Ziegelmann, Matthew

Abstract Introduction Intracavernosal injection (ICI) therapy for erectile dysfunction (ED) carries a risk of corporal fibrosis, potentially making placement of an inflatable penile prosthesis more difficult. Prostate cancer treatment may also induce corporal fibrosis. Objective To assess whether a history of ICI or prostate cancer treatment is associated with complications following IPP placement. Methods A retrospective cohort study of primary IPP cases from 2016-2021 across 16 institutions. Patients were stratified by history of ICI and between-group differences in risk factors were assessed. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess for predictors of intraoperative complications, postoperative non-infectious complications and postoperative infection. Results A total of 2540 patients met inclusion criteria of which 781 (30.8%) had a history of ICI. Patients with a history of ICI tended to be older (mean 63 vs 64 years, p=0.002) and were more likely to have history of radical prostatectomy (21.0% vs. 32.1%, p<0.001) and/or radiation (5.51% vs 10.9%, p<0.001). On multivariable regression, a history of ICI, prostatectomy, and radiation were all significant predictors of intraoperative complications (OR 2.11, p=0.03; OR 2.27, p=0.03; OR 2.40, p=0.04, respectively). A history of ICI and patient age were predictors of non-infectious postoperative complications (OR 1.44, p=0.02, OR 1.02, p=0.004 respectively)). None of the variables were significant predictors of infection. Conclusions In men undergoing IPP placement, a history of ICI is associated with an increased risk of both intraoperative and postoperative, non-infectious complications. Prostate cancer treatment with radiation or surgery is independently associated with increased risk of intraoperative complications. Disclosure Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: D.O. has served as a consultant for Coloplast, Intuitive Surgical, and Fidelis. P.P. has served as a consultant for Coloplast, Boston Scientific, and Urofill. M.S. has served as a consultant for Boston Scientific and Coloplast. J.S. has served as a consultant for Boston Scientific and Coloplast. F.A.Y. has served as a consultant for Coloplast, Cynosure, Antares Pharma, Clarus Pharmaceuticals, and Acerus Pharma. M.S.G. has served as a consultant for Coloplast. The other authors disclose no conflicts.

Abstract Introduction An iteration of artificial intelligence (AI), large language models (LLMs), such as ChatGPT, have recently gained popularity as a potential educational resource for patients, students, and researchers. LLMs utilize deep learning algorithms to predict the next word in a sequence based on a data library of 300 billion words. Recent studies have shown that while LLMs provide useful information, they are limited due to producing false and nonsensical information. A focus of studies has been on the utility of ChatGPT as an educational resource to patients and learners; however, no study has investigated the utilization of ChatGPT to write a scientific review. AI- generated systematic reviews would be valuable to the dynamic field of urology, especially in terms of research and innovation. Objective Considering the limitations of ChatGPT in performing data analysis, the aim of this project was to assess the utility of AI in constructing introductions of a systematic review on urologic issues and to compare these AI-generated introductions to published introductions written by humans. Methods ChatGPT (4.0), available at www.chat.openai.com, was used to construct three introductions to three different systematic reviews on the following topics: testosterone therapy and cardiovascular events, safety and efficacy of noninvasive therapies for Peyronie’s disease, and erectile dysfunction after radical prostatectomy. Introductions from published systematic reviews in each of the above topics were also obtained. Five different experts in these topics, who were blinded to which introductions were AI generated, reviewed then assessed the introductions for the following parameters: completeness, engagement, accuracy, logic, and clarity of objective. Introductions were assessed for baseline literary differences as well. Results There were no significant differences in the words, characters, number of sentences, and length of sentences between AI-generated introductions compared to those written by humans. There was a statistically significant difference in word length, with AI having a lower average of word length. AI scored significantly higher on average in the categories of completeness and engagement. We did not observe a significant difference between the two groups in the other categories. These observed findings demonstrate that AI can synthesize urologic literature (sexual medicine/men’s health) and generate introductions of a systematic review that are minimally noninferior and possibly superior regarding engagement and completeness. The limitations from this study include a small sample size (5) and the exclusive focus on AI-generated introductions rather than other AI-generated sections of a systematic review. Conclusions Our study reveals that ChatGPT, as an LLM, can provide a noninferior, possibly superior, introduction to a systematic review on topics of urologic sexual medicine and men’s health. As more facets of AI are developed, such as data integration and analysis, AI could be used to generate entire systematic reviews noninferior to those written by humans. Ethical principles of using AI in scientific literature should be examined and discussed prior to the development of more enhanced LLMs. Disclosure No.

Abstract Introduction Microdenervation of the spermatic cord (MSCD) is an effective treatment modality for men with intractable scrotal content pain. For patients not interested in preserving fertility, some centers advocate ligation of the vas during denervation while others perfer stripping of the Vas deferens to preserve the vasal artery, hence preserving vasculature to testis and possibly decreasing post operative congestion pain. Objective This multicenter study analyzes outcomes of patients that underwent MSCD by either stripping or ligating the vas deferens Methods A retrospective chart review of 85 patients who underwent MSCD from 2020-2023 was performed. Patients’ demographics including history of prior surgical procedures was recorded. Response to surgery was evaluated as either complete resolution of pain, partial resolution of pain or no improvement in pain. Results 85 patients underwent MSCD with a median (IQR) age of 36 (25.5-46.5) years and median duration of pain of 16 months. 37 patients underwent stripping of vas while 48 underwent ligation of vas during MSCD. Median follow up was 12 months. 21(43.5%) patients had prior inguinal scrotal surgery in ligation group compared to 5 (13.5%) in the stripping group p=0.003. The etiology of pain was similar between the groups. The response to MSCD between the 2 groups was similar (p=0.968), with similar post op complications (Table 1). Conclusions In men with intractable chronic scrotal content with no interest in preserving fertility, ligation or stripping of the vas deferens yields similar outcomes with regards to pain resolution. Both techniques are safe with no reports of any testicular atrophy. Disclosure No.

Abstract Introduction Penile fracture is traditionally considered a surgical emergency warranting immediate repair with the goal to maximize long-term erectile function and minimize penile curvature. Nonetheless, consensus on the optimal timing for penile fracture repair remains to be elucidated and is the subject of continued research efforts. Objectives This review aims to summarize the contemporary literature pertaining to optimal timing of penile fracture repair and associated outcomes. Methods We queried PubMed/MEDLINE and Google Scholar for relevant articles published between 2012 and 2022 to evaluate the most recent literature on the queried topic of early vs delayed intervention for penile fracture. All examined review articles were published within the last decade but may have included analyses of studies published prior to 2012. Reference lists of articles and reviews were manually reviewed to identify additional relevant articles. Results We identified 16 articles that met inclusion criteria: 12 primary articles and 4 systematic reviews or meta-analyses. Importantly, definitions of early and delayed intervention varied greatly among studies, making quantitative comparison challenging. In summary, 6 primary studies and 2 systematic review articles favored early intervention. There were also 6 primary studies and 2 systematic review articles suggesting equivocal outcomes between early and delayed repair. No articles demonstrated improved outcomes with delayed repair relative to early intervention. Conclusion Surgical intervention for penile fracture remains the gold standard, with superior long-term sexual and functional outcomes when compared with conservative management. Optimal timing of penile fracture repair remains to be elucidated with data limited by low incidence, resulting in small case series and a lack of randomized controlled trials. Nonetheless, recent data suggest that a brief delay in surgical intervention for patients presenting with penile fractures does not affect long-term sexual and functional outcomes.

Abstract Background The efficacy and safety of collagenase Clostridium histolyticum (CCH) have been demonstrated in the treatment of men with Peyronie’s disease (PD); however, the pivotal clinical trials excluded men with ventral penile curvature. Aim The study sought to evaluate outcomes of CCH treatment in men with ventral curvatures secondary to PD. Methods Men with PD treated with CCH were identified from a prospective database. Patients received up to 4 series of CCH injections using a progressively modified protocol over time. Results were compared between those with baseline ventral vs nonventral penile curvatures. Outcomes Changes in penile curvature, Peyronie’s Disease Questionnaire scores, International Index of Erectile Function scores, nonstandardized assessments, and adverse events. Results A total of 560 men with PD (85 ventral curvature, 475 nonventral curvature) were included in the analysis. Baseline median curvature was 60.0° (interquartile range, 48.8°-75.0°) in the ventral cohort and 65.0° (interquartile range, 45.0°-80.0°) in the nonventral cohort. Median change from baseline penile curvature was −25.0° in the ventral cohort vs −24.0° in the nonventral cohort (P = .08, between-group comparison), which corresponded to curvature reductions of 44.7% and 33.6%, respectively (P = .03). In the subset of patients who completed CCH treatment (ie, received 8 injections or discontinued early because of patient satisfaction with curvature reduction), median change from baseline was −35.0° in the ventral cohort vs −25.0° in the nonventral cohort (P < .05); median percent improvement was 48.3% and 37.5%, respectively (P = .11). Median change from baseline in Peyronie’s Disease Questionnaire and International Index of Erectile Function domain scores and adverse events were similar between cohorts, with the exception of possibly higher hematoma rates in the nonventral group (50% vs 37%; P = .05). No urethral injuries were sustained in either cohort. Clinical Implications Data support the use of CCH for the treatment of ventral as well as nonventral penile curvatures in men with PD. Strengths and Limitations Study strengths are the inclusion of a general clinical population of men with PD, the prospective design, and the relatively large series of men with ventral curvature. Limitations include the single-center and observational nature of the study. Conclusion CCH was safe and effective in the treatment of both ventral and nonventral penile curvatures in men with PD.

Abstract Glans hypermobility (GH) is a well-described clinical entity that can have significant implications for cosmesis and function, resulting in sexual dissatisfaction, penile pain, and early device erosion, with an estimated incidence of 0.04–10%. We developed a novel grading scale to assess GH severity intraoperatively during primary inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) placement and describe a modified glanspexy technique to correct GH when encountered during IPP placement. A total of 530 patients underwent primary device implantation. Of these, 139 (26%) had hypermobility. Employing our new scaling system, grade 1, 2, and 3 GH was seen in 86 (16%), 29 (5.5%), and 24 (4.5%) cases, respectively. Increased implant size correlated with decreased likelihood of GH incidence. Each increase in implant size by 1 cm decreased the incidence of detecting GH by 11% (OR = 0.89; p = 0.015). 11 patients underwent primary GH repair using our described technique. At one-year follow-up, one patient required repeat glanspexy for recurrent bothersome GH and a second patient developed a suture granuloma at the glanspexy incision requiring unilateral cylinder explant. Our modified glanspexy technique can be used to correct GH in any direction and is a useful tool for the prosthetic surgeon’s armamentarium.

Abstract Background As perception of penile curvature varies widely, we sought to understand how adults perceive curvature and how these opinions compare with those of patients with curvature, specifically Peyronie’s disease (PD). Aim To investigate the perspectives of curvature correction from adults with and without PD, as well as differences within demographics. Methods A cross-sectional survey was administered to adult patients and nonpatient companions in general urology clinics at 3 institutions across the United States. Men, women, and nonbinary participants were recruited. Patients were grouped as having PD vs andrology conditions without PD vs general urology conditions plus companions. The survey consisted of unlabeled 2-dimensional images of penis models with varying degrees of curvature. Participants selected images that they would want surgically corrected for themselves and their children. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to identify demographic variables associated with willingness to correct. Outcomes Our main outcome was to detect differences in threshold to correct curvature between those with and without PD. Results Participants were grouped as follows: PD (n = 141), andrology (n = 132), and general (n = 302) . Respectively, 12.8%, 18.9%, and 19.9% chose not to surgically correct any degree of curvature (P = .17). For those who chose surgical correction, the mean threshold for correction was 49.7°, 51.0°, and 51.0° (P = .48); for their children, the decision not to correct any degree of curvature was 21.3%, 25.4%, and 29.3% (P = .34), which was significantly higher than correction for themselves (P < .001). The mean threshold for their children’s correction was 47.7°, 53.3°, and 49.4° for the PD, andrology, and general groups (P = .53), with thresholds no different vs themselves (P = .93). On multivariable analysis, no differences were seen in demographics within the PD and andrology groups. In the general group, participants aged 45 to 54 years and those who identified as LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer) had a higher threshold for correction as compared with their counterparts when factoring other demographic variables (63.2° vs 48.8°, P = .001; 62.1° vs 50.4°, P = .05). Clinical Implications With changing times and viewpoints, this study stresses the importance of shared decision making and balancing risks and benefits to correction of penile curvature. Strengths and Limitations Strengths include the broad population surveyed. Limitations include the use of artificial models. Conclusion No significant differences were seen in the decision to surgically correct curvature between participants with and without PD, with participants being less likely to choose surgical correction for their children.

Abstract Introduction Penile Implant reservoir complications continue to drive surgical technique innovation to avoid catastrophic complication typically affiliated with theoretical placement in the space of Retzius. The high submuscular technique (versus initially described low submuscular) aimed to reduce migration/herniation. Most high submuscular technique complications are cosmetic, however, unintentional bowel injury and difficulty with extraction of these reservoirs has been reported. Furthermore, reservoirs left via drain and retain technique have been reported to cause significant bowel complications most typically when the reservoir or pressure regulating balloon unknowingly resides intraperitoneally. Objective We report outcomes of two surgeons who independently invented and published novel techniques allowing for low submuscular reservoir placement (and thus avoid blind puncture above the arcuate line) to help avoid reservoir complications. Methods Two surgeons’ technique outcomes were assessed. The first surgical technique (T1) involves suturing an additional implant connector collar to the pubic bone with a permanent stitch. This collar acts as a backstop to prevent reservoir herniation or migration into the scrotum. It can also be used to prevent upward migration of drain and retain reservoirs as the retained reservoir is capped. The second surgical technique (T2) involves placing a right angle outside in of the fascia after a pocket is cleared below the muscle and pulling the implant tubing through this defect. This approach stops the prb or reservoir at the puncture site. Results T1 was performed 55 times for reservoir fixation and 7 times for drain and retain fixation. Mean follow up is 11 months. One infection occurred necessitating reservoir removal (and cutting of permanent stitch) which was easily accomplished. No other complications or patient complaints from this technique have occurred. Average case time increase is 5-10 minutes. T2 has been performed 31 times for reservoir fixation with no complications or patient complaints. Average case time increase is < 5 minutes. Conclusions Although submuscular reservoir techniques decrease catastrophic complications and are widely adopted, they are not without risk. We report success of two independent techniques that demonstrate safety and feasibility with low reservoir placement. Disclosure Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: Mayo Clinic – Rochester