Ziegelmann, Matthew

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.

Abstract Introduction Obesity, defined as an elevated Body Mass Index (BMI) >30, is a prevalent public health concern with far-reaching implications for various medical procedures and outcomes. In the context of inflatable penile prosthesis placement (IPP), where patient well-being and surgical success are of paramount importance, the impact of obesity on postoperative and intraoperative complications warrants thorough investigation. Objective Our study aimed to investigate the impact of BMI on both postoperative and intraoperative complications in an international, multi-institutional cohort of patients who underwent IPP placement. Methods We performed a retrospective chart review of 4398 cases. These cases were divided into two distinct groups based on BMI: less than 30 (n = 2260) and greater than or equal to 30 (n = 2138). The study assessed various surgical factors as well as complications, including overall complications, corporal scarring, incontinence, intraoperative complications, proximal perforation, distal perforation, proximal crossover, distal crossover, and urethral injury. Results Our analysis revealed that there were no statistically significant differences in intraoperative or postoperative complications between the two BMI categories. Notably, proximal corporal measurement was significantly higher for >30 BMI group (9.55 +/−2.18) compared to <30 BMI group (9.14 +/−2.19), (p = < 0.001). The incidence rates for overall complications (30.2% vs. 28.7%; p = 0.164), corporal scarring (18.2% vs. 16.7%; p = 0.36), incontinence (3.53% vs. 3.13%; p = 0.076), intraoperative complications (1.94% vs. 1.68%; p = 0.253), and specific complications all exhibited no significant differences. Similarly, post-operative complications, including both non- infectious (6.99% vs. 6.22%; p = 0.215) and infectious (2.61% vs. 1.87%; p = 0.165) complications, did not significantly vary between BMI categories. Conclusions Our findings indicate that BMI does not exert a statistically significant influence on postoperative and intraoperative complications in the context of high-volume prosthetic urology. In the absence of any other differences between patients of differing BMIs, surgeons may need to be mindful of pump tubing length concerns in obese patients. Disclosure Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: Coloplast, Clarus Therapeutics, Antares Pharma, Acerus.

Abstract Background Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a known precursor and sequela of cardiovascular disease (CVD), with ED severity predicting CVD severity. Aim This study aimed to evaluate the utility of ceramide levels in patients with ED. Methods We initiated ceramide testing in all patients with ED. We retrospectively analyzed ceramide levels from electronic records and stratified by severity of symptoms using the erectile function domain of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). Outcomes The study aimed to determine whether abnormal ceramide levels were associated with ED severity and increased cardiovascular risk. Results Three hundred and fifty-four patients were reviewed, of whom 253 (71.5%) had moderate or higher ED. A statistically significant difference in abnormal ceramide values was found in patients with moderate to severe symptoms, and the odds of getting an abnormal ceramide test were increased based on the IIEF scoring alone (odds ratio [OR] 2.3 [1.04-5.12]; P-value = .034). Clinical Implications Serum ceramide testing could be beneficial in identifying cardiovascular risk in men with ED, potentially prompting cardiac referrals and lifestyle modifications. Strengths and Limitations The strengths of this study include a large sample size and the use of a well-established scale, while the limitations include the retrospective nature of the study and the need for further research to validate the findings. Conclusion Patients undergoing management for ED may benefit from serum ceramide testing and subsequent cardiac referral.

Abstract Background While the rate of physician burnout has been characterized as relatively high among urologists compared to other specialties, a specific examination of burnout and predictors of burnout among urologists specializing in sexual medicine has not been conducted. Aim The aim of this study was to collect demographic characteristics of urologists specializing in sexual medicine, assess the occurrence of and risk factors for burnout, and characterize satisfaction with career, compensation and work-life balance. Methods We surveyed 96 urologists specializing in sexual medicine to characterize demographic and practice characteristics and assess their satisfaction with career aspects and levels of burnout. Univariable and multivariable modeling with stepwise variable selection was utilized to identify predictive variables of burnout. Outcomes The Copenhagen Burnout Inventory was used to assess personal burnout, work-related burnout, patient-related burnout, and overall burnout. Results Twenty-four percent (n = 23) of participants reported burnout with 35.4% (n = 34) reporting personal burnout, 38.5% (n = 37) reporting work-related burnout, and 24.0% (n = 23) reporting patient-related burnout. Younger age (P = 0.051), Black/African American or multiracial race compared to white race (P < 0.0001), Latino or Hispanic background (P = 0.034), female sex (P = 0.059), being unmarried (P = 0.047), and increased educational debt (0.030) were identified as predictive of overall burnout in adjusted analysis. Dissatisfaction with work-life balance was significantly related to an increase in all categories of burnout (P < 0.01). Clinical implications These findings may guide practice patterns and initiatives to support groups identified at increased risk of burnout, as well as function as a benchmark for future studies of burnout in the sexual medicine urology community. Strengths and limitations While this is the first study of burnout specifically among sexual medicine urologists and findings are consistent with the overall urology community, the small sample size may lead to a biased sample. Conclusion Several demographic and personal characteristics were identified to be predictive of burnout among the sexual medicine urology community, indicating opportunities for additional support.

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.