Electrophysiological evaluation of alterations in penile sensation due to penile prosthesis implantation in patients with erectile dysfunction

Objective The present study was aimed to determine the effect of penile prosthesis implantation(PPI)surgery on penile sensation by evaluating the penile electromyography(EMG)variables.Methods The research was designed as a prospective study.Thirty patients who were diagnosed with organic erectile dysfunction and had underwent PPI surgery between January 2017 and January 2018 in the Urology Clinic of Antalya Training and Research Hospital were included in this study.Penile sensory EMG was performed on each patient 1 day prior to the surgery by the Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation clinic.Additionally,the control EMG study was also performed in the 3rd and 6th postoperative months.Results We included 27 patients in this study who attended regular follow-ups and had complete EMG results.Out of the 27 patients,23(85.2%)patients had received malleable(ProMedon)penile prosthesis,one(3.7%)patient had received a two-piece inflatable(Ambicor)penile prosthesis,and three(11.1%)patients had received a three-piece inflatable(AMS 700 CXR)penile prosthesis.The mean nerve conduction value(NCV)of the patients was 29.85(standard derivation:22.54;range:0-78.4)m/s during the preoperative period,whereas it was 27.64(standard derivation:24.72;range:0-83.3)m/s in the 3rd postoperative month and 24.80(standard derivation:22.31;range:0-88.4)m/s in the 6th postoperative month.There was no significant difference between preoperative NCV and 3rd postoperative month NCV(p=0.607).Similarly,no significant difference was observed between preoperative NCV and 6th postoperative month NCV(p=0.276).Additionally,the change between NCV values at postoperative 3rd and 6th months was not statistically significant(p=0.553).Conclusion Significant loss of penile sensation does not occur in patients who undergo PPI surgery.

Penile and scrotal strangulation by stainless steel rings in an human immunodeficiency virus positive man: A case report

BACKGROUND Penoscrotal constriction devices are either used as autoerotic stimuli or to increase sexual pleasure or performance by maintaining an erection for a longer period,and a variety of metallic and non-metallic objects are used.On the other hand,penile strangulation is a rare urologic emergency that requires prompt evaluation and intervention to prevent long-term complications.The goal of treating penile incarceration is to remove the foreign object as soon as possible.On the other hand,removal can be very challenging,and often requires resourcefulness and a multidisciplinary approach.CASE SUMMARY A 47-year-old man who has sex with men was transferred to our hospital for persistent phallodynia and scrotal pain,accompanying swelling due to strangulation by stainless steel rings.His medical history included acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.One day prior,he had put three stainless steel rings on his penis and scrotum before sexual intercourse.After sexual intercourse,he was unable to remove them,due to swelling of his penis and scrotum.The swelling persisted,and he felt pain in the affected area the next day,then he was transferred to our hospital by ambulance.The emergency department found that his penis and scrotum were markedly engorged and swollen.We established a diagnosis of penile and scrotal strangulation by stainless steel rings.We unsuccessfully attempted to cut the rings using a cutter,then requested a rescue team via emergency medical service.They cut through each ring in two places,using an electric-powered angle grinder,and successfully removed all of the pieces.Finally,he was discharged and went home.CONCLUSION We report the first case of penile and scrotal strangulation by stainless steel rings in an human immunodeficiency virus positive person.

Traumatic Penile Amputation Post Circumcision: A Series of 3 Cases

Circumcision remains a frequently performed surgical procedure and could be associated with various complications, ranging from mild to catastrophic. Penile amputation is a rare and severe complication usually complex and challenging to manage. We describe three cases of penile amputation injuries following circumcision referred within a week at the urological service of the Yaoundé Central Hospital. The first case was a 5-year-old who had complete penile amputation during circumcision by a nurse assistant at a rural health center. The second was a 7-year-old boy who sustained total penile glans amputation while undergoing circumcision by a nurse under local anesthesia at a rural health facility. The third involved a 6-year-old who had total penile amputation with loss of the amputated stump during circumcision by a traditional practitioner at home. Non-microsurgical penile re-implantations were done with diverse outcomes. The preservation of the amputated stump, the ischemic time and the severity of injury are factors affecting surgical outcome. The aim of this study is to evaluate our management experience and outcome of penile amputation injuries in resource-limited settings. Microsurgical replantation remains the gold standard in the management of penile amputation injuries. However, in resource-limited settings macroscopic replantation could be used as an alternative remedy to salvage the amputated penis.

Updates in the use of radiotherapy in the management of primary and locally-advanced penile cancer

Objective:Penile cancer is a rare malignancy in most developed countries,but may represent a significant oncologic challenge in certain African,Asian,and South American regions.Various treatment approaches have been described in penile cancer,including radio-therapy.This review aimed to provide a synopsis of radiotherapy use in penile cancer management and the associated toxicities.In addition,we aimed to discuss palliative radiation for metastases to the penis and provide a brief overview of how tumor biology may assist with treatment decision-making.Methods:Peer-reviewed manuscripts related to the treatment of penile cancer with radio-therapy were evaluated by a PubMed search(1960-2021)in order to assess its role in the definitive and adjuvant settings.Selected manuscripts were also evaluated for descriptions of radiation-related toxicity.Results:Though surgical resection of the primary is an excellent option for tumor control,select patients may be treated with organ-sparing radiotherapy by either external beam radiation or brachytherapy.Data from randomized controlled trials comparing radiotherapy and surgery are lacking,and thus management is frequently determined by institutional practice patterns and available expertise.Similarly,this lack of clinical trial data leads to divergence in opinion regarding lymph node management.This is further complicated in that many cited studies evaluating lymph node radiotherapy used non-modern radiotherapy delivery techniques.Groin toxicity from either surgery or radiotherapy remains a challenging problem and further risk assessment is needed to guide intensification with multi-modal therapy.Intrinsic differences in tumor biology,based on human papillomavirus infection,may help aid future prognostic and predictive models in patient risk stratification or treatment approach.Conclusion:Penile cancer is a rare disease with limited clinical trial data driving the majority of treatment decisions.As a result,the goal of management is to effectively treat the disease while balancing the importance of quality of life through integrated multidisciplinary discussions.More international collaborations and interrogations of penile cancer biology are needed to better understand this disease and improve patient outcomes.

Penile reconstruction

During the most recent years, a variety of new techniques of penile reconstruction have been described in the literature. This paper focuses on the most recent advances in male genital reconstruction after trauma, excision of benign and malignant disease, in gender reassignment surgery and aphallia with emphasis on surgical technique, cosmetic and functional outcome.

Studies on self-esteem of penile size in young Koreanmilitary men

Aim: To investigate the flaccid and stretched penile sizes of young Korean men and their complexes or pride about their penile size. Methods: After an explanation and agreement to the purpose and methods of this study, 123 Korean men in their early 20's visiting the Jinhae Military General Hospital were included in the study. The flaccid penile length, flaccid mid-shaft circumference, stretched length and pre-pubic bone fat pad depth were measured in a warm comfortable environment. The accuracy the subjects assessed their penile size was investigated by asking them to rate their penile size, as 'very small', 'small', 'normal', 'large' or 'very large'. All subjects were asked to complete the Minnesota multiphasic personality inventory (MMPI) test. Results: The mean flaccid length, flaccid circumference, stretched length and fat pad depth of the 123 subjects were (6.9 ± 0.8) cm, (8.5 ±1.1) cm, (9.6 ± 0.8) cm and (1.1 ± 0.4) cm, respectively. The answer distribution on penile size was 1 (0.8 %) 'very small', 29 (23.6 %) 'small', 86 (69.9 %) 'normal', 6 (4.9 %) 'large' and 1 (0.8 %) 'very large'. Subjects who underestimated their penile size showed significantly higher scores on the hypochondriasis (Hs), depression (D) and psychasthenia (Pt) subscales of the MMPI than those in the Unbiased Group (P<0.05). Conclusion: In consultation, with a patient requesting penile augmentation, the urologist should consider the psychologic attitude of the patient to his penile size.

Tunica albuginea allograft： a new model of LaPeyronie＇s disease with penile curvature and subtunical ossification

The pathophysiology of LaPeyronie＇s disease （PD） is considered to be multifactorial, involving genetic predisposition, trauma, inflammation and altered wound healing. However, these factors have not yet been validated using animal models. In this study, we have presented a new model obtained by tunica albuginea allograft. A total of 40, 16-week-old male rats were used. Of these, 8 rats served as controls and underwent a 10 × 2-mm-wide tunical excisionwith subsequent autografting, whereas the remaining 32 underwent the same excision with grafting of the defect with another rat＇s tunica. Morphological and functional testing was performed at 1, 3, 7 and 12 weeks after grafting. Intracavernous pressure, the degree of penile curvature and elastic fiber length were evaluated for comparison between the allograft and control groups. The tissues were obtained for histological examination. The penile curvature was significantly greater in the allografted rats as compared with the control rats. The erectile function was maintained in all rats, except in those assessed at 12 weeks. The elastin fiber length was decreased in the allografted tunica as compared to control. SMAD2 expression was detected in the inner part of the allograff, and both collagen-Ⅱ- and osteocalcin-positive cells were also noted. Tunica albuginea （TA） allograft in rats is an excellent model of PD. The persistence of curvature beyond 12 weeks and the presence of ossification in the inner layer of the TA were similar to those observed in men with PD. Validation studies using this animal model would aid understanding of the PD pathophysiology for effective therapeutic interventions.

Short-term results of incremental penile girth enhancement using liquid injectable silicone： words of praise for a change

Aim： To report our experience with penile girth augmentation using liquid injectable silicone. Methods： Between August 2003 and July 2006, 324 men （mean age 35 years, range 19-65 years） received a series of liquid silicone subcutaneous injections between the penile skin and the corpora cavernosa on the dorsal and lateral aspects of the penile shaft, under local anesthesia. Digital photographs taken pre- and post-procedure （n = 324）, and penile contour measurements （n = 30） yielded objective results. Subjective results were derived from patient and partner testimony of satisfaction. Follow-up averaged 20 months （range 1-36 months）. Results： Three hundred and twenty-four procedures were primary augmentations. Most men （61%） were married, 7% were accompanied by their partners, and 93% were circumcised. The mean measured penile circumference was 9.5 cm （7.5-11.5 cm） pretreatment and 12.1 cm （10.3-15.3 cm） post-treatment （mean increase of 27% in circumference and 0.84 cm in diameter）. Patient and partner satisfaction was already expressed after the first two treatments. Sexual activity could be resumed after 8 h. Complications （mild bruising） were easily resolved. Conclusion： Penile girth augmentation using liquid injectable silicone yields very satisfactory short-term results with no immediate or short-term complications.

Second to fourth digit ratio： a predictor of adult penile ength

The second to fourth digit ratio （2D：4D） has been proposed as a putative biomarker for prenatal testosterone and covaries with the sensitivity of the androgen receptor （AR）. Both prenatal testosterone and the AR play a central role in penile growth. In this study, we investigated the relationship between digit ratio and penile length. Korean men who were hospitalized for urological surgery at a single tertiary academic centre were examined in this study, and 144 men aged 20 years or older who gave informed consent were prospectively enrolled. Right-hand second- and fourth-digit lengths were measured by a single investigator prior to measurement of penile length. Under anaesthesia, flaccid and stretched penile lengths were measured by another investigator who did not measure nor have any the information regarding the digit lengths. Univariate and multivariate analysis using linear regression models showed that only height was a significant predictive factor for flaccid penile length （univariate analysis： r=0. 185, P=-0.026; multivariate analysis： r=-0.172, P=0.038） and that only digit ratio was a significant predictive factor for stretched penile length （univariate analysis： r=-0.216, P=0.009; multivariate analysis： r=-0.201, P=0.024; stretched penile length=-9.201 xdigit ratio ＋ 20.577）. Based on this evidence, we suggest that the digit ratio can predict adult penile size and that the effects of prenatal testosterone may in part explain the differences in adult penile length.

Pilot study to determine improvements in subjective penile morphology and personal relationships following a Nesbit plication procedure for men with congenital penile curvature

Aim： To determine whether the surgical straightening of congenital penile curvature can improve intromission comfort, penile features, personal relationships and psychogenic erectile dysfunction （ED）. Methods： Fifty-four patients （mean age 24 years, range 20-31 years） whose congenital penile deviation due to physiological curvature was ≥ 25 degrees, as measured on a graph, and who were experiencing penetration discomfort were assessed specifically for the present study. Of these, 14 patients suffered from psychogenic ED. The assessment included a case history, an objective examination, a pharmacologically-induced erection with prostaglandin E1 10-20 g, a graph taken during erection, a basal and dynamic Duplex ultrasonograph, penile length measurement, nocturnal penile tumescence recording, hormonal profiles and a psychological interview to evaluate the quality of their personal relationships according to Hinde＇s parameters （contents, number, features, frequency, ability to perceive limits of mutuality, subjective perception of the other person[s], and reliability）. All patients underwent the Nesbit procedure. The initial assessment was repeated at 3 and 12 months after surgery. Data analyses were carried out using the z test. Results： Subjective judgement of cosmetic penile features and vaginal intromission comfort improved significantly after surgery whereas the quality of personal relationships and ED did not. Conclusion： The surgical straightening of congenital penile curvature improved intromission comfort and penile features, but it failed to improve interpersonal relationships or psychogenic ED.

Thedual pathogenesisofpenileneoplasia: The heterogeneous morphology of human papillomavirus-relatedtumors

Objective:Penile neoplasia,usually of squamous histogenesis,is currently classfied into human papillomavirus(HPV)-related or-dependent and non-HPV-related or-indepen dent.There are distinct morphological differences among the two groups.New research studies on penile cancer from Northern countries showed that the presence of HPV is corre lated with a better prognosis than virus negative people,while studies in Southern countries had not confirmed,perhaps due to differences in staging or treatment.Methods:We focused on the description of the HPV.related carcinomas of the penis.The approach was to describe common clinical features followed by the pathological features of each entity or subtype stressing the characteristics for differential diagnosis,HPV genotypes,and prognostic features of the invasive carcinomas.Similar structure was followed for penile intraepithelial neoplasia,except for prognosis because of the scant evidence available.Results:Most of HPV-related lesions can be straightforwardly recognized by routine hematoxylin and eosin stains,but in some cases surrogate p16 immunohistochemical staining or molecular methods such as in situ hybridization or polymerase chain reaction can be utilized.Currently,there are eight tumor invasive variants associated with HPV,as follows:basaloid,warty,warty-basaloid,papillary basaloid,clear cell,medullary,lymphoepithelioma-like,and giant condylomas with malignant transformation.Conclusion:This review presents and describes the heterogeneous clinical,morphological,and genatypic features of the HPV-related subtypes of invasive and non-invasive penile neoplasia.

Advances in penile-sparing surgical approaches

Objective:Penile cancer(PeCa)is a rare disease with a global incidence of 36068 new cases in 2020.This accounts for 0.4%of all male malignancies.The surgical management of PeCa depends on the location of the tumour and depth of invasion.Here,we review the oncological and functional outcomes of penile-preserving surgery(PPS).Methods:A PubMed search until July 2021 on PPS for PeCa was conducted;a narrative review on different penile-sparing approaches and outcomes was performed.Results:PPS is now the standard of care in specialist centres for distal tumours not involving the corpus cavernosa.Laser therapy,glans resurfacing,and wide local excision are options for superficial lesions,whilst glansectomy is required for lesions invading into the corpus spongiosum.Conclusion:PPS aims to preserve urinary and sexual function without compromising oncological outcomes.

Penile rehabilitation with a vacuum erectile device in an animal model is related to an antihypoxic mechanism： blood gas evidence

Our previous study showed that vacuum erectile device （VED） therapy has improved erectile function in rats with bilateral cavernous nerve crush （BCNC） injuries. This study was designed to explore the mechanism of VED in penile rehabilitation by analyzing cavernous oxygen saturation （SO2） and to examine the effect of VED therapy on preventing penile shrinkage after BCNC. Thirty adult Sprague- Dawley rats were randomly assigned into three groups： group 1, sham surgery; group 2, BCNC; and group 3, BCNC＋VED. Penile length and diameter were measured on a weekly basis. After 4 weeks of therapy, the penile blood was extracted by three methods for blood gas analysis （BGA）： method 1, cavernous blood was aspirated at the flaccid state; method 2, cavernous blood was aspirated at the traction state; and method 3, cavernous blood was aspirated immediately after applying VED. SO2 values were tested by the blood gas analyzer. The results showed that VED therapy is effective in preventing penile shrinkage induced by BCNC （Penile shortening： BCNC group 1.9±1.1 mm; VED group 0.3±1.0 mm; P〈0.01. Penile diameter reduction： BCNC group 0.28±0.14 mm; VED group 0.04±0.14 mm; P〈0.01）. The mean SO2±s.d. values were increased by VED application （88.25%±4.94%） compared to the flaccid （76.53%±4.16%） or traction groups （78.93%±2.56%） （P〈0.05）. The calculated blood constructs in the corpus cavernosum right after VED application were 62% arterial and 38% venous blood. These findings suggest that VED therapy can effectively preserve penile size in rats with BCNC injury. The beneficial effect of VED therapy is related to antihypoxia by increasing cavernous blood SO2.

The effects of androgen on penile reflex, erectile response to electrical stimulation and penile NOS activity in the rat

Aim: To investigate the effects of androgen on penile erection through the reflex arc and penile corpus cavernosum,and study the respective roles of testosterone (T) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in penile erection in rats. Methods:Male Sprague-Dawley rats were castrated and implanted with silastic brand silicone tube containing T or DHT, with orwithout daily injections of a 5α-reductase inhibitor, MK-434. The penile reflex, erectile response to electrical stimula-tion (ES) of the cavernous nerves and penile nitric-oxide synthase (NOS) activity were observed under varying andro-genic status. Results: Penile reflex erection in the rat was, on the whole, related to serum T levels though the numberof glans engorgements was not. The number of cups and flips was significantly decreased by castration, and restoredto the control level by T supplementation. Erectile response to ES and NOS activity in penile tissue was also related toserum T level. T administered together with a 5α-reductase inhibitor no longer restored the number of reflex erection,erectile responses to ES and NOS activity in the corpus cavernosum. Conclusion: Androgen influenced the penile re-flex arc, corpus cavernosum, and the perineal striated muscles. In reflex erection, erectile response to ES and penileNOS activity in the rat, T seems to be first converted to DHT, the more active androgen modality. (Asian J Androl1999 Dec; 1: 169-174)

Lymph Node Metastases and Prognosis in Penile Cancer

Lymph node status is a key prognostic factor in penile squamous cell carcinoma. Recently, growing evidence indicates a multimodality approach consisting of neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by consolidation surgery improves the outcome of locally advanced penile cancer. Thus, accurate estimation of survival probability in node-positive penile cancer is critical for treatment decision making, counseling of patients and follow-up scheduling. This article reviewed evolving developments in assessing the risk for cancer progression based on lymph node related variables, such as the number of metastatic lymph nodes, bilateral lymph node metastases, the ratio of positive lymph nodes, extracapsular extension of metastatic lymph nodes, pelvic lymph node metastases, metastatic deposit in sentinel lymph nodes and N stage in TNM classification. Controversial issues surrounding the prognostic value of these nodal related predictors were also discussed.

The penile tourniquet

Tourniquets are commonly used in penile surgery to achieve a bloodless operating field or produce artificial erections intraoperatively. Several techniques have been described, but there is a paucity of data and a lack of guidelines to direct their safe use. In penile surgery, it is the local rather than systemic effects of tourniquet use that are the main concern. Tourniquet time should be kept to a minimum, as the limited data available suggests that reperfusion injury can occur even after short periods of ischaemia. High risk groups such as diabetics and arteriopaths are at particular risk. Further studies are needed to determine safe tourniquet times and pressures.

Effects of castration and testosterone replacement on veno-occlusion during penile erection in the rat

Aim: To determine if androgens directly regulate veno-occlusion or if androgens act indirectly to maintain the penilestructures which control outflow. Methods: Using CASTRATE and TESTO rats, measurement was made of meanarterial pressure (MAP), intracavernosal pressure (CCP), and intracavernosal flow (CCF) during erection resultingfrom stimulation of the autonomic innervation of the penis. CCP and CCF were also measured during saline infusioninto the cavernosal sinuses before and after treatment with sodium nitroprusside (SNP, a nitric oxide donor drag) tofully relax cavernosal smooth muscle. Penile tissue was also collected to measure the content of α actin and proline andhydroxyproline to determine if brief withdrawal of androgenic support led to changes in the number of smooth musclecells or the collagen content of the tissue. Results: Infusion of saline into the cavernosal sinuses demonstrated thatveno-occlusion was defective in CASTRATE rats while reno-occlusion was fully functional in TESTO animals.Furthermore, veno-occlusion could be induced in CASTRATE rats if they were first treated with SNP. Thisobservation suggests that failure of veno-occlusion in the CASTRATE rats is due to a deficiency in the production of NOresulting in a reduction in the degree of relaxation of the penile smooth muscle. The measurements of smooth muscleα actin and proline and hydroxyproline content of collagen showed that both were unaffected by castration and that thebasic structure of the penis did not degenerate after one week without androgenic support. Conclusion: Theseresults can be interpreted to mean that androgens control the veno-occlusive mechanism indirectly via a NO dependentmechanism and not by maintaining the structures of the penis which are essential to reno-occlusion.

Penile length and somatometric parameters： a study in healthy young Turkish men

The purpose of this study was to determine average penile length and to investigate the relationship between penile length and somatometric parameters in a group of young, healthy Turkish men. A total of 1132 men were included in the study. The age, height and weight of the subjects were recorded. Penile length was measured in both flaccid and stretched states. The correlation between penile length and somatometric parameters was analysed. The mean age of the subjects was 20.3±.0.9 years. The mean penile length in flaccid and stretched states was 9.3± 1.3 and 13.7± 1.6 cm, respectively （P〈0.001）. There was a positive correlation between flaccid and stretched penile length （r=0.800, P〈0.001）. The mean testicular volume was 22.0±2.8 cm3. A weak positive correlation was detected between penile length and mean testicular volume （r=0.143 for flaccid penile length and r=-0. 140 for stretched penile length, P〈0.001 for both）. Similarly, weak positive correlations were found between penile length （both flaccid and stretched） and height, weight and body mass index, respectively （P〈0.001, for all）. These results demonstrate that somatometric parameters are correlated with penile length. We believe that further studies would provide more information about the causal relationship.

Penile revascularization--contemporary update

Contemporary therapies for erectile dysfunction are generally targeted towards older men and universally engage pharmacological and/ or device related treatment options. Penile revascularization, using microvascular arterial bypass surgical techniques, is a non-pharmacological, non-device-related, and reconstructive surgical strategy for men with erectile dysfunction that was first described by Dr Vaclav Michal in 1973.

Prospective and long-term evaluation of erect penile length obtained with inflatable penile prosthesis to that induced by intracavernosal injection

We compared erect penile length after inflatable penile prosthesis （IPP） implantation with that induced by intracavemosal injection （ICI） before surgery. A total of 11 patients with full erections induced by ICI of 0.25 mL of Trimix （papaverine, phentolamine and prostaglandin E 1） at the time of penile color duplex Doppler ultrasonograpby were enrolled in this study. The patients subsequently underwent IPP implantation as the ultimate treatment for their erectile dysfunction （ED）. Erect penile length consequent to IPP implantation was measured at 6 weeks, 6 months and at I year after surgery. The Sexual Health Inventory for Men （SHIM） was administered before, and at 6 months and 1 year after IPP implantation. Erect penile length （mean ± s.c.） as induced by ICI was 13.2 ± 0.4 cm, whereas the lengths attained with IPP were 12.4 ± 0.3, 12.5 ± 0.3 and 12.5 ± 0.4 cm at the sixth week, sixth month and 1-year follow-ups, respectively. There were 0.83 ± 0.25, 0.75 ± 0.20 and 0.74 ± 0.15 cm decreases in erect penile length at 6 weeks, 6 months and 1 year, respectively, after IPP implantation when compared with that after ICI （P 〈 0.05）. The SHIM scores for patients reporting shorter penises were the same as those for patients without complaints at the 6-month and 1-year follow-ups （P 〉 0.05）. To our knowledge, this is the first study to objectively show a significant decrease in erect penile length after IPP implantation when compared with that after ICI. However, this decrease did not affect the effectiveness of IPP in treating ED.