Bonakdar Hashemi, Milad

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.

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.