-
Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive &... May 2022Vascularized composite allotransplantation has become an alternative reconstruction technique for patients with a severe loss of substance. Today, five human penile... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Vascularized composite allotransplantation has become an alternative reconstruction technique for patients with a severe loss of substance. Today, five human penile transplantations have been reported. The objective of this literature review is to offer an updated overview of the technical and ethical questions surrounding penile transplantation compared with conventional phalloplasty.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
A systematic review was conducted of the literature from 2000 to 2020. A search of PubMed was performed using the keywords: "penile transplantation," "penis transplantation," and "penile vascularized composite allotransplantation." The criteria for the analysis were the type of study, surgical techniques, and ethical concerns.
RESULTS
Thirty-six articles were selected. These articles include reviews, case report, editorials, and preclinical studies. The first article was published in 2003, but the number of articles has increased after the second human transplantation in South Africa in 2014. Surgical techniques and the medication management specific to each team were successful in the 5 transplant cases, but several complications were noted.
CONCLUSION
Two decades of successful penile transplantations have proven the technique to be a viable solution to treat a penile amputation, allowing for a better esthetic and sensitive outcome paired with the possibility of natural urinary and erectile functions. Psychological impact of penile transplantation, selection of patients, complications of immunosuppressive therapies, and surgical technicity are the biggest penile transplantation challenges. Further experimental studies are necessary to produce standardized protocols to safely include penile transplantation in the conventional treatment of a penile amputation.
Topics: Humans; Immunosuppression Therapy; Male; Penile Erection; Penis; Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation
PubMed: 35221229
DOI: 10.1016/j.bjps.2021.11.116 -
The Journal of Sexual Medicine Apr 2016Penile prosthesis implantation has emerged as a definitive treatment to restore sexual function to the motivated man with erectile dysfunction. Substantial improvements... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Penile prosthesis implantation has emerged as a definitive treatment to restore sexual function to the motivated man with erectile dysfunction. Substantial improvements in the design of inflatable devices have been made since they first became available more than four decades ago.
AIM
To review the history of the penile prosthesis, the indications, preoperative evaluation, and patient and partner satisfaction. The current approaches to addressing intra- and postoperative complications, provide an understanding of prosthesis infection, and placement of these devices will be reviewed.
METHODS
A committee of worldwide experts in this field was assembled during the 2015 International Consultation on Sexual Medicine (ICSM) and performed a systematic review of the peer-reviewed published medical literature pertaining to penile prosthesis. Particular attention was given to higher level trials when available. Recommendations are based upon the Oxford Criteria.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
Unfortunately there is limited level 1 and 2 evidence, and where expert opinion was utilized, the decision was unanimous within the committee with a goal of presenting a clinically relevant guideline pertaining to penile prostheses.
RESULTS
Penile prosthesis has undergone an evolution over the past 40 years resulting in a more effective and reliable treatment for advanced erectile dysfunction not responding to less invasive methods including oral treatment with PDE5 inhibitors, vacuum erection device, and intracorporal injection therapy. It should be considered an appropriate treatment option for the man who wishes to restore erectile function and who understands the potential risk of mechanical failure and infection, both of which are less common now as a result of improvements made in device design as well as surgical protocols adhered to in the operating room. Patients must be clearly informed of the risks associated with penile prosthesis including mechanical failure, infection, shortening of the penis, change in sensation and configuration of the penis, as well as injury to local structures. Intraoperative complications are unusual but do occur and can usually be addressed intraoperatively to allow placement of the device at the time of initial surgery. Postoperative complications may also be addressed when they occur but may require more advanced reconstructive surgical techniques. Men with Peyronie's disease, corporal fibrosis due to infection, trauma, prior prosthesis explantation, priapism, and men who have undergone construction of a neophallus may require additional advanced maneuvers to obtain optimum results with a penile prosthesis.
CONCLUSION
Penile prosthesis remains as an important, viable, and effective treatment for male erectile dysfunction that does not respond to other less invasive approaches or when these approaches are contraindicated or not acceptable to the patient. These devices provide the patient with the ability to engage in penetrative sexual activity without interfering with urination, ejaculation, sensation, or orgasm. Although mechanical failure can occur, the current devices are more reliable as a result of design modifications. Infection remains the most dreaded complication but since the introduction of antibiotic and hydrophilic coatings, infection is less common. Overall, patient and partner satisfaction appear to be reasonably high when a penile prosthesis is used to restore erectile function.
Topics: Adult; Erectile Dysfunction; History, 20th Century; Humans; Male; Penile Implantation; Penile Prosthesis; Penis; Postoperative Complications; Plastic Surgery Procedures; Referral and Consultation; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 27045255
DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2016.01.017 -
Narra J Aug 2023Prostate cancer treatment can significantly impact erectile function, and penile rehabilitation has been proposed to improve the impacts. However, the effectiveness of...
Prostate cancer treatment can significantly impact erectile function, and penile rehabilitation has been proposed to improve the impacts. However, the effectiveness of penile rehabilitations after treatment of prostate cancer is scarce. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the effectiveness of different interventions of penile rehabilitation program after prostate cancer treatment. We conducted a comprehensive search of electronic databases, PubMed and Google Scholar, to identify randomized controlled trials that evaluated interventions for penile rehabilitation after prostate cancer treatment. Studies that met our inclusion criteria were systematically reviewed, and data were synthesized and analyzed. We identified 11 randomized controlled trials that evaluated different interventions for penile rehabilitation after prostate cancer treatment. The interventions included the use of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, intracavernous injections, vacuum erection devices, and penile rehabilitation programs. The data suggest that these phosphodiesterase inhibitors, intracavernous injections, vacuum erection devices, and penile rehabilitation programs are promising in improving erectile function after prostate cancer treatment. However, the optimal timing and duration of these interventions remain unclear, and there is a need for further research to determine their long-term effectiveness and safety. Healthcare providers should consider individualized approaches to penile rehabilitation, taking into account patient characteristics and preferences.
PubMed: 38454969
DOI: 10.52225/narra.v3i2.174 -
American Journal of Men's Health Nov 2018Vacuum therapy has been widely used for penile rehabilitation after radical prostatectomy (RP), but its efficacy and safety are unclear. The study was to evaluate the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Vacuum therapy has been widely used for penile rehabilitation after radical prostatectomy (RP), but its efficacy and safety are unclear. The study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the early use of vacuum therapy for post-RP men. Randomized clinical trials were selected according to predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. RevMan 5.3 software was used for meta-analyses. In total, six randomized controlled trials were included with a total of 273 post-RP patients. The meta-analysis revealed that the early use of vacuum therapy could significantly improve the five-item International Index of Erectile Function and penile shrinkage in post-RP patients. Few adverse events were reported across the included studies. This review suggests that the early use of vacuum therapy appears to have excellent therapeutic effect on post-RP patients and no serious side effects were identified. Due to overall limited quality of the included studies, the therapeutic benefit of vacuum therapy in penile rehabilitation needs be substantiated to a limited degree in the future. Better methodological, large controlled trials are expected to verify the therapeutic effect of vacuum therapy in penile rehabilitation.
Topics: Erectile Dysfunction; Humans; Male; Penile Erection; Penis; Prostatectomy; Vacuum
PubMed: 30182794
DOI: 10.1177/1557988318797409 -
The Journal of Sexual Medicine Jan 2022Stem cell is considered a potential therapy for treating erectile dysfunction (ED), including diabetic mellitus erectile dysfunction (DMED), which was investigated in... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Stem cell is considered a potential therapy for treating erectile dysfunction (ED), including diabetic mellitus erectile dysfunction (DMED), which was investigated in some preclinical studies. Several trials introduced stem cell into clinical practice, but divergences emerged.
AIM
To further investigate the therapeutic effects of stem cell on DMED in preclinical studies and investigate some possible factors that influence curative effects.
METHODS
The literature research was conducted in Web of Science and PubMed to retrieve studies utilizing stem cell to treat DMED. Revman 5.3 was used to perform subgroup analysis of intracavernosal pressure/mean artery pressure (ICP/MAP) and structural changes. Publication bias was assessed with Egger's test, funnel plot, and sensitivity analysis by Stata 15.0.
OUTCOMES
The ICP/MAP and structural changes before and after stem cell treatment.
RESULTS
Of 2,115 studies retrieved, 23 studies are eligible. Plus 10 studies from a meta-analysis published in 2016, 33 studies were enrolled. Pooled analysis showed that stem cell ameliorates damaged ICP/MAP (WMD 0.26; 95% CI 0.23-0.29; P < .001) and structural changes induced by diabetes. Subgroup analysis indicated that adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell (ADSC) may have better efficacy than bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC) (χ= 4.21, P = .04; ADSC WMD 0.28, 95% CI [0.24-0.32] vs BMSC WMD 0.22 95% CI [0.17-0.26]). Transplantation type, diabetes type, and cell number make no difference to curative effects. Gene modification and therapy combination proved promising in improving the therapeutic effects of stem cell.
CLINICAL TRANSLATION
The evidence reminded that ADSC may be prior to BMSC in clinical trials and autotransplantation is probably not compulsory in the clinical practice of stem cell.
STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS
The study number and sample size are large enough. However, high degree of heterogeneity remains after subgroup analysis.
CONCLUSION
This meta-analysis suggests the efficacy of stem cell therapy for DMED and the possible superiority of ADSC over BMSC in erection restoration and structure renovation. Yao C, Zhang X, Yu Z, et al., Effects of Stem Cell Therapy on Diabetic Mellitus Erectile Dysfunction: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. J Sex Med 2022;19:21-36.
Topics: Diabetes Mellitus; Erectile Dysfunction; Humans; Male; Penile Erection; Stem Cell Transplantation
PubMed: 34955172
DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2021.10.001 -
Journal of the College of Physicians... Sep 2022This present systemic review and meta-analysis was conducted to assess the effectiveness of low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy (Li-ESWT) on erectile... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
This present systemic review and meta-analysis was conducted to assess the effectiveness of low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy (Li-ESWT) on erectile dysfunction (ED) based on the relevant randomised controlled trials (RCTs). A comprehensive search of databases, including Medline and Embase databases, from 1st January 2012 to 31st July 2020, that investigated the efficacy of Li-ESWT for ED, was searched. All the trials were divided into two groups: the experimental group received a different shockwave treatment, and the control group received the same treatment as the corresponding experimental group vibration, sound, etc) but no energy transmission. The primary endpoint was the International Index of Erectile Function-Erectile Function domain (IIEF-EF) score/questionnaire or erectile hardness score (EHS). The average IIEF-EF score was increased with statistical significance in the Li-ESWT group relative to the control group (p<0.001). Besides, the Li-ESWT group had evidently elevated changes in IIEF-EF score (p<0.001). Altogether seven articles reported the remarkably elevated EHS score with different total pulses (p<0.001). The favourable outcomes in terms of the average IIEF scores were observed in the cases developing mild or moderate ED (p<0.001). Compared with placebo treatment, Li-ESWT alleviates ED symptoms in patients, particularly those who have mild or moderate ED. Taken together, these results suggest that the Li-ESWT may hold promise for patients with ED. Key Words: Erectile dysfunction, Low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy, Meta-analysis, Randomised controlled trials.
Topics: Erectile Dysfunction; Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy; Humans; Male; Penile Erection; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 36089717
DOI: 10.29271/jcpsp.2022.09.1181 -
Urologia Internationalis 2017To compare the efficacy and safety between tadalafil once-a-day and tadalafil on-demand dosing regimen in patients with ED. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
INTRODUCTION
To compare the efficacy and safety between tadalafil once-a-day and tadalafil on-demand dosing regimen in patients with ED.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A systematic search of Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Library was performed to identify all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared tadalafil used a once-a-day with an on-demand dosing regimen for erectile dysfunction. A secondary hand-search was performed in relevant journals, references, and the grey literature. Meta-analyses were performed using Review Manager version 5.3.0.
RESULTS
Six RCTs involving a total of 1,534 patients were included in this review. All studies reported the International Index of Erectile Function-Erectile Function domain score and the results of the meta-analysis showed no difference between the groups. The overall pooled estimated weighted mean differences (WMD) was 0.97 (95% CI -0.37 to 2.32; p = 0.16). Meta-analyses of Sexual Encounter Profile questions 2 and 3 (SEP-2 and SEP-3) showed that the once-a-day dosing regimen was superior to the on-demand regimen with statistical significance. The WMD of SEP-2 and SEP-3 were 10.32 (95% CI 3.16-17.48; p = 0.005) and 11.07 (95% CI 2.57-19.56; p = 0.01), respectively. Both dosing regimens of tadalafil showed similar complication rates. The meta-analyses of adverse events showed no significant differences.
CONCLUSIONS
The efficacy rates of tadalafil once-a-day and on-demand were similar. No significant difference in safety was found between the 2 dose regimens of tadalafil.
Topics: Chi-Square Distribution; Drug Administration Schedule; Erectile Dysfunction; Humans; Male; Odds Ratio; Penile Erection; Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Recovery of Function; Risk Factors; Tadalafil; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome; Urological Agents
PubMed: 28628914
DOI: 10.1159/000477496 -
The Prostate Sep 2022Radical prostatectomy (RP) and radiation treatment are standard options for localized prostate cancer. Even though nerve-sparing techniques have been increasingly... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Radical prostatectomy (RP) and radiation treatment are standard options for localized prostate cancer. Even though nerve-sparing techniques have been increasingly utilized in RP, erectile dysfunction (ED) due to neuropraxia remains a frequent complication. Erectile function recovery rates after RP remain unsatisfactory, and many men still suffer despite the availability of various therapies.
OBJECTIVE
This systematic review aims to summarize the current treatments for post-RP-ED, assess the underlying pathological mechanisms, and emphasize promising therapeutic strategies based on the evidence from basic research.
METHOD
Evaluation and review of articles on the relevant topic published between 2010 and 2021, which are indexed and listed in the PubMed database.
RESULTS
Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, intracavernosal and intraurethral injections, vacuum erection devices, pelvic muscle training, and surgical procedures are utilized for penile rehabilitation. Clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of erectogenic drugs in this setting are conflicting and far from being conclusive. The use of androgen deprivation therapy in certain scenarios after RP further exacerbates the already problematic situation and emphasizes the need for effective treatment strategies.
CONCLUSION
This article is a detailed overview focusing on the pathophysiology and mechanism of the nerve injury developed during RP and a compilation of various strategies to induce cavernous nerve regeneration to improve erectile function (EF). These strategies include stem cell therapy, gene therapy, growth factors, low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy, immunophilins, and various pharmacological approaches that have induced improvements in EF in experimental models of cavernous nerve injury. Many of the mentioned strategies can improve EF following RP if transformed into clinically applicable safe, and effective techniques with reproducible outcomes.
Topics: Androgen Antagonists; Erectile Dysfunction; Humans; Male; Penile Erection; Prostatectomy; Prostatic Neoplasms
PubMed: 35579053
DOI: 10.1002/pros.24366 -
The Epidemic of COVID-19-Related Erectile Dysfunction: A Scoping Review and Health Care Perspective.Sexual Medicine Reviews Apr 2022COVID-19 infection is expected to be associated with an increased likelihood of erectile dysfunction (ED). Considering the high transmissibility of COVID-19, ED may be a... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
COVID-19 infection is expected to be associated with an increased likelihood of erectile dysfunction (ED). Considering the high transmissibility of COVID-19, ED may be a concerning consequence for a large segment of the population.
AIMS
To (1) summarize existing published evidence for the impact of COVID-19 on the prevalence, severity, treatment, and management of ED; and (2) identify health-related trends in the emerging literature and identify gaps in the existing research literature and make recommendations for future research needs in the area.
METHODS
A scoping literature search was conducted on April 27, 2021. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses-ScR) checklist was followed. The literature search was performed in PubMed using the terms: COVID-19, erectile, sexual, and dysfunction. A total of 693 publications were screened for relevance. Studies were appraised for their level of evidence based on study design and the rigor of methodology.
RESULTS
The evidence that COVID-19 infection causes or impacts ED is compelling. Four topics emerged regarding the nature of the association between COVID-19 and ED: (1) the biological impact of COVID-19 infection on ED; (2) the mental health impact of COVID-19 on ED; (3) the impact of COVID-19 on the management of ED and access to ED treatment; and (4) health disparities and the impact of COVID-19 on ED. Long-term and well-designed studies are needed to clarify the extent of the impact of COVID-19 on ED. The pandemic exposed several vulnerabilities within worldwide healthcare and social systems.
CONCLUSION
COVID-19 has a uniquely harmful impact on men's health and erectile function through biological, mental health, and healthcare access mechanisms. As the pandemic wanes, strategies to identify long-term effects and additional health care support may be needed to adequately mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on men's health. Hsieh T-C, Edwards NC, Bhattacharyya SK, et al.The Epidemic of COVID-19-Related Erectile Dysfunction: A Scoping Review and Health Care Perspective. Sex Med Rev 2022;10:286-310.
Topics: COVID-19; Delivery of Health Care; Erectile Dysfunction; Humans; Male; Penile Erection; Prevalence
PubMed: 34732316
DOI: 10.1016/j.sxmr.2021.09.002 -
European Urology Focus Jul 2022Focal therapy has emerged as a promising option to treat well-selected men with localised prostate cancer while preserving healthy prostate tissue and key structures,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
CONTEXT
Focal therapy has emerged as a promising option to treat well-selected men with localised prostate cancer while preserving healthy prostate tissue and key structures, such as the urethral sphincter and neurovascular bundles. However, how this tissue preservation may translate into improved outcomes, particularly into improved sexual outcomes, is still an active research field.
OBJECTIVE
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature to summarise the existing evidence, in order to provide patients with updated data on what to expect after treatment and help identify gaps in current knowledge that may warrant future research.
EVIDENCE ACQUISITION
A systematic literature search was conducted on Medline, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science. The search strategy was defined using the "litsearchr" function in R based on a preliminary "naïve" search using the following terms on Medline: (("focal therapy" OR "focal treatment") AND ("prostate cancer") AND ("sexual function" OR "erectile function")). A total of 42 studies, comprising 3117 patients treated and 2352 with available sexual outcomes, were included in the qualitative data synthesis and 26 in a random-effect meta-analysis.
EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS
The five-item International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) was the most frequently used questionnaire (30/42 studies), with completion rates ranging from 24% to 100% at 18-24 mo. A decrease was noted at 3 mo (IIEF-5 decrease estimate -3.70 [95% confidence interval -4.43, -2.96]), with improvements at 6 mo (-2.18 [-2.91, -1.46]) and 12 mo (-2.14 [-2.96, -1.32]). Studies in which patients had an altered baseline sexual function were more likely to report a significant and durable postoperative decrease in erectile function scores. The patient-reported outcome questionnaires used were not designed for a diverse population. Functional outcomes were not the primary endpoint and have not been reported consistently in most studies considered.
CONCLUSIONS
Focal therapy led to changes in erectile function in most cases under the significance threshold of the patient-reported outcome questionnaires used. However, patients should be counselled according to their baseline erectile function. More research is warranted to detail aspects other than erectile function, such as ejaculation or orgasm. The early postoperative period appears key to study sexual changes after focal therapy, while only a moderate decrease is expected at 12 mo.
PATIENT SUMMARY
We reviewed the published literature detailing the sexual consequences of focal therapy for localised prostate cancer using patient-reported outcome questionnaires. Patients were likely to describe a significant decrease in their erectile function at 3 mo, with improvements noted at 6 and 12 mo. The results obtained may not be reproducible in a more diverse population, and further research is warranted to better study aspects other than erectile function, such as ejaculation or orgasm.
Topics: Erectile Dysfunction; Humans; Male; Penile Erection; Prostate; Prostatic Neoplasms; Sexual Behavior
PubMed: 34580049
DOI: 10.1016/j.euf.2021.09.009