Faculty Bibliography

INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND:We reviewed retrospectively the use of penile prostheses, including the indications and complications of penile prosthesis surgery. METHODS:We identified publications and the reported advances in penile prosthesis surgery between 1987 and 2012 in Pub-Med, and published information from American Medical Systems, Inc. (Minnetonka, MN, USA) and Coloplast Corporation (Humlebaek, Denmark), using the keywords 'penile prosthesis', 'erectile dysfunction', 'mechanical reliability', 'complications' and 'infection'. RESULTS:We describe the novel indications for the use of penile prostheses, the significant advances in implant designs with improved mechanical reliability, the changing landscape of device infection, and the current management of complications. Sixty-eight publications with a grade A, B and C level of evidence are cited. CONCLUSION/CONCLUSIONS:The clinical indications to implant a penile prosthesis have expanded beyond organic erectile dysfunction. With the many different devices currently available, the choice of which device to implant can be tailored based on an individual's unique medical conditions, manual dexterity and expectations, and surgeon preference. There must be a conscious effort to prevent device infection, in the light of the development of increasingly virulent organisms. Penile prosthesis surgery is an integral part of the treatment of erectile dysfunction when non-surgical options fail or are contraindicated.

INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND:The Sexual Medicine Society of North America (SMSNA) includes as its members the most experienced prosthetic surgeons in North America who implant inflatable penile prostheses (IPPs). Obliteration of the space of Retzius (SOR) resulting from robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) is a growing concern that has prompted many surgeons to look for alternative locations for reservoir placement during IPP implantation. AIM/OBJECTIVE:The aim of this article is to educate the community of prosthetic urologists about potential complications and alternative locations for IPP reservoir placement. METHODS:A panel of high-volume experienced prosthetic surgeons discussed their views on alternative IPP reservoir implantation during a symposium focused on this topic. After reviewing reservoir complications, physician members of the SMSNA in attendance were surveyed using an audience response system (ARS) to facilitate sharing of knowledge, opinions, and recommendations related to reservoir implantation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES/METHODS:Six ARS questions were used to identify the percentages of SMSNA member physicians with concerns about traditional IPP reservoir placement and utilizing alternative reservoir placement (ARP), and the impact of changing practice patterns on patient safety. RESULTS:A majority (81%) of experienced implant surgeons surveyed think that RALP sometimes or frequently makes traditional IPP reservoir placement more difficult. Placement of the reservoir in an alternative location is sometimes or frequently advantageous for patient safety. A vast majority (97%) of the 95 respondents indicated that ARP techniques should be included in physician training courses. CONCLUSIONS:Physicians have concerns about reservoir placement in the SOR in RALP patients, which may explain why ARP is popular among SMSNA members. Device manufacturers should support physician training that provides for ARP. Clinical outcomes in RALP patients are needed to better understand the risks and benefits, and define the ideal location of reservoir placement in this population.

The newest data related to the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) / Acquired Immune Disease Syndrome (AIDS) epidemic is primarily positive, but many areas of the world, especially Sub-Saharan Africa, remain disproportionately affected. Between 2005 and 2007, three large randomized trials evaluating circumcision for prevention of HIV acquisition in heterosexual African males showed a reduction in the rate of acquisition of HIV by up to 66 % over 24 months. Since the results of these studies were published, global health organizations have ramped up efforts to help target countries to provide male circumcision delivery services in sub-Saharan Africa. Male circumcision (MC) is cost-effective and efficacious, especially when used in combination with other prevention strategies. Available data shows good acceptability amongst target populations. Neonatal circumcision is well tolerated and more cost effective than adult male circumcision and should be included as part of MC initiatives in the future. Behavioral disinhibition and risk compensation are important factors that may mitigate the rate of risk reduction conferred by male circumcision and should be further investigated. As delivery of male circumcision services is expanded, the issues affecting the female sexual partners of the target population must be outlined and addressed. Whether or not the results of the African trials can be extrapolated to warrant expansion of MC programs to other populations is a critical area for further study.

INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND:Vacuum erection devices (VEDs) have been approved in the United States since 1982 and offer a viable alternative to oral phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5i), injections and transurethral suppositories. Studies have demonstrated efficacy in erectile dysfunction (ED) associated with a variety of conditions. More recently, this modality has been evaluated in initial phosphodiesterase inhibitor nonresponders as well as for post-prostatectomy penile rehabilitation. AIM/OBJECTIVE:This article provides a detailed overview of the history of VEDs, a review of the literature, and a concise description of their new applications in modern urological practice. METHODS:A retrospective review of publications relevant to the field of VEDs. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES/METHODS:Review of the historical milestones, evolution, and modern utilization of VEDs in modern urological protocols. RESULTS:Studies have demonstrated efficacy in ED associated with a variety of conditions. Early penile rehabilitation after surgery for prostate cancer with the VED appears to improve erectile function and penile length. Adverse events are transient and not serious. CONCLUSIONS:The VED has continued to show efficacy for treatment of ED due to various etiologies and should be considered an attractive second-line therapy. In select cases such post-prostatectomy penile rehabilitation, as well as in men who cannot use a PDE5i, the vacuum device should be considered first-line treatment.

Infertility affects about 8% to 12% of couples, with male infertility being responsible for about 30% of cases. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are known to cause complications of pregnancy and are associated with tubal infertility in females, but the association with male fertility is still controversial. The prevalence of curable STIs has risen to an estimated 448 million a year with the number of people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) at 34 million. This review looks at the evidence available to date, regarding the effect of STIs and male accessory gland infections on markers of male fertility and the evidence that STIs negatively affect sexual functioning, thus adversely affecting the ability to conceive. The review will also cover new developments in the use of medications and fertility treatments as an aid to conception in couples serodiscordant for HIV.

INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND:Persistent genital arousal disorder (PGAD) is a potentially debilitating disorder of unwanted genital sensation and arousal that is generally spontaneous and unrelenting. Since its first description in 2001, many potential etiologies and management strategies have been suggested. AIM/OBJECTIVE:To review the literature on PGAD, identify possible causes of the disorder, and provide approaches to the assessment and treatment of the disorder based on the authors' experience and recent literature. METHODS:PubMed searches through July 2012 were conducted to identify articles relevant to persistent sexual arousal syndrome and PGAD. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES/METHODS:Expert opinion was based on review of the medical literature related to this subject matter. RESULTS:PGAD is characterized by persistent sensations of genital arousal in the absence of sexual stimulation or emotion, which are considered unwanted and cause the patient at least moderate distress. The proposed etiologies of PGAD are plentiful and may involve a range of psychologic, pharmacologic, neurologic, and vascular causes. PGAD has been associated with other conditions including overactive bladder and restless leg syndrome. Assessment should include a through history and physical exam and tailored radiologic studies. Treatment should be aimed at reversible causes, whether physiologic or pharmacologic. All patients should be considered for cognitive therapy including mindfullness meditation and acceptance therapy. CONCLUSIONS:PGAD likely represents a range of conditions manifesting in unwanted genital sensations. Successful treatment requires a multidisciplinary approach and consideration of all reversible causes as well as cognitive therapy.