Citations

ABSTRACT Introduction Women in urology are more likely than their male counterparts to treat a majority female patient population, despite training in non-urogynecologic fellowships. Female urology is accordingly one of the most popular fellowship training choices for female urology residents, while less is known about the traditionally male-dominated subspecialties. Objective We sought to evaluate the current landscape of male reproductive and sexual medicine fellowships as well as characteristics of past andrology fellows and post-fellowship career paths. Methods The websites of the American Urological Association (AUA), Society for the Study of Male Reproduction (SSMR), and Sexual Medicine Society of North America (SMSNA) were reviewed for sponsored fellowships. Program coordinators and institutional websites were queried for information including length of training, curriculum, faculty, current and past fellows. A Google search was performed for each institution in combination with the keywords “male reproduction”, “sexual medicine”, “male infertility”, “prosthetics” and “fellowship” to identify former fellows not listed on institutional websites. Medical school, residency program, current employment, and conditions treated as advertised online were noted. Descriptive statistics and t-tests were used to compare outcomes by gender. P values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results The SMSNA endorsed 73% of programs (29/40), and SSMR 48% (19/40) while only 45% of all programs (18/40) participated in the 2021 AUA match. Median length of training was 1 year. Median number of fellowship faculty was 2. Only 20% (8/40) programs had any female andrology faculty. The earliest reported fellows dated back to 1982. From 1982-2021, 324 andrology fellows were identified, 53 of whom were female (16.4%). Of the fellows identified, 43.2% (140/324) were currently working in in an academic position, with 54.5% of women pursuing academia versus 45.5% of men (p=0.39). Men and women were equally likely to advertise an exclusive andrology practice, 65.4 and 61.4%, respectively (p=0.78) versus also seeing general urology indications. We assessed for a change in the proportion of female versus male fellows over time by comparing fellows who began training prior to 2010, and those who began training in 2010 or later. The number of andrology fellows increased from 111 to 213 (91.9%), with an increase in the proportion of female fellows from 8.1% to 20.7%, p=0.0038. Conclusions Less than half of andrology fellowships participate in the AUA match and over a quarter are not endorsed by the SMSNA. Only 1 in 5 fellowship programs had a female faculty member. Male andrology fellows were and remained in the majority over time. Despite this, female andrologists were equally likely to pursue academic careers. National urology and andrology societies have taken steps towards standardizing andrology fellowship training however much of the information is not easily available for residents to view. The limited information on fellowship graduates somewhat restricts interpretation of gender-based differences in practice environment. However, we found there was no negative impact in female andrologists’ ability to practice andrology or enter academic careers despite being in a male-dominated subspecialty. While encouraging, further work is needed by andrology societies to make program information accessible to all trainees and standardize the application process. Disclosure No

ABSTRACT Introduction Penile length loss and erectile dysfunction (ED) are common post-prostatectomy. Recent results from a randomized, controlled study (RCT) of RestoreX penile traction therapy (RxPTT) demonstrated preserved erectile function and penile length improvements in men post-prostatectomy. Objective To report outcomes of the open label phase (6-9 month time point) of the previously noted RCT comparing efficacy of RxPTT to control in men post-prostatectomy. Methods A randomized, controlled trial (NCT03500419) has been completed of 82 men post-prostatectomy. Men were randomized 1-month post-prostatectomy to no therapy (control, n=27) or RxPTT (n=55) for 5 months. Participants then entered an open label phase for 3 months. Assessments included stretched penile length (corona), standardized (International Index of Erectile Function [IIEF]), and non-standardized questionnaires. Comparisons were performed of men who utilized traction at least 15 minutes daily for both phases to men who were originally control and continued with no treatment (as-treated analysis). Analyses were also performed of men who crossed over from control to >15 min daily (crossover to treatment) and those who were originally in the treatment group and continued with >15 min daily use during the open label phase (ongoing treatment). Results Of the 82 men enrolled (mean age 58.6), 55 had 6-month, and 42 had 9-month data available to review. Baseline characteristics (IIEF scores, penile length) were similar between cohorts. In the as-treated analysis (no treatment n=7, RxPTT x 8 months n=12, respectively), differences were as noted: IIEF-EFD (-8 vs -0.5, p=0.19), IIEF-OFD (-3 vs -2, p=0.86), IIEF-SD (-1 vs 0.5, p=0.09), IIEF-ISD (-3 vs -0.5, p=0.31), IIEF-OSD (-2 vs 0, p=0.29), penile length (-0.1 vs +1.8 cm, p<0.01), PDE5 use (86% vs 75%, p=0.57), intracavernosal injection use (86% vs 17%, p<0.01). Comparing men who did not use therapy at any time (n=7) to those who crossed over to RxPTT during the open label phase (n=8) demonstrated the following results: IIEF-EFD (-8 vs -6, p=0.49), IIEF-OFD (-3 vs -1, p=0.90), IIEF-SD (-1 vs 0, p=0.55), IIEF-ISD (-3 vs -1, p=0.45), IIEF-OSD (-2 vs -1, p=0.51), penile length (-0.1 vs +0.69 cm, p=0.39). Men who crossed over from RxPTT to no treatment (n=10) had relatively preserved improvements compared to those who continued with RxPTT during the open label phase (n=12) compared to baseline, respectively: IIEF-EFD (0 vs -0.5, p=0.95), IIEF-OFD (-3.5 vs -2, p=0.97), IIEF-SD (0 vs 0.5, p=0.18), IIEF-ISD (0 vs -0.5, p=0.87), IIEF-OSD (0 vs 0, p=0.66), penile length (+1.8 vs +1.8, p=0.99). Conclusions Although sample size and statistical power are limited, results from the open label phase confirm earlier findings of preserved sexual function and penile length in men treated with RxPTT compared to controls. Men who crossed over from controls to treatment experience benefits, although not as significant as those who were treated beginning at 1 month post-prostatectomy. Men who stopped therapy after 6 months demonstrated stable improvements from baseline, suggesting a preserved effect of RxPTT even after discontinuing use. If validated with external series, these findings would represent a significant advancement in the prevention of sexual dysfunction post-prostatectomy. Disclosure No

ABSTRACT Introduction Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a known precursor and sequelae to diagnosed cardiovascular disease (CVD). ED AUA guidelines recommend evaluating standard CV risk factors including serum lipids and penile doppler to help stratify CV risk, but few patients are referred for further evaluation. Plasma ceramides are metabolic byproducts that are novel predictors of adverse cardiovascular events resulting from unstable atherosclerotic plaque. CVD risk conferred by ceramide levels has been shown to be independent of conventional risk factors such as LDL and hsCRP levels. Thus, Plasma MI-Heart Ceramide is a new test that useful for evaluating shorter term major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in the next 1 to 5 years. Objective We sought to evaluate the utility of ceramide levels in ED patients Methods We initiated ceramide testing in all patients with ED in late 2019 (in addition to lipids and Hgba1c). We queried our electronic medical record for ceramide levels and men with a diagnosis of ED. Ceramide levels stratified patients in normal, moderate, high, and very high risk. Twenty eight patients additionally had penile duplex ultrasound (DUS). Left and right peak systolic velocity values were averaged and a value of <25 cm/s was defined as penile arterial insufficiency. Results 245 men with ED and ceramide levels were analyzed. 44% (n=107) were normal, 42% (n=103) were moderate risk, 12% (n=29) were high risk and 2% (n=6) were very high risk. As result of their ceramide and office evaluation, 42% (15/35) of high/very high risk patients were referred for cardiac evaluation. Comparing ceramide scores in men with penile arterial insufficiency (16.7 cm/sec) vs patients without (43.2 cm/sec), we found no significant difference (p=1). Similarly, when comparing DUS results between ceramide risk categories, we found no significant differences (p=1). Conclusions One in 7 men presenting to an ED clinic had a high or very high ceramide risk. DUS results did not correlate with ceramide risk. Patients undergoing DUS (even without arterial insufficiency) may benefit from additional ceramide testing and possible cardiac referral. Further study is warranted to optimize utility of ceramide in men with ED and potentially decrease peri-procedural IPP cardiac morbidity. Disclosure No

ABSTRACT Introduction Congenital penile curvature is a relatively uncommon condition characterized by penile angulation. Similar to Peyronie's Disease (PD), this condition has historically been managed with various surgical techniques. Given the efficacy of Collagenase Clostridium Histolyticum (CCH) in men with PD, our team has elected to treat men with CPD with CCH injections. Objective To describe outcomes of CPD men treated with CCH injections and to compare against a traditional PD cohort. Methods A prospective database has been maintained of all men undergoing CCH injections by our team since Jan 2014. The specific CCH administration protocol has been modified over time and currently includes combined use of RestoreX traction therapy, sildenafil, 0.9 mg of CCH diluted into 0.7 ml, injections performed at the point of maximal curvature, and aggressive manual modeling. Curvatures were measured in two planes (dorsal and lateral), with the combined measure reported as a composite. Outcomes were reported based on the most recent curvature assessment obtained minus baseline. Men were included if they received at least one series of CCH injections and had at least one baseline and follow-up curvature assessment available. Results A total of 272 men comprised the current cohort, with 23 exhibiting CPD and 249 PD. Mean age was higher in PD men (57.4 vs 38.4, p<0.0001), and mean PD duration was 18 months in PD men. Median baseline curvature was non-statistically higher in PD (65 vs 55 degrees, p=0.06). Baseline curvature directions for PD and CPD, respectively were: dorsal (82% vs 35%, p<0.0001), lateral (58% vs 78%, p<0.05), ventral (11% vs 35%, p<0.01). Following treatment with CCH, median curvature improvement was similar between cohorts, with 20 degrees (IQR 5, 35) for PD and 20 degrees (IQR 5, 30) for CPD, p=0.62. Percentage improvement from baseline was non-statistically higher in PD men (33% vs 29%, p=0.99). Conclusions Treatment of CPD men with CCH is a viable therapeutic option and provides similar benefits to those observed in men with PD. Disclosure No

ABSTRACT Introduction Peyronie's disease (PD) is a connective tissue disorder of the penile tunica albuginea, that can often cause penile deformity, pain, sexual dysfunction, and shortening. Therapies available include penile traction, oral medications, intralesional therapy, and surgical management. Many patients undergo multiple therapies for this disease due to poor satisfaction or lack of subjective improvement. Objective We thus sought out to delineate which patients were more likely to undergo a second therapy. Methods A cohort of 385 men who underwent therapy for Peyronie's disease from 2014-2018 were analyzed. A univariate analysis of patient demographics, subjective complaints, IIEF score parameters, primary treatments, and secondary treatment approaches was conducted. Results Of the 385 men identified, 29 patients ultimately decided to undergo a secondary treatment approach with 14 patients undergoing penile traction therapy, 7 intralesional therapy (Xiaflex) and 9 surgical therapy (5 penile plication, 2 insertion of inflatable penile prosthesis, and 2 grafting). 17 patients initially underwent surgery for PD with 23.53% of these patients undergoing a second line therapy (p<0.0469). 148 patients initially underwent Xiaflex injections with 12.16% of these patients undergoing a second line therapy (p<0.0227). Patients with poor orgasmic function as determined by IIEF questionnaire (median scores 8 vs 2, p<0.0420), men with greater objective curvature (median curvature 45 vs 35, p<0.0220), and men with greater stretched penile length (13.5 cm vs 12 cm, p=0.0284) were also more likely to undergo secondary therapy. Table 1 shows all factors associated with increased likelihood for secondary therapy. Conclusions Peyronie's disease is often a complex condition to treat due to the mental, emotional, and physical toll this disease takes on patients. It is helpful to determine which patients could likely require secondary therapy as this may help guide patient counseling and further management. Disclosure No

ABSTRACT Introduction Collagenase Clostridium Histolyticum (CCH) is commonly injected at the point of maximal curvature (POMC) for Peyronie's Disease (PD). However, many providers only evaluate the POMC at baseline and do not reassess during CCH injections. As PD plaques often extend over an extended region, it is currently unknown how much the POMC may change throughout a course of CCH treatment. Objective We sought to evaluate for changes in POMC between series among men undergoing CCH injections. Methods A prospective database has been maintained of PD men undergoing CCH injections at two institutions. POMC assessments were obtained prior to each series of injections after pharmacologic erection and were measured from the coronal margin to POMC. An analysis was performed comparing changes in POMC throughout the CCH course, including associated baseline demographic and disease characteristics. Results A total of 445 men (mean age 55.9, mean PD duration 30.6 months) underwent CCH injections from Jan 2014 through Feb 2021. The mean baseline composite curvature was 63.7° (SD 23.7), and the mean distance to curvature was 3.1 cm. Among men who completed 4 series of CCH injections, the mean improvement was 21° (SD 20.6) or 31.7% (SD 33%). In reviewing changes in POMC, the largest change observed at any point within the CCH series was a median 1 cm (IQR 0.5, 2 cm; range 0, 9.5 cm). Compared to baseline, 58% of men experienced a POMC change of 1 cm or greater, 25% 2 cm or greater, and 12% 3 cm or greater during the course of CCH treatment. Age, duration of PD, and baseline curvature were not associated with changes in POMC, although the POMC itself was associated with extent of changes, with proximal curves more likely to experience more notable changes compared to distal ones (p<0.0001). The total improvement in curve was also variably associated with change in POMC, with those experiencing greater improvements noted to have larger change in POMC (p<0.05 for changes in composite curvature and p=0.07 for percent change from baseline). These findings would suggest significant evolution of the POMC during a course of CCH, particularly among men with mid shaft or proximal curves and among those with greater curve improvements. Findings would support a role for repeat curvature assessments prior to each series of CCH injections. Conclusions Based on data from a prospective, two-institution series of PD men undergoing CCH injections, the POMC changes by ≥1 cm in the majority of men. Given the small volume injected with each CCH series, the clinical relevance of these findings and their impact on injector protocols merit further investigation. Disclosure No