Abstract Background Concerns exist regarding inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) placement after transcorporal artificial urinary sphincter (TC-AUS) surgery due to potential risk of damaging the AUS cuff during corporal dilation and device placement. Aim To evaluate perioperative complications, infections, revision rates, and device longevity in patients undergoing IPP placement following prior TC-AUS surgery. Methods We present a case series of men who underwent IPP surgery with an existing TC-AUS in place. A retrospective review was conducted of all patients who underwent TC-AUS placement at a single tertiary institution between 2015 and 2025. Patients who subsequently received IPP surgery were identified. Standard IPP techniques were used with additional precautions to protect the AUS, including use of electrocautery instead of sharp dissection and contralateral reservoir placement. Demographics, operative details, complications, infections, revision events, and device survival were collected through review of operative notes and patient records. Outcomes Primary outcomes included intra-operative difficulties, perioperative complications, infection and erosion rates, and revision or failure rates for both the TC-AUS and IPP devices. Results Among 757 TC-AUS placements, 17 patients subsequently underwent IPP surgery. Seven patients (41%) had a history of pelvic irradiation. The median operative time for IPP placement was 83 minutes (interquartile range [IQR] 68-87), and median follow-up was 31.5 months (IQR 11.2-40.6). All reservoirs were positioned contralateral to the AUS reservoir. A 12 Fr catheter was left postoperatively in 10 patients (59%) for <24 hours. Proximal corporal dilation was noted to be challenging in 3 patients (18%) but dilation was completed without cuff injury or corporal perforation. One patient (6%) had TC-AUS cuff erosion 9.5 months after IPP surgery; one patient (6%) experienced TC-AUS device infection 11.5 months after IPP surgery when his AUD pump eroded through the scrotum. Four patients (24%) developed AUS mechanical failure due to cuff leak at a median of 31.9 months after IPP placement (39.9 months post-AUS). Clinical implications IPP implantation following TC-AUS can be performed safely using careful surgical technique, though vigilance for later AUS mechanical failure is warranted. Strengths and limitations This study represents one of the largest single-institution series evaluating IPP after TC-AUS and includes detailed operative and follow-up data. However, its retrospective design, small cohort size, and limited follow-up duration restrict generalizability. Conclusion IPP placement after TC-AUS appears safe, with low infection and erosion rates, though AUS cuff leaks may occur more frequently than when either device is implanted alone.
Evaluation and management of male sexual dysfunction in Parkinson's disease: A clinical road map
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease with multiple manifestations including both motor and non-motor symptoms. One manifestation of PD that is often overlooked is the sexual dysfunction (SD) that patients may experience. Individuals with PD can experience impairment in sexual desire, arousal or lubrication, orgasm, ejaculation, pain and the physical aspect of intimacy. This article aims to provide an overview of the current practices in the evaluation and treatment of sexual dysfunction in men in the context PD. Note that this article focuses on the male population as it reviews the available American Urology Association practice guidelines many practitioners follow, which focus on the male population. Sexual dysfunction guidelines for the female population are much more limited, and future work should review the existing literature and gaps to provide a more robust understanding of sexual dysfunction in PD. PD represents a particularly vulnerable population for development of sexual dysfunction given the multifactorial nature of its manifestations. Given its profound impact on not only the patient, but their partner, it is important to be aware of the various manifestations of SD when evaluating individuals with PD. Through thorough history taking and targeted psychosexual evaluation, we as practitioners can ensure a more holistic and comprehensive approach to caring for individuals with PD.
Study recruitment challenges when conducting a randomized controlled trial comparing long- and short-acting local anesthetics for pain control after penile prosthesis
Abstract Introduction Selective angioembolization for high flow priapism (Step-by-step guide). Aim Describe the indications and techniques of angioembolization for high flow priapism. Methods We outline patient selection, preparation, technique, outcomes, and potential complications of angioembolization for high flow priapism as supported by the literature. Main outcome measure The effectiveness of embolization for treating high flow priapism. Results Transarterial embolization is minimally invasive, low risk, and effective method from managing high flow priapism. Success rates range from 70% to 87% depending on the type of agent used for embolization. Side effects include erectile dysfunction with a reported rate of 7%-19%. Complications may be mitigated by embolizing as selectively as possible and using temporary embolic agents. Conclusion Embolization is a safe and effective treatment for nonischemic, high flow priapism in patients who have not responded to conservative management.
Chlorhexidine gluconate application, diabetes, revision surgery, and extended operative time increase risk for penile implant infection
Abstract Background Chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) (0.05%) has recently been suggested as a dip and irrigation solution at time of inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) surgery. Aim This study evaluated infection rates before and after implementing CHG protocol while investigating concurrent risk factors contributing to post operative infections. Methods A retrospective, consecutive cohort study was performed that included patients who underwent insertion of a Coloplast Titan IPP including both virgin and revision cases between 2021 and 2024. Cases performed from January 2021 to August 2022 utilized rifampin/gentamicin for dip and vancomycin/gentamicin for irrigation (ABX), whereas those from October 2022 to May 2024 utilized CHG for both dip and irrigation. Perioperative risk factors including dip and irrigation solution used at time of surgery were compared between groups. Outcomes We defined the incidence of postoperative infection and risk factors associated with infection in each group. Results The incidence of infection was significantly higher in the 0.05% CHG group (13/377) compared to the ABX group (0/320) (P < .001). When analyzed separately by subgroup, virgin cases treated with CHG for dip and irrigation demonstrated a significantly higher infection rate (7/315) compared to those in the ABX group (0/280) (P = .012). Similarly, in revision cases, the CHG group also exhibited a significantly higher infection rate (0/40) than the ABX group (6/62) (P = .043). Univariable analysis of the CHG cohort identified three significant risk factors for infection: diabetes mellitus (DM), extended operative time (OP), and revision surgery (P = .003, .001, and < .001, respectively). Multivariable regression analysis revealed that patients with DM had a 5.7-fold increased risk of infection (OR: 5.70, P = .004), while those undergoing revision surgery faced a 5.3-fold higher risk (OR: 5.26, P = .004). Additionally, each minute increase in OP was associated with a 1% higher infection risk (OR: 1.01 per minute, P = .007). These associations remained significant after adjusting for all variables in the model. Clinical Implications Prosthetic surgeons should be cautious about adopting 0.05% CHG for both dip and irrigation in the absence of strong clinical evidence demonstrating its non-inferiority to antibiotic solutions. Strengths and Limitations This is the first clinical study reporting infection rates after IPP surgery using 0.05% CHG for both dip and irrigation. While retrospective and non-randomized, we present a relatively large sample size of patients. Conclusions Our findings identify four risk factors for penile prosthesis infection: usage of the 0.05% CHG solution for dip and irrigation solution of Coloplast hydrophilic-coated devices, DM, revision surgery, and extended OP.
Lessons learned from the Sexual Medicine Society of North America fellowship bootcamp
Abstract Background Sexual Medicine Society of North America (SMSNA) fellowships offer variable experience in sexual health domains: erectile dysfunction, Peyronie’s disease, male infertility, male hypogonadism (low testosterone), reconstruction (including male incontinence), benign prostatic hyperplasia, gender affirmation surgery, sexual mental health, and female sexual dysfunction. Aim To evaluate baseline and postbootcamp understanding and trust in these domains. Methods In 2023, 28 of 31 urologists currently enrolled in SMSNA-endorsed fellowships participated in a 3.5-day training bootcamp in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Participants were asked to complete pre- and postbootcamp surveys. The bootcamp curriculum offered American Urological Association guidelines and case-based lectures, hands-on clinical training with cadavers (penile surgery) and models (collagenase training), and interaction with industry. Outcomes Changes in knowledge, independence, and trust in performing the procedures, as well as billing issues and feedback for future bootcamps. Results Prebootcamp surveys revealed vastly varied residency experience. Reported time with an expert faculty member was greatest for benign prostatic hyperplasia and least for female sexual dysfunction, gender affirmation surgery, and low testosterone. The lowest prebootcamp confidence in performing surgery independently was for penile grafting procedures and elevating the neurovascular bundle. Postbootcamp results revealed several areas of significant improvement in confidence (P ≤ .03): intralesional injections for Peyronie’s disease, manual modeling, penile plication, penile grafting procedures, and elevating the neurovascular bundle. There was a trend for improved confidence with the insertion of inflatable (P = .05) and semirigid (P = .08) penile prostheses. Nonsignificant improvement occurred in artificial urinary sphincter surgery (P = .12). Participants graded the bootcamp very highly and requested that next year’s bootcamp have more content on female sexual dysfunction, male incontinence, and low testosterone, as well as more hands-on skills sessions and case-based lecture formats. Clinical Implications Offering a bootcamp with hands-on instruction could significantly improve urologists’ knowledge and confidence. Strengths and Limitations As the main strength, this study was the first specialized bootcamp for urologists in the subject of men’s health, taking into account hands-on and cadaver laboratories, as well as highlighting industrial and pharmaceutical products. The small sample size was the major limitation. Conclusions Current SMSNA fellows present with varied levels of experience and confidence across sexual health domains. Notable confidence improvements were seen with topics that combined didactic lectures with hands-on trainings.