Abstract Introduction Penile prosthesis (PP) implantation is associated with high patient satisfaction in patients with medically refractory erectile dysfunction (ED). There remains a paucity in the literature regarding the temporal evolution of patient following PP surgery. Objective We sought to evaluate mechanical-associated outcomes in our Penile prosthesis (PP) cohort. Methods We analyzed our prospective penile registry that includes patient-completed surveys regarding device outcomes administered at 6 and 12-months after PP placement. We specifically examined the questions: “Have you had another [prosthesis] surgery since your first operation?”; and, “Does the device ever inflate or deflate on its own, if Yes how bothersome is this for you on a scale of 1-10 (1- very bothersome, 10 no bother)?”. Chart review was performed to identify pertinent variables including reservoir location (retropubic vs submuscular) and need for prosthesis revision for survey respondents. Results A total of 304 patients were enrolled in the registry. Of these, 101 completed the 6-month assessment and 79 completed the 1-year survey. The vast majority of PP were Coloplast (91.4%) utilizing the “classic” pump. Mean chart review follow up was approximately 3 years. One device was explanted for implant infection. No additional operations were reported for mechanical failure. Auto-inflation (AI) was reported in 38 patients at 6 months and 21 patients at 12 months. AI was most common in patients with submuscular reservoir placement (75.9% of those who reported AI at 6 months and 50% at 12 months respectively). The relative risk of developing AI was doubled in patients with a submuscular reservoir [2.2 (1.05-3.44); p < 0.001)]. Degree of bother had a reported median of 5 (3.75-9) at 6 months and became less bothersome after 12-months year with a reported median of 7 (5-9) (p = 0.230) [Fig. 1]. Conclusions Early Penile prosthesis mechanical failure requiring revision surgery did not occur in our cohort but patient-reported auto-inflation was identified more frequently than previously reported. Further study is warranted, but patients may benefit from pre-operative counseling regarding the incidence of auto-inflation. Disclosure Yes, this is sponsored by industry/sponsor: Coloplast. Clarification: Industry funding only - investigator initiated and executed study.
(220) LESSONS LEARNED FROM REZUM IN PATIENTS WITH SIGNIFICANT MEDIAN LOBE
Abstract Introduction Convective water vapor thermal therapy (Rezum) can have varied outcomes based on prostate architecture. Objective We sought to compare the efficacy of traditional Rezum therapy with steam treatment of the median lobe to transurethral resection for the median lobe, and Rezum treatment for the lateral lobes of the prostate (Rezurp). Methods A single-surgeon series between 2019 and 2024 analyzed standard BPH outcomes. The rate of retreatment, complications, and a global assessment: “Knowing what you know now, would you like to repeat the procedure?” were utilized. Significant median lobe was defined as ≥1 cm of intravesical protrusion for Rezurp patients and ≥ 2 median lobe treatments required for standard Rezum. Results Follow-up assessments were performed for 89/105 patients in the Rezurp group and 107/138 patients in the Rezum group. There was no significant difference in baseline characteristics between the two groups, as shown in Table 1. In the Rezum group, the median IPSS before surgery was 25 (20–28), while the median score after surgery was 9 (5–15), and in the Rezurp group, the median IPSS before surgery was 22.5 (19–28), and the median score after surgery was 5 (3–9.7). The changes were statistically significant for both groups (P < 0.001). For the IPSS quality-of-life (QoL) scores, the median in both groups was 4 (mostly not satisfied) before surgery and 2 (mostly satisfied) after surgery. The changes in QoL scores were significant in both (P < 0.001). In the Rezum group, the median Q-max was 7.9 and 13.1 before and after surgery, while in the Rezurp group, it was 8.0 and 17.1, respectively, and the changes were significant for both (P = 0.001). In addition, changes in post-voiding residue were significant in both groups (P = 0.001) (Table 2). In the Rezum group, 62% (67 patients) were on alpha-blockers before surgery, whereas only 15.8% (17 patients) continued after surgery. For the Rezurp group, 71.9% (64 patients) were on alpha-blockers before surgery, compared to 10.1% (9 patients) afterward. The discontinuation of alpha-blockers was significant for both groups (P = 0.001). Furthermore, changes in stopping the use of 5-alpha reductase inhibitors were significant for both groups (P = 0.001). The changes in stopping PDI-5 were not significant in both groups (P = 0.38). Regarding retreatment, 5.6% (5 out of 89) of patients in the Rezurp group required a retreatment procedure, compared to 14.9% (16 out of 107) in the Rezum group. The retreatment rate was significantly higher in the Rezum group (P = 0.03). When asked if they would repeat the procedure, 91% (81 out of 89) in the Rezurp group expressed interest, compared to 72% (77 out of 107) in the Rezum group. The interest in repeating the procedure was significantly higher in the Rezurp group (P = 0.001). Conclusions Although both Rezum therapy and Rezurp resulted in significant improvements in Q-max, PVR, IPSS, and QoL, the Rezurp group had a significantly lower rate of retreatment. Disclosure No.
(317) EVALUATING PRACTICE PATTERNS OF CLOSTRIDIUM COLLAGENASE HISTOLYTICUM PROVIDERS
Abstract Introduction Clostridium Collagenase Histolyticum (CCH) is the only-FDA approved non-surgical, intralesional option for men with Peyronie’s disease. However, little is known regarding practice patterns of CCH providers due to lack of standardized protocols. Objective To evaluate practice patterns for providers approved to administer CCH to treat Peyronie’s disease (PD), this study was conducted. Methods The “Find a Xiaflex-Trained Urologist” search tool on the Endo International patient-facing website was utilized to identify clinicians offering CCH injections in the United States. A 24-question survey was mailed to these providers with topics including provider type, years in practice, therapies offered, and patient evaluation was distributed to providers on patient-facing Endo International Xiaflex Find a Provider web-based tool. Results 63 responses were obtained, including 41% fellowship-trained urologists (FTU), 40% non-fellowship-trained urologists (NFTU), 14% advanced practice providers, and 5% un-specified. Prior to therapy, over 63% of providers performed in-office assessment of an erect penis while only 35% obtained ultrasound. 32% always and 36% never performed an artificial erection prior to administering CCH. Plaques were most identified by palpation or patient-provided direction with penile modeling and traction the most common adjuncts. When comparing NFTU to FTU, there was no difference in volume of PD patients with 60% examining fewer than 10 per month. FTU were more likely to offer traction (p = 0.002), plaque incision/excision and grafting (p = 0.005), increase time between injections (p = 0.012), and less likely to encourage penetrative intercourse between cycles (p = 0.016). The incidence of post-operative hematomas or suspected corporal rupture was not significantly different, although FTUs were more likely to conservatively manage rupture. Conclusions Variability exists in provider practice patterns surrounding CCH injections with most evaluating less than 10 patients with PD per month. This calls to attention the need for evaluation of techniques, patient outcomes, and standardization of care. Disclosure Yes, this is sponsored by industry/sponsor: Endo Pharmaceuticals. Clarification: Industry funding only - investigator initiated and executed study. Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: Endo Pharmaceuticals.
(309) WHAT IS THE RIGHT APPROACH FOR PEYRONIE’S DISEASE SURGERY? COMPARING POSTOPERATIVE WOUND COMPLICATIONS BETWEEN VENTRAL AND SUBCORONAL INCISIONS FOR PATIENTS UNDERGOING PENILE STRAIGHTENING SURGERIES
Abstract Introduction Surgical treatment options for Peyronie’s disease (PD) include penile plication, plaque excision with grafting, and penile prosthesis placement with straightening maneuvers. Choice of surgical incision depends on location and severity of curve, concomitant procedures, and surgeon preference. Objective To assess risk of wound complications after PD surgery stratified by ventral versus subcoronal incision type. Methods A single surgeon retrospective chart review was conducted for all patients undergoing PD tunica albuginea plication (TA) or plaque excision with grafting (PEG) from Aug 2019 to June 2023. Wound complication was classified as any dehiscence or physical examination finding suspicious for infection within 30d of surgery. A Mann–Whitney U Test was used to compare demographic variables and wound complication rate based on ventral and subcoronal approaches. Results Of the 161 patients included, 105 underwent TAP and 56 underwent PEG. All patients who underwent PEG had at least one plication suture performed to correct mild residual curvature after grafting. A ventral midline penile incision was used in 81 patients (50%) and subcoronal in 80 patients (50%). Wound complications within 30d of surgery were found in 10 patients (6%), including 8 (10%) with ventral incisions versus only 2 (3%) subcoronal (OR 4.27; 95% CI 0.87-20.79; p = 0.09). There was no significant difference in wound complications between TAP and PEG cohorts. Wound complications included dehiscence requiring repeat closure (n = 1) and superficial wound infection necessitating antibiotic therapy (n = 9). In a subgroup analysis of patients who underwent TAP only, 8 patients (7.6%) with a ventral approach experienced a 30d wound complication compared with 1 patient (3.4%) with a subcoronal approach. Conclusions Penile straightening surgeries are associated with a low rate of significant wound infections. While not statistically significant, a ventral incision may have a slightly higher risk than subcoronal for wound complications within the first 30d of surgery. Both ventral and subcoronal incisions can offer excellent exposure and may be considered for patients requiring plication and/or grafting approaches. Disclosure No.
Abstract Introduction Over/Under is a sportsbook wager term. Peyronie’s disease (PD) affects men of all ages with an estimated prevalence of up to 9% of the population. The Peyronie’s Disease Questionnaire (PDQ) Scale provides an opportunity to assess patient perception of their disease and the impact it has on quality of life. A potential discrepancy between patient-perceived and physician-measured curvature is important aspect of triaging care for patients with PD. Counseling, management and treatment risks are impacted by PD triage. Objective To investigate patient accuracy in perceived degree of curvature in Peyronie’s disease. Are patients over estimating or underestimating PD curvature? Methods A retrospective chart review was performed on 57 patients with diagnosis of Peyronie’s disease at our institution. Patients in the study completed a Peyronie’s Disease Questionnaire (PDQ) Scale with additional prompts including, but not limited to, penile curvature with erection, number of penile curvatures, and degree of each penile curvature. All patients had office based testing with intracavernous injection of Alprostadil and color duplex Doppler assessment (CDDU). The primary outcome was estimation of concordance of curvature estimated by patient and measured by provider. Patient overestimation was defined as perceived curvature more than 15 degrees greater than measured curvature. Underestimation was defined as patient-estimated curvature 15 degrees less than measured curvature. Results Of the 57 patients, 51 patients met study criteria with a completed questionnaire, documented physician-measured curvature, and absence of an hourglass deformity on examination. Patient concordance with physician-measure curvature within 15 degrees was observed in forty patients (78%). Overestimation of curvature was recorded in eight patients (16%), while three patients (6%) underestimated their curvature. Conclusions The PDQ Scale is a useful tool in assessing degree of curvature in patients with PD. We carefully selected men who had normal vascular erection responses to Alprostadil in office and compared provider measurements to patient’s home estimate of curvature. Our study finds that in men with no co-existing erectile dysfunction and no hourglass deformities the majority (78%) accurately estimate their penile curvature within 15 degrees of measured curvature. PDQ cannot replace physical examination of Peyronie’s disease or office based intracavernous induced erections as discordance between percieved and measured curvature is 22%. Disclosure No.
Research setting in regional anaesthesia: a call for action
Abstract Introduction Discrimination and sexual harassment within the workplace have a negative impact on well-being and productivity and are often underreported due to lack of comfortability in confronting the offender. Objective We aim to assess the prevalence of these abusive behaviors within a urology department and the impact of a dedicated training session on comfortability reporting/confronting discrimination and harassment. Methods Employees within a urology department at a single institution were invited to take a survey regarding discrimination and harassment both before and after a dedicated training session on reporting and confronting these behaviors. Statistical analyses were performed between pre- and post-survey groups, genders, and roles within the department. Results A total of 77 participants were included, 52 (67.5%) identified as female. Roles within the department included physician (25; 32.5%), advanced practice provider (11; 14.3%), nurse (20; 26%), and nonclinical staff (21, 27.2%). More women reported experiencing sexual harassment at least once a year compared to men (38.6% vs. 16.7%, p < 0.001). Patients were the most commonly reported offenders of abusive behaviors towards staff (p < 0.05) Fig. 1.A. The training demonstrated a positive impact in respondent comfort level with addressing gender discrimination (14.3% increase in comfort; p = 0.043) Fig. 1.B. Conclusions Specific training on strategies for addressing abusive behaviors can help employees feel empowered to confront gender discrimination by both patients and their peers. Disclosure No.
(252) INDUCING BUSINESS OR IMPROVING PRACTICE? AN ANALYSIS OF EXISTING STEM CELL TRAINING PROGRAMS FOR PHYSICIANS
Abstract Introduction Most US businesses offering unproven stem cell interventions (SCIs) are run by physicians, many of whom operate outside their scope of training. To date, little effort has been made to educate practicing physicians about SCIs. To circumvent the need, several businesses have begun advertising training opportunities for physicians. Objective To understand the current training landscape for physicians, we undertook a systematic content analysis of stem cell courses advertised on the internet. Methods We conducted Google searches using keywords and included onsite, online, and hybrid training programs targeting physicians or other clinicians. We systematically examined all information and identified 14 courses (6 onsite, 4 online, and 4 hybrid) offered by 11 different organizations. Courses ranged from single-day workshops to year-long programs with an average cost of $4,919 and ranged from $500 to $22,000. Results Nine courses listed a practicum component and ten courses listed 63 affiliated clinics, companies, and non-profit institutions. Eight organizations included learner testimonials as text and/or video with most authored by physicians and all expressed a positive tone. We analyzed marketing language used by training organizations that 6 of 14 explicitly mentioned offering assistance in marketing and/or revenue growth to learners. We also examined the backgrounds of physician faculty among organizations. Of the 7 businesses which listed faculty, a total of 172 faculty were found ranging from 4 to 71 individuals. Among the 172 faculty, 121 were physicians where we were able to determine whether they provided unproven, questionable or proven treatments within their practice. The majority of physician faculty (66%) were associated with unproven treatments, 21% offered proven treatments, and 13% offered questionable treatments. Nearly half the faculty (48%) provided 3-5 unproven therapies, 35% provided 1-2 unproven therapies, and 17% provided 6 or more unproven therapies. Conclusions Our results indicate that current pedagogical offerings for physicians interested in SCIs are likely to offer questionable training that is not rooted in evidence. Physicians interested in SCIs should seek training from nationally accredited organizations. The scientific community should invest in physician training surrounding SCIs. Disclosure No.
(228) PARTNER SATISFACTION AFTER PENILE PROSTHESIS PLACEMENT IN PATIENTS WITH ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION
Abstract Introduction Penile prosthesis (PP) implantation is associated with high patient satisfaction and improved sexual quality of life in medically refractory erectile dysfunction (ED). Despite the current surgical advances and patients’ satisfactions after PP implantation, there has been paucity of data on reported partner satisfaction. We aimed to evaluate changes in partner satisfaction after PP placement. Objective We aimed to evaluate changes in partner satisfaction after PP placement. Methods We initiated a registry of patients undergoing surgery for placement of a PP. After consent, Perioperative study assessments and follow-ups were conducted. After surgery, patients were directed to fulfill a survey at 6 months and 12 months. Patients who fulfilled both items were included in the analysis. Results A total of 304 patients had a PP placement, of these 101 completed the survey. At 6 months, 62 patients (61.4%) reported a moderate to high partner’ satisfaction, and this positive response was sustained at 12-months (82.3%). 73.3% of partner’s reported no-pain after 6 months and this increased to 79.7% after 12 months. 67.3% of partners stated they would recommend the procedure to a friend or family at 6-months. This increased significantly to 84.8% at 12-months (p = 0.012). Conclusions Penile prosthesis placement is associated with high partner satisfaction rates, with a sustained positive perception over time when comparing 6 and 12-month follow-up outcomes. Further study is warranted to assess partner satisfaction after penile prosthesis implantation. Disclosure Yes, this is sponsored by industry/sponsor: COLOPLAST. Clarification: Industry funding only - investigator initiated and executed study.
(225) INVESTIGATING RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN MASTURBATION FREQUENCY AND SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION IN MEN UNDERGOING FERTILITY TESTING
Abstract Introduction Male masturbation is a scarcely discussed topic in male sexual health. In the context of trying to conceive, male masturbation may impact overall sexual function and ultimately fertility outcomes. Objective To evaluate the relationship between masturbation frequency and sexual function amongst men undergoing fertility testing. Methods We performed a review of a prospectively maintained database of men utilizing a mail-in semen analysis test system developed by Fellow Health, Inc. Men ≥18 years were included if they consented to participate in research and completed survey questionnaires on both their quality of life and sexual function. Men reported their typical weekly masturbation frequency (0, 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, or ≥ 7 times per week) as part of the sexual function questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were reported and chi-squared tests were used to determine statistical significance at the 0.05 alpha level. Results Of the 2,034 men included, most reported masturbating one to two times per week (41.2%). Nearly one-fourth (21.6%) reported never masturbating, and only 14.2% reported a frequency of more than four times per week. Mean semen volume did not differ significantly by masturbation frequency (p = 0.07). Of note, patients were instructed to abstain from ejaculation for 48 hours prior to sample collection. Men who reported masturbating most frequently (≥7 times per week) were least likely to report ejaculatory dysfunction (12.0% vs. 21.0% for all others combined; p = 0.04), but most likely to report orgasmic dysfunction (12.0% vs. 5.7% for all others combined; p = 0.02). Interestingly, men who reported masturbating most often (≥7 times per week) were both most likely to report having sex less than once per week and most likely to report having sex ≥7 times per week when compared to other strata of masturbation frequency. Conclusions Those with higher masturbation frequency also had better ejaculatory function, but worse orgasmic function. Men who masturbate most frequently (>7 times per week) were most likely to report having sex less than one time per week and also most likely to report having sex >7 times per week, which may be reflective of differences in libido in this group. Disclosure Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: Fellow Health.