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.
(222) MANAGEMENT OF A RETAINED NEEDLE - A COMPLICATION OF INTRACAVERNOSAL INJECTION THERAPY
Abstract Introduction Intracavernosal injections (ICI) is a well-established treatment for erectile dysfunction with common complications including priapism, penile ecchymosis and injection site pain. A rarer complication is breakage and retention of the needle inside the penis during self-injection, with only 16 cases reported in the literature from 1991 to 2023. Objective To report a case of needle breakage and retention as a complication of ICI and describe the optimal management of retained needle in the penis. Methods A 69-year-old male with a history of erectile dysfunction on TriMix presented to the Urology Department after half of his ICI needle broke off in the right side of his penis following self-injection. He denied having any pain or discomfort but reported that a small nodule had formed at the site. On physical examination, a nodule was palpated at the right base of his penis. He underwent pelvic X-ray and penile ultrasound, noting a 4-5 mm foreign body in the right base of the penis without gas in the soft tissue. As the retained needle was not significantly affecting him, he decided not to proceed with intervention and continued with ICI on the contralateral side. He began noticing burning pain at the site of injection, with development of a hard nodule that self-resolved each time. Due to worsening erectile function, he returned to clinic one year later to discuss inflatable penile prosthesis placement, where he inquired about removal of the retained needle. A small, nontender nodule was still noted at the right base of the penis. Results The patient underwent penile exploration in the operating room, revealing an obvious inflammatory fibrous nodule at the right base of the penis corresponding to the location of the needle on previous ultrasound. There was also a similar, smaller nodule contralaterally where the patient had continued ICI. Ultrasound guidance was used intraoperatively to identify the needle, then a spinal needle was used to triangulate with the needle fragment. The penis was sharply dissected along the spinal needle with iris scissors until the 4 mm needle fragment was identified and removed in its entirety. Dissection then began to excise the inflammatory nodule. However, despite attempts to completely mobilize Buck’s fascia and the nerves, the neurovascular bundles were quite adherent to the nodule from an inflammatory reaction and thus it was unable to be excised. A small possible corporotomy was then identified and repaired using 2-0 PDS. Injectable saline was then used to induce an erection and confirm no defects in the corpora. The patient recovered well post-operatively without any complications, and the nodules were noted to be much smaller at his one-month postoperative visit. Conclusions ICI needle breakage and entrapment in the penis is a rare complication. The diagnosis of needle retention includes imaging such as pelvic radiographs or penile ultrasound to locate the needle. While less invasive approaches can be attempted for removal, they may be less effective and cause further damage to surrounding tissue. Surgical exploration under ultrasound guidance is a safe and effective approach to needle removal. Disclosure No.
(208) SOCIAL MEDIA, BODY DYSMORPHIA AND RESISTANCE TRAINING: THE EMERGING WAVE OF ANABOLIC ANDROGENIC STEROIDS IN MEN
Abstract Introduction Resistance training by recreational sportspeople in fitness settings has become increasingly popular worldwide, moreover an increasing landscape of social media (SM) influencers in bodybuilding have arisen since 2021, specially on short-duration videos (clips). Some Image enhancer drug users, including anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) are known to mistrust medical health professionals and seek out information and advice from online sources. Objective we aimed to quantitatively assess the quality of social media videos as an information source for AAS usage in the general population. Methods A search was performed on the most popular short-clips social media platforms in the US (TikTok, YouTube) with the most searched terms for AAS. The first 50 results with any search term listed by relevance were selected in each platform. Video features (views, likes, subscribers) and video sources were collected. Each video included in the study was assessed using DISCERN score to quantify the source quality. Results A total of 100 videos were included and analyzed. Most videos (84%) were from non-health professionals (influencers/clip source/podcasts), only 7% of the videos came from a health educator/physician. Most videos were rated as “very poor” (85%) and “poor” (7%) According to the DISCERN classification, there was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001) by both content creator type, and platform with the highest scores among physicians [37 (33-41)] and YouTube [19(17.7-30.2]. [Fig]. Conclusions Image-centric social media use is positively associated with the use of AAS. Despite the increasing number of information, the overall quality was poor. The misleading, inaccurate and incomplete information may pose a health risk to the viewers. Further efforts in health policies are strongly encouraged to assess this problem. Disclosure No.
(202) CERAMIDE TEST IN PATIENTS WITH ERECTILE DISFUNCTION TO ASSESS CARDIOVASCULAR RISK
Abstract Introduction Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a known precursor and sequelae to diagnosed cardiovascular disease (CVD). ED severity predicts CVD severity. AUA guidelines recommend evaluating serum lipids and using an ED diagnosis as an opportunity to discuss and address cardiovascular risk. Serum plasma ceramides are novel predictors of adverse cardiovascular events independent of traditional risk factors such as LDL and hsCRP levels. Ceramide levels improve with lifestyle modification. Objective We aimed to evaluate the utility of ceramide levels in ED patients utilizing self-reported erectile function results (IIEF-6). Methods We initiated ceramide testing in all patients with ED and Peyronie’s disease in late 2019 (in addition to lipids, Hgba1c, etc). We retrospectively analyzed ceramide levels from electronic records with IIEF-6 results. For the statistical analysis we dichotomized our cohort by ED symptom severity (moderate/severe ED: IIEF ≤17 vs. no/mild ED: IIEF ≥18) and ceramide levels by CV risk strata (moderate or higher >6). A Fisher exact test was performed. Results A total of 354 patients were reviewed, of these 253 (71.4%) had moderate ED or higher. A statistically significant difference in abnormal ceramide values was found in patients with mild to moderate symptoms severity or higher, and the odds of getting an abnormal ceramide test was increased based on the IIEF scoring alone (OR 2.3 [1.04– 5.12]; p value = 0.034) [Figure]. Conclusions Patients undergoing management for erectile dysfunction may benefit from serum ceramide testing and subsequent cardiac referral. In our cohort, men with moderate to severe ED were twice as likely to have actionable ceramide levels. Further study is warranted to optimize utility of ceramide in men with ED and potentially drive lifestyle change. Disclosure No.
(165) NOVEL INSIGHTS ON PERIOPERATIVE ANTIMICROBIAL PROPHYLAXIS PATTERNS FOR INFLATABLE PENILE PROSTHESIS: FINDINGS FROM A LARGE MULTINATIONAL COLLABORATIVE
Abstract Introduction Inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) surgery is a well-established treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED). There is little information in the literature regarding the utilization of perioperative antimicrobial prophylaxis in primary and revision IPP surgeries. Objective We investigated the patterns of perioperative antimicrobial prophylaxis among a large multinational cohort of primary and revision IPP surgeries. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of 5,400 patients (4,187 primary IPP patients and 849 revision IPP patients) from our Prosthetic Urology Multi-Institutional Partnership (PUMP) institutions. Usage data for intravenous (IV), preoperative oral, and postoperative oral antimicrobials were analyzed. We specifically assessed patient profiles, antimicrobial selection, and antimicrobial duration. Multivariate statistical analyses were conducted to identify significant variations between primary and revision surgeries. Results For patients undergoing primary IPP placement, 81.9% received IV antibiotics for <24 hours whereas 18.1% received IV antibiotics for >24 hours. Preoperative oral antimicrobials were used in 59.4% of patients and 99.4% received postoperative oral antimicrobials. The overall infection rate for primary implants was 2%. Notably, quinolone administration shows a higher postoperative infection rate (11.4%) compared to gentamicin (1.9%), cephalosporin (0%), and vancomycin (1.0%). Multivariable regression analysis identifies factors such as a history of infection, diabetes, and priapism as predictors for postoperative infections. Furthermore, the study finds that perioperative antifungal use is associated with a decreased risk of infection. Conclusions This study provides valuable insights into the patterns of perioperative antimicrobial prophylaxis. Duration, type, and route of antibiotics given preoperatively or postoperatively do not affect postoperative infection rates among high volume prosthetic urologists. Giving IV antibiotics for more than 24 hours does not affect postoperative infection. Perioperative antifungals are a protective factor. Disclosure Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: Coloplast, Clarus Therapeutics, Antares Pharma, Acerus.