Citations

Abstract Introduction Since the FDA approval of Collagenase Clostridium Histolyticum (CCH) for the treatment of Peyronie’s Disease (PD), there has been significant debate as to its role and comparable efficacy in relation to surgical therapies. Specifically, investigators have compared relative utilization, costs, and outcomes with varying conclusions. Objective To compare various objective and subjective outcome measures between men undergoing CCH or surgery for PD. Methods A randomized, controlled trial (NCT04786106) is ongoing. Participants are randomized 1:1 to receive either CCH + traction (RestoreX) + sildenafil or penile surgery (plication and/or incision and grafting) + traction + sildenafil for PD. Objective, standardized (International Index of Erectile Function [IIEF] and Peyronie’s Disease Questionnaire [PDQ]), and non-standardized assessments are obtained at baseline, and post-treatment at 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, and 60 months. Key outcomes include differences in standardized questionnaires, penile curvature, penile length, subsequent interventions, and non-standardized questionnaire responses. Curvature is measured in two planes and summed to provide a composite curvature. Penile length is measured from pubic symphysis to corona. All therapies were stopped prior to the 3-month time point (i.e. traction and sildenafil). Results A total of 40 men have been randomized, with 3-month data available on 27 men (CCH=14, surgery=13) and 12-month data on 15 men (CCH=5, surgery=10). Mean age at enrollment was 54.9 years, PD duration 36.6 months (mo), composite curvature 72.3 degrees (deg), and penile length 12.7 cm. All baseline variables were statistically similar between cohorts. Regarding the primary outcome, post-treatment, CCH men reported higher overall satisfaction (3-months: 100% vs 88% surgery, p=0.16; 12-months 80% vs 70%, p=0.52). For secondary outcomes at 3 months, the median differences between CCH and surgery respectively were: IIEF-EFD (+3.5 vs +7, p=0.64), PDQ-physical (-10 vs -7, p=0.47, note: lower is better for PDQ scales), PDQ-pain (-2 vs -0.5, p=0.21), PDQ-bother (-4.5 vs -8.5, p=0.60), length change (+1.0 vs -0.5 cm, p<0.01), curvature absolute change (-26 vs -65 degrees, p=0.01), and curvature percentage improvement (46% vs 84%, p<0.01). More CCH men felt that treatment improved sexual function (86% vs 79%, p=0.45), erectile function (64% vs 56%, p=0.04), penile length (36% vs 6%, p<0.0001), and had less impact on sensation (14% less sensation vs 56%, p<0.01), while surgery men were more likely to report satisfaction with curvature (75% vs 64%, p=0.52). 100% of men in both groups would recommend treatment to a friend at 3 months, whereas 100% of CCH vs 70% of surgery men would recommend their therapy at 12 months. When asked which treatment they would pick if they could start again, at 3 months 100% of CCH men reported CCH and/or traction, while 79% of surgery men indicated surgery. Conclusions Preliminary data suggests that, when compared to surgery, CCH results in higher overall satisfaction (not statistically significant), decreased curve improvement, improved penile length, and fewer impacts on erectile function and sensation. Disclosure Yes, this is sponsored by industry/sponsor: Endo Pharmaceutical Clarification Industry funding only - investigator initiated and executed study

Objective To report open‐label phase data from a recent randomized controlled trial (RCT), after previous data from that study showed improved penile length and erectile function among post‐prostatectomy men treated with Restorex penile traction therapy (RxPTT). Materials and Methods An RCT (NCT05244486) was performed to evaluate RxPTT vs no treatment (Tx) for 5 months, which was followed by a 3‐month open‐label phase. Men were stratified based on as‐treated data: Group 1 = No Tx; Group 2 = No Tx → Tx; Group 3 = Tx → No Tx; Group 4 = Tx. Assessments included stretched penile length and standardized (International Index of Erectile Function [IIEF]) and non‐standardized questionnaires. Results A total of 82 men were enrolled (mean age 58.6 years) with 9‐month data available in 45 of the men. Baseline characteristics were similar among the cohorts. Comparing Group 1 and Group 4 (respectively), notable differences included: IIEF Erectile Function domain (IIEF‐EF) score (−8 vs −0.5; P = 0.16), penile length (−0.1 vs +1.7 cm; P < 0.01), intracavernosal injection use (86% vs 14%; P < 0.01), Sexual Encounter Profile (SEP) Question 2 (50% vs 100%; P < 0.01), SEP Question 3 (33% vs 100%; P < 0.01). Men who crossed over to Tx (Group 2) failed to achieve equivalent improvements in length (+0.5 cm) or sexual function (IIEF‐EF score −6) compared to men treated early (Groups 3 and 4). Those who crossed over to no treatment after initial treatment (Group 3) experienced preserved length (+1.8 cm), and erectile function (IIEF‐EF score +0) despite therapy discontinuation. Conclusions Use of RxPTT beginning 1 month post‐prostatectomy results in improved penile length and erectile function, with benefits maintained after discontinuing therapy. If confirmed, these results represent the first postoperative therapy shown in a RCT to improve erectile function post‐prostatectomy. External validation is warranted.

Sonic hedgehog signaling regulates processes of embryonic development across multiple tissues, yet factors regulating context-specific Shh signaling remain poorly understood. Exome sequencing of families with polymicrogyria (disordered cortical folding) revealed multiple individuals with biallelic deleterious variants in TMEM161B , which encodes a multi-pass transmembrane protein of unknown function. Tmem161b null mice demonstrated holoprosencephaly, craniofacial midline defects, eye defects, and spinal cord patterning changes consistent with impaired Shh signaling, but were without limb defects, suggesting a CNS-specific role of Tmem161b. Tmem161b depletion impaired the response to Smoothened activation in vitro and disrupted cortical histogenesis in vivo in both mouse and ferret models, including leading to abnormal gyration in the ferret model. Tmem161b localizes non-exclusively to the primary cilium, and scanning electron microscopy revealed shortened, dysmorphic, and ballooned ventricular zone cilia in the Tmem161b null mouse, suggesting that the Shh-related phenotypes may reflect ciliary dysfunction. Our data identify TMEM161B as a regulator of cerebral cortical gyration, as involved in primary ciliary structure, as a regulator of Shh signaling, and further implicate Shh signaling in human gyral development.

AbstractBackgroundCollagenase Clostridium histolyticum (CCH) has been proven effective in multiple subpopulations of PD men; however, no studies have evaluated its role with congenital penile curvature (CPC).AimTo evaluate the safety and efficacy of CCH in men with CPC.MethodsA prospective registry was queried of men undergoing CCH injections at our institution. Beginning in 2016, CCH was administered to CPC men using a similar protocol to PD. A comparative analysis was performed between cohorts to evaluate the safety and efficacy of therapy.OutcomesObjective measures included penile length and curvature, while subjective outcomes included standardized (International Index of Erectile Function and Peyronie’s Disease Questionnaire) and non-standardized assessments. Curvature outcomes were categorized as follows: 1 – included all men, with the most recent assessment considered final, and 2 – only men who had completed eight CCH injections or stopped early due to satisfaction.ResultsFrom 2014 to Oct 2021, a total of 453 men (408 PD, 45 CPC) underwent one or more CCH injections. In comparing cohorts, CPC men were younger (33 vs 58 years, p&lt;0.0001), had lesser baseline curvatures (52.5 vs 65°, p&lt;0.01), more ventral curves (25.7 vs 9.2%, p&lt;0.01), and longer penile lengths (12.5 vs 12.0 cm, p=0.04). Following treatment, both cohorts experienced similar curvature improvements. Specifically, PD men experienced 20-25° or 33-35% improvements depending on definition compared to 25-30° or 40-50% in CPC men (all p-values &gt;0.05). CPC and PD men also demonstrated similar changes on standardized questionnaires, with the exception of the Psychological and Physical subdomain, which was more improved in CPC men (-11 vs -4, p&lt;0.01). Baseline curvature was positively correlated with greater absolute (degree) and relative (percent) improvements. Adverse events were similar between groups after controlling for confounders.Clinical ImplicationsCCH may be safely and effectively administered in men with CPC. These data provide the first evidence for the efficacy of a non-surgical therapeutic option in this cohort.Strengths and LimitationsStrengths – large, prospective series with standardized assessments; Limitations - non-randomized study, short-term follow-up, and lack of standardized method to differentiate CPC from PD.ConclusionsCCH may be safely and effectively administered to men with CPC, with similar success rates compared to PD. Increasing curvature was associated with greater absolute (degree) and relative (percent) improvements, supporting the role for CCH in men with mild, moderate, or severe curvatures. External validation is warranted prior to routine implementation.

AbstractBackgroundThe advent of antibiotic-coated devices has reduced the rate of inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) infections; however, this may have altered microbial profiles when infections do occur.AimTo describe the timing and causative organisms behind infection of infection retardant–coated IPPs in the context of our institution’s perioperative antimicrobial protocols.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed all patients undergoing IPP placement at our institution from January 2014 to January 2022. In all patients, perioperative antibiotic administration was congruent with American Urological Association guidelines. Boston Scientific devices are impregnated with InhibiZone (rifampin and minocycline), and all Coloplast devices were soaked in rifampin and gentamicin. Intraoperative irrigation was performed with betadine 5% irrigation prior to November 2016 and with vancomycin-gentamicin solution afterward. Cases involving prosthesis infection were identified, and variables were extracted from the medical record. Descriptive and comparative statistics were tabulated to identify clinical characteristics, including patient comorbidities, prophylaxis regimen, symptom onset, and intraoperative culture result. We previously reported an increased infection risk with Betadine irrigation and stratified results accordingly.OutcomesThe primary outcome was time to infectious symptoms, while the secondary outcome was description of device cultures at the time of explantation.ResultsA total of 1071 patients underwent IPP placement over 8 years with an overall infection rate of 2.6% (28/1071). After discontinuation of Betadine, the overall infection rate was significantly lower at 0.9% (8/919) with a relative risk of 16.9 with Betadine (P &lt; .0001). Primary procedures represented 46.4% (13/28). Of 28 patients with infection, only 1 had no identified risk factors; the remainder included Betadine at 71% (20/28), revision/salvage procedure at 53.6% (15/28), and diabetes at 50% (14/28). Median time to symptoms was 36 days (IQR, 26-52); almost 30% of patients had systemic symptoms. Organisms with high virulence, or ability to cause disease, were found in 90.5% (19/21) of positive cultures.Clinical ImplicationsOur study revealed a median time to symptoms of just over 1 month. Risk factors for infection were Betadine 5% irrigation, diabetes, and revision/salvage cases. Over 90% causative organisms were virulent, demonstrating a microbial profile trend since antibiotic coating development.Strengths and LimitationsThe large prospectively maintained database is a strength along with the ability to follow specific changes in perioperative protocols. The retrospective nature of the study is a limitation as well as the low infection rate, which limits certain subanalyses from being performed.ConclusionIPP infections present in a delayed manner despite the rising virulence of infecting organisms. These findings highlight areas for improvement in perioperative protocols in the contemporary prosthetics era.

Abstract To determine effects of sexual health curriculum (SHC) in medical school on future urology specialty and subspecialty selection, residents, fellows, and practicing urologists completed a 15-question survey regarding their exposure to SHC during medical school, topics covered, and the influence of mentors in career choice. 95 respondents, primarily post-graduate year 4 and 5 (46%), completed the survey. Approximately 50% recalled dedicated SHC during medical school with 46% planning to pursue fellowship training in sexual medicine/reconstruction. Topics commonly covered included reproductive anatomy/physiology and sexual history-taking, while respondents rarely recalled topics such as sexual aids/toys and pornography. Only 25% felt SHC provided an adequate fund of knowledge to address patient’s sexual health concerns, and only 14% believed SHC influenced their decision to pursue urology. Individuals pursuing fellowship were more likely to have an attending mentor, a mentor with expertise in sexual dysfunction, and considered their mentor as important or very important in their decision to subspecialize (p<0.05). Most urology trainees do not have strong exposure to SHC during medical school and cite mentorship as more important in the decision to pursue subspecialty training. These data support the need for a standardized formal SHC and continued exposure to sexual health experts during training.

Zusammenfassung Hintergrund Die Brustrekonstruktion mittels autologem Gewebe ist fester Bestandteil eines ganzheitlichen Therapiekonzeptes bei Patientinnen mit Mammakarzinom. Während zahlreiche Studien den körperlichen und psychischen Gesundheitszustand von Patientinnen mit Brustkrebs nach Mastektomie und konsekutiver Brustrekonstruktion untersuchen, mangelt es an objektiven Daten zur Beurteilung des Einflusses von Ablatio und Brustrekonstruktion auf die Wahrnehmung von externen Beobachtern. Diese Studie untersucht die Blickmuster bei Betrachtung einer Brust in verschiedenen Stadien der Brustrekonstruktion mittels DIEP Lappenplastik. Material und Methoden Mittels Eye-Tracking-Technologie wurden die Augenbewegungen von 58 Studienteilnehmer*in- nen beim Betrachten von 2D-Fotografien einer Patientin in den verschiedenen Stadien der Brustrekonstruktion (1. Ablatio, 2. Aufbau mittels DIEP Lappenplastik, 3. MAK Rekonstruktion) analysiert. Die Zeit bis zur ersten Fixierung und die Dauer der Fixierung wurde in jedem Bild für die rechte und linke Brust aufgezeichnet. Ergebnisse Die Dauer der kompletten Fixierung der operierten Brust zeigte über die verschiedenen Stadien der Brustrekonstruktion insgesamt eine signifikante Abnahme mit p<0,001. Gleichzeitig zeigte sich keine statistisch signifikante Veränderung der Blickdauer auf der nicht-operierten Gegen- seite mit p=0,174. Die Zeit bis zur ersten Blickfixierung der betroffenen Brust zeigte eine signifikante Zunahme über die verschiedenen Rekonstruktionsschritte, mit p<0,001. Bei der Gegenseite zeigte sich kein statistisch signifikanter Unterschied in der Zeit bis zur ersten Fixierung, mit p=0,344. Schlussfolgerung Die Ablatio mammae und die einzelnen Schritte der Brustrekonstruktion verändern die äußerliche Wahrnehmung von Patientinnen. Im Laufe der einzelnen re- konstruktiven Teilschritte kommt es zu einer zunehmenden Aufhebung der Blickdeviation in Richtung erkrankte Brust.