Penile Doppler Ultrasonography Research Articles

A novel strategy to induce penile erection during penile doppler ultrasound: oral sildenafil administration plus alprostadil injection

Objectives To evaluate the efficacy of a novel approach to achieve the optimal penile erection during the penile doppler ultrasound (PDU) examination, which was oral sildenafil combined alprostadil injection. Materials and Methods A total of 60 ED patients were enrolled in our prospective study, and they were randomly assigned to two group with different PDU order. The approaches assisted the PDU included two models, mode A meaning injection of 15 μg alprostadil and model B meaning oral sildenafil 100 mg plus injection of 15 μg alprostadil. The PDU parameters were measured continuously before induced erection, and 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 min. Results Each group included 30 ED patients with similar clinical characteristics. After pooling the results together, the PSV, EDV, and RI were all improved significantly, when adding the oral sildenafil administration to assist PDU. Also, the clinical response of oral sildenafil administration plus alprostadil injection was better than that in alprostadil injection alone (p = 0.016). The arterial ED were decreased from 31.67% to 15.00% with the P value 0.031, and the mixed ED was also decreased statistically (23.33% vs 8.33%, p = 0.024). Conclusion Oral sildenafil administration plus alprostadil injection could improve the diagnostic accuracy of PDU.

(193) Low Intensity Shockwave Therapy in Combination with Phosphodiesterase-5 Inhibitors is an Effective and Safe Treatment Option in Patients with Vasculogenic ED who are PDE5i Nonresponders: A Multicenter Single-Arm Clinical Trial

Abstract Introduction Low-intensity shockwave therapy (Li-ESWT) has been shown to be an effective and safe treatment for vasculogenic erectiledysfunction (ED) Objective We aim to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of LiESWT in treating patients affected from vasculogenic ED who did not respond to oral treatment with Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors (PDE5-i) Methods It is a multicentric open-label prospective study, in a cohort of patients non-responders to PDE-5i. Li-ESWT was performed in an outpatient setting by using the following schedule: 3000 shockwaves with an energy of 0.25 mJ/mm2 and a frequency of 4–6 Hz, twice a week for 3 weeks. International Index of Erectile Function, Erection Hardness Score and Sexual Quality of Life-Male questionnaires, and penile doppler ultrasound (PDU) are the outcome measurements. Results The Student t-test or Wilcoxon signed-rank test were applied to compare variables, with results considered statistically significant at p < 0.05. 106 (97.2%) completed treatment and performed follow-up visit after 4 weeks. At follow up visit, the mean IIEF-EF increased by 8.6 points (13.47 ± 4.61 vs 22.07 ± 5.27; p < 0.0001). A clinically significant improvement of IIEF-EF was achieved in 75 patients (70.7%). An EHS score ≥ 3, sufficient for a full intercourse, was reported by 72 patients (67.9%) at follow-up visit. 37 (34.9%) patients reported a full rigid penis (EHS = 4) after treatment. Li-ESWT treatment was also able to improve quality of life (SQOL-M: 45.56 ± 8.00 vs 55.31 ± 9.56; p < 0.0001). Li-ESWT significantly increased mean PSV (27.79 ± 5.50 vs 41.66 ± 8.59; p < 0.0001) and decreased mean EDV (5.66 ± 2.03 vs 1.93 ± 2.11; p < 0.0001) in PDU. Conclusions Combination of Li-ESWT and PDE5-i represents an effective and safe treatment for patients affected from ED who do not respond to first line oral therapy Disclosure No.

(202) Comparative Study of the Efficacy of Avanafil and Atorvastatin Daily Dose in Management of Vasculogenic Erectile Dysfunction

Abstract Introduction Erectile dysfunction (ED) is defined as the “consistent inability to attain or maintain a penile erection, or both, sufficient for adequate sexual relations”. ED is not only a medical problem but affects the marital relations and patient's self-esteem and causes the quality of life to decrease. which in turn causes the patient to go into depression or develop anxiety. In the past, erectile dysfunction was considered, in most cases, to be a purely psychogenic disorder, but current evidence suggests that more than 80% of cases have an organic aetiology. Causes of organic erectile dysfunction can now be broadly divided into nonendocrine and endocrine. Of the nonendocrine aetiologies, vasculogenic (affecting blood supply) is the most common and can involve arterial inflow disorders and abnormalities of venous outflow (corporeal veno-occlusion). Avanafil is a second-generation phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor approved for erectile dysfunction by the FDA on 2012 and by EMA in 2013. With a high selectivity for phosphodiesterase type 5 isoform AND faster onset of action compared with other PDE5 inhibitors, it offers more tolerability and less adverse events. Atorvastatin is 3-hydroxy-methylglutaryl (HMG)-CoA reductase inhibitor act on the rate-limiting step in cholesterol biosynthesis (the conversion of HMG-CoA to mevalonate) and are effective in treating dyslipidemia. statins reverse endothelial dysfunction by decreasing the action of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) on endothelial cells, resulting in an increase of NO activity. Objective is to evaluate and compare the efficacy of avanafil and atorvastatin daily dose in management of patients with vasculogenic erectile dysfunction. Methods A 60 adult heterosexual males complaining of vasculogenic erectile dysfunction proven by penile duplex were collected from outpatient andrology clinics of Al-Azhar University Hospitals. The patients were divided into two treatment groups: (Group A): 30 patients received daily dose of 100 mg avanafil. (Group B): 30 patients received daily dose of 40 mg atorvastatin, The main outcome measures and the difference in penile duplex ultrasound results and IIEF-EF scores between the two groups are evaluated and compared at the end of the study, Age of patients between 20 and 50 years, established diagnoses of Vasculogenic erectile dysfunction, Normal lipid profile, Normal Total and Free testosterone levels and No contraindications to the study medications were included criteria. However patients who failed to fulfill any of the inclusion criteria, psychogenic or neurogenic erectile dysfunction, dyslipidemia Patients with Renal or Hepatic insufficiency and Patients with advanced cardiovascular diseases such as heart failure and coronary artery disease on antianginal drugs especially nitrates were excluded. Results Our study revealed statistically significant improvement in Penile Doppler ultrasonography parameters (PSV, EDV& RI) and IIEF-EF scores in avanafil group compared to atorvastatin group. Conclusions avanafil 100 mg daily dose leads to significant improvement in men with vasculogenic erectile, while atorvastatin 40 mg caused no significant differences, neither positively nor adversely. In summary, avanafil at dose of 100 mg can be a therapeutic appropriate choice in cases of vasculogenic ED. Disclosure No.

(321) Penile Doppler Ultrasound (PDUS) Procedure Anxiety and Its Impact on the Erection Hardness (EH) and Corporo-venocclusive Dysfunction (CVOD) Diagnosis

Abstract Introduction Procedure anxiety is an excessive fear of medical, dental, or surgical procedures that result in acute distress or interference with completing necessary procedures. Previous work has shown that anxiety affects penile hemodynamics. Objective This study aims to examine the impact of PDUS procedure anxiety on the erection hardness (EH) achieved during and after PDUS and the diagnosis of CVOD. Methods The patient population included (i) men with poor response to erectogenic agents or (ii) who need curvature assessment due to Peyronie’s disease (PD), (iii) who underwent PDUS, (iv) using ICI vasoactive agent redosing schedule. We performed a descriptive assessment of demographics and comorbidities. We reported EH reached before and 30 minutes after PDUS, which was evaluated by a sexual medicine-trained physician for each case. EH was measured on a 0 (no erection) to 10 (erection hard as a rock). We also described the number of injections, the dose, and PDUS hemodynamic parameters, including peak systolic velocity (PSV) and end-diastolic velocity (EDV). Arterial insufficiency (AI) diagnosis was made with PSV values ≤30 cm/sec bilaterally, and CVOD diagnosis with EDV values ≥5 cm/sec bilaterally. A visual analog scale (VAS) evaluated the anxiety related to the procedure using a single question: “How anxious are you about your PDUS procedure?” This was measured on a 0 (not at all anxious) to 10 (extremely anxious) Likert scale. 7 or higher was defined as high anxiety, 4 to 6 as moderate anxiety, 1 to 3 as mild anxiety, 0 was no anxiety. We compared the EH pre and post-PDUS and the prevalence of CVOD based on the procedure anxiety category (high vs. no high anxiety). Predictors of persistent EH (6/10 or higher) after PDUS was analyzed using a logistic regression model. Factors entered into the model included: patient age, PD, and procedure high anxiety. A p-value ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results 162 individuals were included. The median age of 65 (59,72) years. 19% had diabetes, 19% reported ≥ 3 comorbidities, 10% had a history of depression, and 11% had a history of anxiety. 72% had prostate cancer, 6% had bladder cancer, 3% had other cancer, and 19% had no cancer history. 35% reported PD. The VAS procedure anxiety median was 3 (1, 5), on which 22% reported no anxiety, 34% mild, 26% moderate, and 18% high anxiety. For men with high anxiety procedure, the median EH before and after PDUS was 6 (4, 8) and 5 (2, 8), respectively; 62% had CVOD diagnosis, 48% remained with an EH 6 or greater after PDUS, and 45% needed a reversal injection. No significant differences were observed compared to men without high anxiety procedures. In the MVA, only age significantly predicted EH 6 or greater after PDUS (Table 1). Conclusions High PDUS Procedure Anxiety does not affect EH pre and post-PDUS, CVOD diagnosis, or reversal rate after PDUS. Only younger age significantly predicted persistent EH 6 or greater after PDUS. Disclosure No.

(322) Predictors of Erection Reversal After Penile Doppler Ultrasound

Abstract Introduction Erection hardness (EH) is a physiologic response graded subjectively on the Erection Hardness Grading Scale during penile Doppler ultrasound (PDUS). Objective This study aims to gather data on the reversal rate following persistent EH sufficient for penetration or higher after PDUS and identify associated predictors. Methods The study population consisted of (i) men with poor response to PDE5i and ICI or (ii) who need curvature assessment due to Peyronie’s disease (PD), (iii) and underwent penile duplex Doppler ultrasound (PDUS), (iv) using a vasoactive agent redosing schedule were included and reviewed retrospectively. Patients with incomplete data were excluded. We performed a descriptive assessment of demographics and comorbidities, including a history of cancer, PD, depression, or anxiety. EH was evaluated by a sexual medicine-trained physician for each case and reported before and 30 minutes after PDUS. EH was assessed on a scale between 0 (no erection) to 10 (erection hard as a rock), with 6 being good enough for penetration. We also described the number of injections, the dose, and PDUS hemodynamic parameters, including peak systolic velocity (PSV) and end-diastolic velocity (EDV). Arterial insufficiency (AI) diagnosis was made with PSV values ≤25 cm/sec bilaterally and corpora veno-occlusive dysfunction (CVOD) with EDV values ≥5 cm/sec bilaterally. We also reported a reversal procedure rate performed due to persistent erection after PDUS, and predictors were assessed. Factors entered into the model included: patient age, EH for PDUS (8 or greater), and dose of vasoactive agent used (Table 1). A p-value ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results 2439 individuals were included. The median age of 59 (50,67) years. 12% had diabetes, 13% reported ≥ 3 comorbidities, 44% had prostate cancer, 17% had a history of depression, and 14% had a history of anxiety. 44% described PD. The vasoactive agent used for PDUS was Trimix 86% and 14% others. The median dose used was 20 (10, 50), and the median of injections applied was 2 (1, 2). The EH median was 8 (6, 9) for PDUS, and 65% had an EH of 8 or greater. The PDUS diagnosis was normal in 62% of the patients; 8% had AI, 29% had CVOD, and 1% had AI+CVOD. The reversal procedure rate was 41%. In the MVA, significant predictors of erection reversal were higher vasoactive agent dose used, age 50 years or younger, and EH 8 or greater for PDUS (Table 1). Conclusions Erection reversal in our redosing PDUS was highly prevalent; predictors of reversal were younger age, greater EH for PDUS, and higher vasoactive agent dose. Disclosure No.

(323) Injection Pain in Men Using Intracavernosal Injection During Penile Doppler Ultrasound

Abstract Introduction Penile Doppler ultrasound (PDUS) is important in assessing erectile dysfunction. Intracavernosal injection (ICI) is utilized to achieve erections during the procedure Objective This study aims to examine the needle injection pain and predictors of severe pain in patients using ICI during PDUS. Methods The patient population included (i) men with poor response to erectogenic agents or (ii) who need curvature assessment due to Peyronie’s disease (PD), (iii) who underwent PDUS, (iv) using ICI vasoactive agent redosing schedule. We performed a descriptive assessment of demographics and comorbidities. All patients graded anxiety before the PDUS procedure and pain after the first ICI. A visual analog scale (VAS) evaluated the anxiety related to the procedure using a single question: “How anxious are you about your PDUS procedure?” This was measured on a 0 (not at all anxious) to 10 (extremely anxious) Likert scale. 7 or higher was defined as high anxiety, 4 to 6 as moderate anxiety, 1 to 3 as mild anxiety, 0 was no anxiety. A VAS assessed the ICI pain by asking, “How painful was your penile injection?”. This was measured on a 0 (not at all painful) to 10 (extremely painful) Likert scale. 6 or higher was defined as severe pain, 4 and 5 as moderate pain, 1 to 3 as mild pain, and 0 was no pain. Predictors of severe pain were analyzed using a Logistic regression model. Factors entered into the model included: patient age, number of comorbidities, and high anxiety. A p-value ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results 162 individuals were included. The median age of 65 (59,72) years. 19% had diabetes, 19% reported ≥ 3 comorbidities, 10% had a history of depression, and 11% had a history of anxiety. 72% had prostate cancer, 6%had bladder cancer, 3% had other cancer, and 19% had no cancer history. 35% described PD. The VAS procedure anxiety median was 3 (1, 5), on which 22% reported no anxiety, 35% mild, 25% moderate, and 18% high anxiety. The VAS median pain with the first ICI was 2 (1, 4), on which 9% reported no pain, 61% mild pain, 19% moderate pain, and 11% severe pain. In the MVA, no predictors of severe pain with ICI during PDUS were identified (Table 1). Conclusions Pain experienced with ICI during PDUS is low, with most patients reporting no or only mild pain. Only 1/3 of the patients Almost half of the patients reported moderate to high anxiety associated with this procedure; however, high procedure anxiety did not predict severe pain with ICI during PDUS Disclosure No.

Predictive value of Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI) for the severity of vasculogenic erectile dysfunction.

Our aim was to investigate the association of prognostic nutritional index (PNI) score with erectile dysfunction (ED), therefore, we prospectively evaluated the relationship between penile doppler ultrasonography (PDU) findings, PNI and Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM) scores in patients with ED. A total of 414 patients' characteristics, laboratory findings, SHIM and PNI scores were recorded. The PNI is calculated using the formula: 10 × serum albumin + 0.005 × total lymphocyte count. PDU was performed in patients with a SHIM score of 17 and below, while patients with a SHIM score ≥ 18 were recruited for the control group. Correlation analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between PNI, SHIM scores and PDU parameters. The predictive value of variables for severe ED was assessed with regression analysis. A significant difference was demonstrated between the ED subgroups and control group for total cholesterol (p = 0.04), serum albumin (p = 0.03), total lymphocyte count (p = 0.02), BDI score (p < 0.001), and PNI score (p = 0.03). A strong positive correlation between PNI score and PSV (rho = 0.73; p = 0.001), a moderate negative correlation between PNI score and EDV (rho = - 0.54; p = 0.02), and a moderate positive correlation between PNI and SHIM scores (rho = 0.61; p = 0.02) were demonstrated. PNI score ≤ 40 (OR: 3.49; p = 0.01), age (OR: 2.15; p = 0.03) and total cholesterol (OR: 2.03; p = 0.04) were determined as significant predictors of severe ED in multivariate analysis. Our results demonstrated that PNI score is significantly lower in patients with severe and moderate ED. It has been also revealed that the PNI score is an independent predictive factor for severe ED.

(110) Evaluation of Men Under 35 Who Underwent Penile Implant Surgery

Abstract Introduction Erectile Dysfunction (ED) has become an increasingly common disorder in young adult males. There are multiple etiologies of ED ranging from vascular, neurogenic, and structural causes. Often times, ED presenting in young men is psychiatric in nature as opposed to the other causes that typically present in older patients. ED found in young, healthy men with no history of systemic disease or traumatic injury, can be challenging. Past research has shown that men ages 18-35 typically have normal lab results and are treated with PDE-5 inhibitors. However, our data suggests that patients whose symptoms do not improve following the use of PDE-5 inhibitors may have a vascular etiology of ED. Objective Our objective is to determine the prevalence of venous leaks in young adult males who present with ED, but do not respond well to PDE-5 inhibitors. Methods Patients who underwent inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) surgery for the treatment of ED over a 36-month period under the age of 35 who had failed PDE-5 inhibitors were identified from our database retrospectively. All patients completed an IIEF-5 questionnaire and had a penile doppler ultrasound (PDUS) performed preoperatively. PDUS was used to identify and record cavernous arterial flow signals before and after stimulation. Veno-occlusive ED was described as persistent End Diastolic Velocity (EDV) over 5 cm/sec during all phases of erection. The relationships, according to Doppler diagnosis, IIEF-5 score, SHIM scale, and erection score were evaluated as well as surgical outcomes and patient comorbidities. Results 1,558 patients were evaluated in this series, of whom 32 met inclusion criteria. Patients ages ranged from 18 to 35, with a mean age of 28.4. PDUS determined that 27 (84%) suffered from veno-occlusive disease, while 3 (9%) had arterial insufficiency due to DMI and 2 (7%) had neuropraxia. Of those veno-occlusive disease patients, EDV values ranged from 7.4 to 21.2, with a mean of 13.4, with peak systolic velocity values ranging from 45 to 122cm, with a mean of 97. All patients in this cohort had successful penile prosthesis implantation without complications or need for revision. Conclusions Doppler examination does indeed suggest that patients with cavernous venous occlusive dysfunction have moderate to severe leaks. We strongly recommend a baseline PDUS following PDE-5 inhibitor failure due to the significant prevalence of veno-ccclusive disease in this rare patient population. Furthermore, if veno-occlusive disease is identified during PDUS, we encourage frank discussion of penile prosthesis placement with the patient as well as the severity of veno-occlusive disease and its resultant effect of worsening ED. Disclosure Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: coloplast, boston scientific

(352) Erection Hardness Score (EHS) Correlates With Resistive Index but Not Cavernosal Artery Dilation During Penile Doppler for Erectile Dysfunction and Peyronie's Disease

Abstract Introduction Penile Doppler Ultrasound (PDU) is a non-invasive diagnostic test used to assess organic erectile dysfunction (ED) and Peyronie’s disease and characterize functional changes in penile blood flow. Quantitative measurements taken during penile Doppler testing include changes in cavernosal artery diameter, the velocity of blood flow in the cavernosal artery in systolic and diastolic phases, and a calculated resistive index. It remains poorly understood which of these parameters best predict response to intracavernosal injection therapy and how they are influenced by comorbidities such as age, diabetes, smoking, hypertension, and obesity. Objective The objective of this study is to assess which parameters best predict response to intracavernosal trimix injection and determine the utility of measuring cavernosal artery diameter during penile Doppler testing. Methods This study is a single institutional retrospective cross-sectional review of men undergoing workup for organic ED and/or Peyronie's disease who elected to undergo penile Doppler testing. Only patients who received a standardized 30-1-10 trimix injection were included. Dosing was determined based on age and risk factors using a nomogram, and redosing was performed if the erection quality was below subjective optimal erection quality at home. Baseline cavernosal artery and plaque imaging were performed, and repeat measurements were obtained at 10 minutes following trimix injection. Results 93 men were included in the study with a median age of 59 (IQR 51-67). 47% carried a diagnosis of Peyronie's, 41% had hypertension, 29% were obese, and 30% were smokers. 40% met the criteria for venous leak (RI &amp;lt;0.8). Erectile hardness scale (EHS) scores of 1-4 were documented in 5, 21, 61, and 5 patients, respectively. Linear regression demonstrated no significant relationship between the change in cavernosal artery diameter and trimix dose, resistive index, comorbidities or other Doppler parameters measured. There was no direct relationship between the EHS scores and cavernosal artery dilation. However, there was a statistically significant relationship between EHS and age (p=0.004), trimix dose (p=0.008), and resistive index (p=0.001) on univariate regression. A multivariable model containing age, comorbidities, and these parameters correctly explained 31% of the variance demonstrated (p=0.001). Conclusions Provider-determined EHS scores were directly proportional to patient age, trimix dose, and resistive indices but not to changes in cavernosal artery diameter. Our findings suggest that this measurement may be safely omitted during the evaluation of organic ED and Peyronie’s Disease without changes in diagnostic or management pathways. Disclosure No

Is Penile Doppler Ultrasonography Overdiagnosed?

The objective of this study was to determine whether penile Doppler ultrasonography (USG) examinations, combined with the administration of intracavernosal vasoactive agents, were correctly performed as a second-line diagnostic method with the proper indications in a select patient group. A total of 200 patients who underwent penile Doppler ultrasounds in our clinic were included in the study. Patients' demographic data were collected, information about their medical-sexual history was taken, physical examinations were performed, and laboratory analyses were conducted. Patients were informed in detail about the process, and their consent was given prior to the study. Procedure outcomes and complications were also recorded. The relationship of vasculogenic pathologies was analysed, and the rate of abnormal results and complications was compared with the existing literature. Following the investigations, abnormal results were found in 24.5% of patients, while this rate was 6.8% in patients under the age of 40. Arterial insufficiency was found in 31 patients and venous insufficiency in 18 patients. Five patients had both pathologic conditions. No statistically significant correlation was found between arterial insufficiency and age, while venous insufficiency was significantly correlated with age (p=0.006). Penile Doppler ultrasounds should only be ordered for a carefully selected patient group. Ordering ultrasounds without a proper indication can result in unnecessary labour and financial loss, as well as an increase in invasive procedures.

Erection hardness score or penile Doppler ultrasound: which is a better predictor of failure of nonsurgical treatment of erectile dysfunction?

In the evaluation of men presenting for erectile dysfunction (ED), specific diagnostic tests, such as an intracavernous injection test (IIT) with Erection Hardness Score (EHS) assessment or penile Doppler ultrasound (PDU), may be necessary. The study sought to compare the prognostic value of PDU parameters with erection rigidity with EHS during IIT in predicting refractory ED after 5 years. Patients referred for ED were evaluated and had a PDU with at least 15 μg of intracavernous alprostadil and without any sexual stimulation. At 5 years of follow-up, current and past ED treatments were noted. Refractory ED was defined as having a penile prosthesis (PP) implanted, having failed nonsurgical treatments but having refused PP implantation, or having discontinuation of nonsurgical treatments due to loss of efficacy. Patients with hypogonadism and pelvic surgery were excluded. Receiver-operating characteristic curves were drawn and the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated. The outcome was the AUC for predicting refractory ED. At 5years, 69 men were still in follow-up with a mean age of 58.47 ± 10.39years, and 13 (18.8%) were classified as having refractory ED. The AUC for the EHS, peak systolic velocity, end-diastolic flow, and resistive index to discriminate refractory ED were 0.820, 0.613, 0.730, and 0.714, respectively. EHS can be a good predictor of response to nonsurgical treatments in ED. This was a prospective study to compare IIT with PDU, and validated disease-specific questionnaires were used to assess both clinical efficacy and satisfaction. PDU was performed by a blinded third party. However, resulting from a single-center study, our sample size can be considered small, and the number of events observed was also low. Our data suggest that an abnormal EHS during an IIT is, at least, noninferior than an abnormal PDU in predicting those patients that will not respond to nonsurgical treatments and that will need a PP in long-term.

YouTube videoları Penil Doppler Ultrasonografi hakkında güvenilir bilgiye sahip mi?

Objective: Our objective was to evaluate the accuracy and reliability of YouTube videos about penile doppler ultrasonography (PDU), a diagnostic tool for erectile dysfunction. Material and Methods: Videos on YouTube were searched using the term “Penile Doppler Ultrasonography”. The most related 48 videos were included in to study. For each video, uploader type (physician, patient, or YouTuber), target group (physicians or non-physicians), video duration, upload date, daily view count, the total number of views, and the number of likes and comments were recorded. The reliability and quality of the content of these videos included in the study were evaluated using JAMA, DISCERN, and GQS scores. Results: The physicians uploaded all of the videos used in the study. It was shown that 27 (56%) of the videos were prepared for physicians, and the remaining videos were prepared for non-physicians. All the videos had general information about the PDU, 32 (67%) videos gave theoretical information, and 23 (48%) videos gave information about the application of the PDU. When the videos were examined according to the target group, it was shown that the videos prepared for physicians had a longer duration (p=,001) but had a lower number of comments and views (p=,012 and p=.046, respectively). In addition, when the video content quality and reliability were examined, the average JAMA score was 2.5, the GQS score was 3.44, and the DISCERN score was 52.2. It was found that the quality and reliability scores were statistically higher in the videos prepared for physicians (p&lt;0.05). Conclusion: As a source of knowledge about health care, YouTube is frequently used by doctors and other people (including patients). High-quality information is very important for both physicians and individual patients. In this study, we showed that videos uploaded by physicians had reliable content, but these high-quality videos had longer duration and lower view count. In order to improve the quality of PDU-related videos, physicians should upload high-quality videos, and YouTube algorithms should direct patients to high-quality videos. Keywords: penile, doppler, ultrasonography, YouTube

The relationship between serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D and arteriogenic erectile dysfunction.

This study aimed to assess the relationship between 25(OH) levels and erectile dysfunction (ED), particularly arteriogenic ED (A-ED). From September 2020 to January 2022, 150 patients diagnosed with ED by the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) questionnaire were included. All patients were classified as organic ED and psychological ED by nocturnal penile tumescence and rigidity (NPTR) examination. Organic ED patients were divided into A-ED and NA-ED by penile doppler ultrasound (PDU) examination. Finally, 150 patients complaining of ED were enrolled in our study. 25(OH)D levels were significantly lower in patients with organic ED (18.24 ± 6.04 ng/ml) than in patients with psychogenic ED (20.90 ± 8.79 ng/ml) (p=0.032). In A-ED and NA-ED, the mean of peak systolic flow velocity (PSV) values was 18.94 ± 5.28 cm/s and 51.57 ± 15.42 cm/s (p < 0.001), and the mean of 25(OH)D was 15.66 ± 5.86 ng/ml and 20.48 ± 5.90 ng/ml, respectively (p < 0.001). The results showed that 25(OH)D levels were positively correlated with IIEF-5 scores and the PSV values in A-ED patients. The 25(OH)D cut-off value differentiating between A-ED and NA-ED was 15.05 ng/ml. Low 25(OH)D levels may be an independent risk factor for ED, especially A-ED. ED patients should routinely undergo serum 25(OH)D level measurement, and 25(OH)D replacement therapy is necessary for patients with low vitamin D levels.

Expedited algorithm for IPP following Radical Prostatectomy

ABSTRACT Introduction Erectile dysfunction (ED) following radical prostatectomy (RP) is a postoperative result that negatively impacts patient quality of life. The recovery of potency following radical prostatectomy varies depending on a multitude of factors including but not limited to surgical technique, surgeon experience and patient comorbidities. There are several factors that contribute to this decline in erectile function as a result of oncologic control after RP which may be classified as vasculogenic, neurogenic, and psychological. Current guidelines recommend patients wait up to 24 months before IPP surgery. However, no definitive algorithm or guideline has been established for the expedited management of ED in the postoperative setting following radical prostatectomy. Objective We are proposing an expedited algorithm for patients who fail PDE-5 inhibitors at the three-month follow-up following RP. Methods Patients who underwent inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) surgery for the treatment of ED over a 36-month period following RP were identified from our IRB approved database. All patients completed an IIEF-5 questionnaire and had a penile doppler ultrasound (PDUS) performed preoperatively. Validated scoring for erectile function was performed with the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5), and the Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM) was defined. The relationships, according to Doppler diagnosis, IIEF-5 score, SHIM scale, and erection score were evaluated as well as surgical outcomes and patient comorbidities. Logistic regression and Wilcoxon rank sum tests were performed. Results 1,158 patients were evaluated in this series, of whom 121 met inclusion criteria. PDUS determined that 88 (72.8%) suffered from veno-occlusive disease, while 19 (15.7%) had arterial insufficiency. 101 (83.4%) had a RALP vs 20 (16.6%) who received an open RP. The mean time between RP and IPP was 20 months, with the mean ages of RP and IPP being 58 and 64 years respectively. Ages of patients ranged from 40 to 82 years old. Increased time between RP and subsequent IPP was correlated with lower SHIM scores. Additionally, each month that passed caused a decrease of 1.8% in SHIM scores (p&amp;lt; 0.05), as well as a greater likelihood of developing worsening vasculogenic ED (p= 0.042). Increased patient age during RP and subsequent IPP was also correlated with lower SHIM scores (p= 0.049), while RALP was found to be a predictor of higher patient satisfaction (p= 0.02). Conclusions As a result of the overwhelming diminishing SHIM scores over the 20 month postoperative course following RP as well as the significant prevalence of veno-ccclusive disease in this common patient population, we are strongly recommending a baseline PDUS at the 3 month followup. Furthermore, if veno-occlusive disease is identified upon the 3 month baseline PDUS, we encourage frank discussion of IPP placement with the patient. Equally important is it to consider discussing the degree of veno-occlusive disease and resultant ED will worsen as the postoperative period lengthens. Those patients found to have veno-occlusive etiology should have early surgical intervention mitigating further severity of the subsequent veno-occlusive disease. Disclosure Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: Coloplast and Boston Scientific

Ethnic Disparities in Penile Prosthesis Surgery: An Analysis of Hispanic Patients

ABSTRACT Introduction Disparities in disease incidence and outcomes are common in sexual medicine including erectile dysfunction (ED). As limited studies evaluate how ethnic disparities affect the way ED is treated, we used data from a high-volume center to investigate differences between Hispanic and non-Hispanic men following 3-piece inflatable penile prosthesis surgery. Objective To investigate differences between Hispanic and non-Hispanic patients undergoing Penile Prosthesis Surgery. Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study of two high volume implanters using records and data collected prospectively. Patient characteristics, comorbidities, and surgical outcomes were compared. Ethnicity was identified as Hispanic, non-Hispanic white, African American, and other. All patients completed a Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM) questionnaire and had a penile doppler ultrasound (PDUS) performed preoperatively. We also employed the Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction (EDITS) and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for Pain. Multivariate Analysis and logistic regression were used to identify the association between ethnicity, comorbidities, and surgical outcomes. Results 1,158 patients who underwent penile prosthesis surgery from April 2018 to June 2021, were evaluated. Most study participants were Hispanic (68.2%), with non-Hispanic whites counting for 22.5% of population followed by African Americans (8.6%) and other ethnicities (&amp;lt;1%). Hispanics were found to have penile prosthesis surgery at a younger mean age (58.6 vs 64.3 years) when compared to NHW. Overall Hispanics were found to have a greater incidence of comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus (DM), and vascular disease. The most common patient comorbidities among Hispanics were DM (34.2% v 27% NHW), cardiovascular disease (CVD) (20.2% v 18.1% NHW), and Peyronie's disease (12.4% vs 10.2% NHW). Primary etiology of ED among Hispanics was found to be DM (32.3%), CVD (24.1%), Radical Prostatectomy (12.4%), Peyronie's disease (5.3%), priapism (3.3%) and others (22.6%). Pain scores prior to discharge on POD #1 were a mean of 3.2 (median 3, range 0-6) in Hispanics vs 4.1in NHW (median 4, range 0-8). At POD #10, scores for the Hispanic cohort were a mean of 0.53 (median 0, range 0-2) versus a mean of 0.73 (median 0, range 0-2). Hispanic men rate satisfaction with their IPP very high when compared to NHW, (94% vs 89%) according to validated testing. Conclusions Despite younger age of disease progression at time of surgery, Hispanic ethnicity was an independent predictor of higher satisfaction rates and lower pain scores. Conversely Hispanics were found to suffer from more incidence of comorbidities when compared to NHW. This study suggests there may be disparities in disease progression and surgical outcomes between Hispanics and non-Hispanic whites. Further work is necessary to confirm this health disparity in other large datasets. Disclosure Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: Coloplast and Boston Scientific

Erektil disfonksiyon 2.basamak tedavide intrakavernozal alprostadil kullanımının cinsel fonksiyonlar üzerine etkisi

Objective: In patients treated through the application of intracavernosal alprostadil in second-line treatment due to erectile dysfunction, the effect of the treatment on sexual functions measured with a 15-question International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-15) questionnaire was investigated in this study. Material and Methods: Twenty-one patients treated due to erectile dysfunction between June 2018-October 2019, taking inadequate response from first-line treatment modalities, were applied intracavernosal alprostadil in second-line treatment and continued it for more than 12 weeks were included in the study, retrospectively. Ages, comorbid diseases, drug usage duration, drug-related side effects, penile Doppler ultrasonography (USG) parameters before application and the erection functions before and 12 weeks after drug use were evaluated with IIEF-15 form for the patients. Intracavernosal alprostadil was started with a dose of 5 μg and was continued with a dose of 10 μg as the result of dose titration. Results: The mean peak systolic blood flow velocity (PS) value of the patients was 24.4 ±15.1 cm/sec, and the mean end-diastolic flow velocity (ED) value was measured as 4.3±4.5 cm/sec based on the pre-treatment penile Doppler USG.Although the IIEF scores were measured in the 12th week, mean drug usage durations were measured as 21.9±16.6 weeks. Erectile Function Score was 9.2±5.3 before application; it was detected as 20.33±6.2 after the application. Orgasmic Function Score was 3.2±2.5 before application; it was detected as 7.5±2.4 after the application. Sexual Desire Score was 3.72±1.48 before application; it was detected as 8.9±1.4 after the application. Intercourse Satisfaction Score was 3.7±2.8 before application; it was detected as 9.1±2.7 after the application. Overall Satisfaction Score was 4±1.7 before application; it was detected as 8.1±1.7 after the application (All parameters p&lt;0.001). Conclusion: Intracavernosal alprostadil treatment used in erectile dysfunction second-line treatment is a cost-effective and efficient treatment method with a tolerable side effect profile and provides recovery in sexual parameters that can be measured with IIEF-15 parameters. Keywords: Alprostadil, erectile dysfunction, intracavernosal treatment.

A Novel Method to Quantify Penile Arterial Blood Supply Using Shear Wave Elastography During Penile Duplex Ultrasound in Men with Erectile Dysfunction.

BackgroundPeak systolic volume (PSV), the essential parameter of penile Doppler ultrasonography (PDU), can reflect the penile artery blood supply. The present study was conducted to explore the correlations between PDU parameters and shear wave elastography (SWE), a feasible technology to measure penile stiffness.Material/MethodsA total of 78 erectile dysfunction (ED) patients and 32 healthy controls were enrolled in our study. The PDU and SWE were performed to each participant simultaneously by a blinded radiologist. The penoscrotal junction was used to measure the PDU parameters and the SWE values. The PDU and SWE measurements were conducted formally at flaccid state and 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 min after intra-cavernous injection (ICI) of vasoactive agents.ResultsThe significant correlation between PSV and SWE value was found in both ED patients (r=−0.748, P<0.001) and healthy controls (r=−0.815, P<0.001). SWE values of corpus cavernosum penis (CCP) decreased significantly with the increase of PSV during penile erection in both the ED patients and healthy controls. When the SWE value of CCP was less than 11.57 kPa, it showed that the penile artery blood supply was sufficient to finish satisfactory sexual intercourse. The sensitivity and specificity were 0.838 and 0.872, respectively.ConclusionsQuantitative measurement of SWE values in CCP can reflect the penile arterial blood supply during PDU examination. The SWE technique could be used for evaluating the penile artery blood supply combined with the ICI test, with the advantages of noninvasiveness, simple operation, and excellent repeatability.

Penile Doppler ultrasound study in priapism: A systematic review.

Penile Doppler ultrasound (PDU) is suggested to be an alternative to blood gas analysis (BGA) from the corpora cavernosa in differentiating between high- and low-flow priapisms, with limited supportive evidence. To compare penile Doppler ultrasound study and blood gas analysis in the diagnosis of priapism, through a systematic review of the literature. Studies were identified by literature search of Medline, Scopus, Cochrane and ClinicalTrials.Gov. Studies were included if their participants had priapism evaluated by Penile Doppler ultrasound, and reported data on the blood gas analysis or pudendal artery angiography (PAA). Two authors independently extracted the articles using predetermined datasets, including indicators of quality. Correlation of penile Doppler ultrasound with blood gas analysis and pudendal artery angiography. Twelve studies were included. Three studies compared Penile Doppler ultrasound to blood gas analysis and pudendal artery angiography. Penile Doppler ultrasound was used as adjunctive to blood gas analysis to differentiate low flow from high flow priapism, guidance for embolization, etiological diagnosis in three studies. Compared to pudendal artery angiography, penile Doppler ultrasound had a sensitivity of 40-100% and a specificity of 73%, to localize vascular injury and anatomical abnormalities (two studies). Penile Doppler ultrasound was also used for the follow-up after the treatment of priapism (two studies). No study reported an impact on functional results or a delay of management due to penile Doppler ultrasound use. We reviewed evidence on penile Doppler ultrasound study in priapism. Penile Doppler ultrasound study performance was comparable to blood gas from corpus cavernosum. It is recommended to use doppler as an alternative diagnostic tool. Our systematic review had limitations. Firstly, the number of cases in the included studies was small. Secondly, these studies were all retrospective. Lastly, few data were reported with regards to hemodynamic parameters of penile Doppler ultrasound, and the majority of studies did not describe these in detail. Evidence supports that penile Doppler ultrasound is a reliable way for differentiating high-flow and low-flow priapism. We recommend penile Doppler ultrasound study as an alternative of blood gas analysis from corpus cavernosum, especially when the latter is not available. 3.

High-flow priapism in pediatric population: Case series and review of the literature

IntroductionPriapism is a prolonged erection that lasts longer than four hours. It is a rare pathology in the pediatric population, with an estimation of 0.3–1.5 per 100,000 children per year. The diagnostic sequence includes clinical history, physical examination and penile Doppler ultrasound (PDUS). Puncture of corpora cavernosa is not always necessary to establish the differential diagnosis between high-flow and low-flow priapism. The treatment of choice in pediatric age is not well defined. Patients and methodsMulticentric, retrospective and descriptive study including patients under 14 years with high-flow priapism between 2010 and 2020. Literature review. ResultsA total of seven patients were diagnosed with high-flow priapism. None of them required puncture of the corpora cavernosa. Patients were treated with a conservative management, two patients required superselective arterial embolization due to persistent symptoms. ConclusionsHigh-flow priapism is a very rare entity in pediatric age; therefore, knowing the proper diagnosis and management is crucial. Currently, penile doppler ultrasound is enough for diagnosis in most cases and allows obviating the use of blood gas analysis. Children should be initially treated with a conservative management, reserving embolization for refractory cases.

Penile rehabilitation with low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy in patients after prostate cancer surgery. Early physiological changes and postoperative follow-up outcomes.

To investigate the efficacy, safety and postoperative outcomes of using tadalafil and low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy (Li-ESWT) on penile rehabilitation and preventing urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy. In total, we included 66 patients who used only tadalafil (n=32) in group 1 and used tadalafil and treated by Li-ESWT (n=34) in group 2. We noted International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) 5, daily incontinence pad measurements at preoperative, postoperative 3rd, 6th and 12th months respectively. We also evaluated penis blood flow and neovascularisation by penile doppler ultrasonography at postoperative 3rd and 12th months for all patients. Statistical analyses were performed with SPSS version 18. A P-value<.05 was considered significant. Preoperative demographic characteristics were similar in the two groups. There was a statistically significant improvement in IIEF-5, which started at the 6th month and continued increasingly at the 12th month in group 2 compared with group 1. Also, there was a significant decrease in incontinence rate in group 2 compared with group 1 in the sixth month. Combined use of tadalafil and Li-ESWT is highly effective and safe for the treatment of erectile dysfunction and for the prevention of urinary incontinence after prostate cancer surgery.