) desiring gender affirming surgery, and thus penile transplantation, epithesis, and composite tissue engineering (CTE) are being explored as alternative interventions. AIM/OBJECTIVE:We aim to understand the acceptability of novel techniques and factors that may influence patient preferences in surgery to best treat this diverse population. METHODS:Descriptions of metoidioplasty, phalloplasty, epithesis, CTE, and penile transplant were delivered via online survey from January 2020 to May 2020. Respondents provided ordinal ranking of interest in each intervention from 1 to 5, with 1 representing greatest personal interest. Demographics found to be significant on univariable analysis underwent multivariable ordinal logistic regression to determine independent predictors of interest. OUTCOMES/RESULTS:Sexual orientation, gender, and age were independent predictors of interest in interventions. RESULTS:There were 965 qualifying respondents. Gay respondents were less likely to be interested in epithesis (OR: 2.282; P = .001) compared to other sexual orientations. Straight individuals were the least likely to be interested in metoidioplasty (OR 3.251; P = .001), and most interested in penile transplantation (OR 0.382; P = .005) and phalloplasty (OR 0.288, P < .001) as potential interventions. Gay and queer respondents showed a significant interest in phalloplasty (Gay: OR 0.472; P = .004; Queer: OR 0.594; P = .017). Those who identify as men were more interested in phalloplasty (OR 0.552; P < .001) than those with differing gender identities. Older age was the only variable associated with a decreased interest in phalloplasty (OR 1.033; P = .001). No demographic analyzed was an independent predictor of interest in CTE. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS/CONCLUSIONS:A thorough understanding of patient gender identity, sexual orientation, and sexual behavior should be obtained during consultation for gender affirming penile reconstruction, as these factors influence patient preferences for surgical interventions. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS/UNASSIGNED:This study used an anonymous online survey that was distributed through community channels and allowed for the collection of a high quantity of responses throughout the T/GE population that would otherwise be impossible through single-center or in-person means. The community-based methodology minimized barriers to honesty, such as courtesy bias. The survey was only available in English and respondents skewed young and White. CONCLUSION/CONCLUSIONS:Despite previously reported concerns about the limitations of metoidioplasty, participants ranked it highly, along with CTE, in terms of personal interest, with sexual orientation, gender, and age independently influencing patient preferences, emphasizing their relevance in patient-surgeon consultations. A. Parker, G. Blasdel, C. Kloer et al. "Postulating Penis: What Influences the Interest of Transmasculine Patients in Gender Affirming Penile Reconstruction Techniques?". J Sex Med 2021;XX:XXX-XXX.

BACKGROUND:Refractory vesicourethral anastomotic stenosis (VUAS) after radical prostatectomy poses challenges distinct from bladder neck contracture, due to close proximity to the sphincter mechanism. Open reconstruction is technically demanding, risking de novo stress urinary incontinence (SUI) or recurrence. OBJECTIVE:To demonstrate patency and continence outcomes of robotic-assisted VUAS repair. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS/METHODS:Patients with VUAS underwent robotic-assisted reconstruction from 2015 to 2020 in the Trauma and Urologic Reconstructive Network of Surgeons (TURNS) consortium of institutions. The minimum postoperative follow-up was 3 mo. SURGICAL PROCEDURE/METHODS:The space of Retzius is dissected and fibrotic tissue at the vesicourethral anastomosis is excised. Reconstruction is performed with either a primary anastomotic or an anterior bladder flap-based technique. MEASUREMENTS/METHODS:Patency was defined as either the passage of a 17 French flexible cystoscope or a peak flow on uroflowmetry of >15 ml/s. De novo SUI was defined as either more than one pad per day or need for operative intervention. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS/CONCLUSIONS:A total of 32 patients met the criteria, of whom 16 (50%) had a history of pelvic radiation. Intraoperatively, 15 (47%) patients had obliterative VUAS. The median length of hospital stay was 1 d. At a median follow-up of 12 mo, 24 (75%) patients had patent repairs and 26 (81%) were voiding per urethra. Of five men with 30-d complications, four were resolved conservatively (catheter obstruction and ileus). In eight patients, recurrent stenoses were managed with redo robotic reconstruction (in two), endoscopically (in four), or catheterization (in two). Of 13 patients without preexisting SUI, 11 (85%) remained continent at last follow-up. No patients underwent urinary diversion. CONCLUSIONS:Robotic-assisted VUAS reconstruction is a viable and successful management option for refractory anastomotic stenosis following radical prostatectomy. The robotic transabdominal approach demonstrates high patency and continence rates. PATIENT SUMMARY/RESULTS:We studied the outcomes of robotic-assisted repair for vesicourethral anastomotic stenosis. Most patients, after the procedure, were able to void per urethra and preserve existing continence.

The use of body mass index (BMI) to determine eligibility for gender-affirming surgery in transgender and nonbinary individuals has been contested. While BMI thresholds are often meant to be protective, restricting patients from access to surgery can also cause harm. There is a rationale for the continued use of BMI, but the inherent problems with it must also be recognized, including how weight stigma impacts patients' access to gender-affirming surgery and influences clinical care. This article uses a narrative review of current literature to discuss how high BMI affects surgical outcomes in gender-affirming genital surgeries, as well as analogous procedures, existing de facto BMI thresholds, and how to both minimize the harms of proceeding with surgery in patients with a high BMI or the harms of delaying for weight loss. BMI factors into surgical decision-making based on the existing literature, which demonstrates that high BMI is associated with increased surgical risk, including higher incidences of surgical site infections and poor wound healing, as well as the possibility of free flap complications, which are a component of certain genital procedures. This patient population is at higher risk for eating disorders, and it is prudent to find alternatives to requiring patient self-monitored weight management. The impacts of weight stigma should be considered when treating gender-affirming surgery patients, and further data and research are needed to augment shared decision-making and lead to practice change.