Penis In Patients Research Articles

(112) An Experimental Animal Study of the Histopathological Effect of Collagen Fleece (TachoSil) Patch of Tunica Albuginea Defects Associated with Penile Surgery

Abstract Introduction A penile tunica defect may arise during penile prosthesis surgery or reconstruction of the penis in patients with Peyronie’s disease. Collagen fleece (TachoSil) was recently reported in penile surgery to cover the tunica defect with reported clinical success. However, it is not known what the histological outcomes of these grafts are in the penis. Objective We study the novel application of TachoSil graft in an experimental animal model. We looked at the regeneration of tunica albuginea, development of inflammation and fibrosis, and histopathological effect on the underlying cavernous tissue. Methods Seven adult male Sprague Dawley rats were used. All procedures were carried out under general inhalation anesthesia. The penis was degloved through a circumferential subcoronal incision. A longitudinal 1x10 mm defect was created at the base of the lateral aspect of the penis. A TachoSil patch (Takeda, Japan) was applied to the defect in six rats and Surgicel (Ethicon) in one. The penile skin covering is then restored and fixed with interrupted 5-6 zero absorbable sutures. At two months, the rat penis was evaluated for excision. Euthanasia was carried out with an overdose of inhalation anesthesia and chest opening. The excised penis was examined by hematoxylin and eosin and trichrome stains. Results At the time of surgery, the rats’ weight was 390 gm (SD 33.8). All rats with TachoSil showed normal-looking penis at two months with complete healing, no scaring, tethering, or gross inflammatory features. The penis of three rats with a Tachosil patch was harvested at two months postoperatively. It showed histopathology of fibrosis, chronic inflammation, and foreign body giant cell reaction at the site of the patch. There was no generation of a new tunica albuginea, no new vascularity or distinct fibrous layer development. The underlying corpus cavernous tissue was not affected by any inflammatory or pathological reaction. One rat died on the 6th postoperative day. Postmortem showed massive gastrointestinal bleeding, intraperitoneal hemorrhage, and punctate hemorrhages of the parenchyma of both suprarenal glands, both kidneys, and the liver. A clinical diagnosis of DIC was made. Histopathology of the penis, however, did not show micro thrombosis. The fifth rat with a Surgicel patch showed immediate hematoma of the penis controlled by compression. After two months, during harvesting of the penis, large pockets of pus were seen spreading from the site of the patch to surrounding structures. Histopathology showed chronic inflammation and fibrosis extending into the corpus cavernosum. The sixth and seventh rats showed normal penis external appearance at two months and were left surviving for harvest at four months. Conclusions Tachosil patching of penile tunica albuginea defect forms a distinctive barrier against inflammation protecting the underlying corpus cavernosum. However, no regeneration of tunica defect is observed at two months. DIC is a potential complication of systemic absorption of TachoSil. Disclosure No

Two levels vs. one level of phallopexy in the treatment of concealed penis in patients in pediatric age group.

Concealed penis, which is the congenital type of buried penis, is a condition in which a normal-sized penis is totally or partially hidden by pubic, scrotal, or thigh skin. Several procedures had been described for its correction including phallopexy, that is, fixation of penile Buck's fascia to the sub-dermis. Our work aims to study the difference in outcome between performing phallopexy at one level and at two levels. Our study included 180 uncircumcised patients who had a concealed penis while having an average length of an outstretched penis. These patients were divided into two groups: the first one was treated with one level of phallopexy at the 3 and 9 o'clock points, while the second group was treated with the same procedure in addition to another level of stitches at the mid-penile level. The follow-up was carried out for one post-operative year regarding penile skin edema, infection, congestion, necrosis, and/or re-retraction. The overall success rate was 96.1% for a normally-looking penis without post-operative re-retraction. Re-retraction developed in two patients (2.2%) of those who had one-level phallopexy and in five patients (5.6%) of those who had two-level phallopexy without statistical significance (FE p = .444). Penile skin edema developed in 76 patients (42.2%) being significantly lower in patients with lower body weight (p = .030*). Phallopexy could be performed safely in the case of the concealed penis with satisfactory results. Two levels of phallopexy did not add any advantage to the post-operative results besides the fact that this may be demanding, time-consuming, and may require higher resources, so we recommend the easier one-level phallopexy in the treatment of such conditions with satisfactory results.

The urethral plate and the underlying tissue; a histological and histochemical study

To examine the urethral plate and the underlying tissues in children with proximal hypospadias associated with severe chordee. The urethral plate and the underlying tissue specimens were excised to correct severe chordee in 17 children with proximal and perineal hypospadias with severe chordee. The median age was 20 months (range 8-36). Sections samples were marked and examined from proximal to distal. Specimens were examined histologically using hematoxylin-eosin (H/E) and Elastic van Gieson (EvG) stain. Histochemical examination was also performed using smooth muscle actin (SMA) and factor 8 antibodies. For control, samples from four patients with hypoplastic urethra proximal to the meatus including the hypoplastic segments until the normal urethra were taken. In addition, the urethra of an adult patient with penile tumor was used as control. The average size of the 17 tissue samples was 0.5cm×0.5cm x 0.3cm in depth. There was a common pattern that was seen in all the 17 specimens with a variable degree of expression. H/E staining showed that the epithelial lining changed from pseudostratified epithelium at the proximal intact urethra to non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium at the urethral meatus to keratinized stratified squamous epithelium distally at the urethral plate level. EvG staining showed overall very few elastic fibres that increased slightly in the distal urethral plate. SMA staining showed a circular pattern of smooth muscle cells in the proximal intact urethra that changed to a U-shaped pattern at the level of the meatus, to a triangle shaped pattern just distal to the meatus. The distal urethral plate showed an irregular, disorganized rather flat pattern of the smooth muscles. Factor 8 antibodies staining the blood spaces revealed dysplastic unorganized large blood sinusoids underneath the urethral plate that were different from normal capillaries surrounding the proximal urethra. The urethral plate and the underlying tissues in patients with severe chordee have different structure from normal urethra as compared to available literature and the adult control patient. The lack of elastic fibres may help to explain the rigidity of the ventral penis causing chordee. The disorganized irregular distribution of the smooth muscle fibres is suggestive of the hypoplastic corpus spongiosum. The abnormal large blood sinusoids may explain the poor healing quality of the ventral penis in patients with perineal and proximal patients associated with severe chordee. This may explain persistent/recurrent chordee observed later in those patients with severe chordee when dorsal plication is used. The study also supports the recent trend of 2 stage procedure as a plan of management for patients with proximal and perineal hypospadias with severe chordee and excision of all the dysplastic tissues during the first operation.

Results of ultrasound dopplerography of the penis in patients with before and after transurethral enucleation of benign prostatic hyperplasia

BACKGROUND: The development of modern technologies for the surgical treatment of urological diseases poses new questions for urologists. One of them is to evaluate the effect of transurethral enucleation of benign prostatic hyperplasia on the erectile function of patients.
 AIM: The aim of the study was to assess the state of erectile function in patients before and after transurethral enucleation of benign prostatic hyperplasia using Doppler ultrasound of the vessels of the penis.
 MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 102 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia aged 50 to 80 years (average 65 years) with complaints of erectile dysfunction and urinary disorders. All patients underwent transurethral enucleation of benign prostatic hyperplasia: 55 patients with the laser method (HoLEP, group 1) and 47 patients with the bipolar method (TUEB, group 2). The severity of ED was assessed using the IIEF-5 questionnaire (International Index of Erectile Function). To assess the state of blood flow in the penis, ultrasound dopplerography of the vessels of the penis was performed using a vasoactive erection stimulator. The studies were carried out before surgery and 24 weeks after it.
 RESULTS: The results of ultrasound dopplerography of the vessels of the penis before surgery revealed the arteriogenic type of ED in 18 (17.6%) patients, the venous type in 45 (44.2%) patients, the mixed arteriovenogenic type in 22 (21.6%) patients. In 17 (16.7%) patients ED was regarded as psychogenic. 24 weeks after the operation in patients of both the 1st and 2nd groups, according to the data of the IIEF-5 questionnaire, positive dynamics of the severity of erectile function was noted, regardless of the type of ED. For patients with vasculogenic types of ED, similar trends were noted regardless of the type of surgery. Thus, in patients with arteriogenic and arteriovenogenic ED a significant increase in the maximum systolic blood flow velocity (Vmax) in the cavernous arteries was recorded, while the values of the resistance index (RI) did not change significantly. At the same time, the Vmax values in these patients were initially low before the operation, and after the operation did not reach the reference values. In patients with venogenic ED, there was no significant improvement in penile blood flow, as evidenced by the absence of significant differences in Vmax and RI values. At the same time, the RI in these patients before the operation was reduced, and the Vmax values were in the range of normal values.
 CONCLUSIONS: The erectile function of patients after transurethral enucleation of benign prostatic hyperplasia improves regardless of the type of operation and the type of erectile dysfunction. Ultrasound dopplerography of the vessels of the penis is a minimally invasive and highly informative diagnostic method that makes it possible to detect circulatory disorders in the penis and assess its state in dynamics during treatment.

Evaluation of Therapy Effectiveness in Men with Different Erectile Dysfunction Severity

Sexual health is an integral part of everyone’s quality of life. Sexual harmony depends on a man’s sexual desire and erectile function. The most common disorder of male sexual health is erectile dysfunction. Improving the treatment of patients with this pathology helps to improve both physical and mental health and thus improve the quality of life. The objective: the aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of combination course therapy and monotherapy in patients with erectile dysfunction. Materials and methods. The observation included 89 men with erectile dysfunction of mixed genesis aged 25 to 50 years with mild to moderate severity. All patients were divided into three groups. The I group of 32 patients with moderate ED, received during the month in the morning Bodrex 1 sachet 60 minutes before meals and in the evening Strondex one spray into the oral cavity (12,5 mg sildenafil), regardless of the presence or absence of sexual activity in this day and an additional 30 minutes before sexual intercourse from 12,5 to 25 mg, followed by a comparative assessment of clinical results immediately after treatment in relation to a group of patients (II group – 32), also with moderate ED who received sildenafil in tablet form dose of 25 mg 1 hour before sexual intercourse, but not more often than once a day. The third group (III group – 25) of patients consisted of men with mild ED, who received during the month only Bodrex in the morning 1 sachet 60 minutes before meals, with comparing clinical data before and after treatment. Bodrex and Strondex preparations are presented on the market by the pharmaceutical company Geolik Pharm Marketing Group. Results. The use of course combination therapy (Strondex + Bodrex) in the treatment of patients with moderate ED was found to be significantly more effective than sildenafil monotherapy at a dose of 50 mg on demand before sexual intercourse, as evidenced by subjective assessment of patients and objective data. Namely, the integrative indicator «erectile function» in this group of patients improved almost twice, while in the second group of patients this indicator improved by 62,9% (p<0,05). Accordingly «оverall satisfaction" in group I patients improved 2,3 times, and in group II patients 1,8 times. Dopplerosonography of the penis in patients with moderate ED showed a probable decrease in hemodynamics in the corpora cavernosa, which indicated the presence of vascular factor with impaired vascular endothelial function (p<0,05). After treatment, a more pronounced increase in cavernous blood flow occurred in group I, namely an increase in peak systolic velocity by 69,5%, while in group II by 38,5% (p1<0,05). It was noted that the concentration of ET-1 in the serum of patients with moderate ED was 3 times higher than the average in the group of almost healthy men, which may indicate severe endothelial dysfunction (p<0,05). Accordingly, after treatment, the level of ET-1 in the blood of patients decreased in group I, who received combination therapy, by 44,2%, while in group II by 28,3% (p1<0,05). Before treatment, the majority of patients with moderate ED, namely 78,1%, could not have sexual intercourse due to insufficient erection. After treatment in 53,1% of group I patients receiving combination therapy (Strondex + Bodrex), erection was completely restored, while in group II erection was completely restored in 28,1% of patients. Also, according to the obtained data, it should be noted a significant positive dynamics of all integrative indicators of IIEF on the background of taking Bodrex in patients with mild ED (p<0,05). An increase in the baseline «erectile function» by 1,4 times, contributed to an increase in sexual satisfaction and sexual satisfaction in general by 2,3 times. The mean peak systolic rate of cavernous blood flow before treatment in this group of patients was lower compared with the control group by 21,2% (p<0,05). This indicator improved after treatment by 21,7%, and became not significantly different from this indicator in the control group of almost healthy men (p1<0,05; p2>0,05), which indicated the normalization of hemodynamics in penis. In patients with mild ED, the concentration of ET-1 in the serum was 1,7 times higher than in the control group (p<0,05). After treatment, this index decreased by 1.5 times, approaching the rate in the group of almost healthy men (p2>0,05). Before treatment in this group, no patient had a complete erection, and less than half of the patients (45,5%) had a pratial erection. After a course of treatment with Bodrex, complete erection was restored in 68,2% of patients, and a total of 86,4% of patients were able to have sexual intercourse. Conclusions. The use of combination course therapy (Strondex + Bodrex) in patients with moderate ED and course monotherapy (Bodrex) in patients with mild ED contributes to a more stable clinical effect, as evidenced by the dynamics of the data.

Ожирение и морфология полового члена: есть ли взаимосвязь? (Экспериментальное исследование)

INTRODUCTION Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a condition characterized by the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse. The prevalence of ED ranges from 6% to 64% depending on age. Obesity is one of the factors leading to ED, which is widespread in the world. Men with obesity are 30% more likely to develop ED compared with men with normal body weight. AIM The aim was to identify morphological changes in the cavernous tissue of the penis of patients with obesity using the biological model of laboratory rats as an example. MATERIALS AND METHODS In vivo modeling of diet-induced obesity was performed. A total of 22 laboratory sexually mature white rats weighing 140-160 g were included in the study. The animals were divided into two groups, the control group (n=10) and experimental group, which included rats with diet-induced obesity (n=12). After 12 weeks, the experiment was completed. All rats underwent: 1) calculation of the Lee index (body mass index in rats); 2) determination of blood glucose level; 3) determination of the level of total cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood; 4) sampling of the penis with fixation in 10% formalin; histological sections 6-8 m thick were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, and frozen sections were prepared with subsequent staining with Sudan 3 to identify adipose cells. RESULTS In the experimental group, alimentary obesity developed. There were no differences in glucose and total cholesterol levels between two groups. However, a significant difference was found in the serum triglycerides level (1.24+/-0.05 mmol/L in the control group vs. 1.6+/-0.1 mmol/L in the experimental group). In the control group, the average number of adipocytes was 10+/-5 per sample; in the experimental group, their number increased by 3 times (p<0.01). In obese rats, there was an increase not only in the number of adipose cells, but also in their area compared with the control group (17.7+/-7.5 m and 12.9+/-5.3 m, respectively, p<0.01). CONCLUSION In rats with alimentary obesity, deposition of adipose tissue is observed not only in the visceral and paratesticular regions, but also in the cavernous tissue of the penis, which can negatively affect erectile function.

Vacuum physiotherapy after first stage buccal mucosa graft (BMG) urethroplasty in children with proximal hypospadias

ABSTRACTIntroduction To assess the feasibility of vacuum physiotherapy meant to decrease graft contraction and recurrent penile curvature (PC), hence successful tubularization and a straight penis in patients underwent two-stage buccal mucosa graft (BMG) urethroplasty, in proximal hypospadias repair.Material and methods Between January 2014 and July 2018, 59 two-stage BMG urethroplasties performed at our referral center, were included in the study. The parents were counseled to use the vacuum device between the two stages. An internal, self-administered, semiquantitative, non-validated questionnaire was designed to record parent and patient adherence to the vacuum physiotherapy and parent satisfaction. Success rate of graft tubularization, curvature correction rates, and status of early (4 months) postoperative urinary stream were evaluated.Results Of 45/59 (76.3%) who returned the questionnaire, 77.8% followed the recommended physiotherapy protocol using the vacuum device. 93.3% of parents replied that the use of the vacuum was easy or moderately easy. None of the parents interrupted the physiotherapy because of perceived difficulty or intolerability. 100% of parents would have repeated the physiotherapy, if they had to. Overall, success rate of tubularization was 98.3% (58/59), complete curvature correction was achieved in 88.2% (52/59) of patients, and 79.7% (47/59) of patients showed a straight and powerful early post-operative urinary stream.Conclusions Physiotherapy with the vacuum device is safe, easy and practically feasible. Our vacuum physiotherapy protocol had high compliance rate. Vacuum physiotherapy should be considered for further assessment in patients undergoing two stage hypospadias repair using buccal mucosa.

Применение рентгенологического метода исследования в предоперационном планировании пациентов с веногенной эректильной дисфункцией

Purpose: To study the effectiveness of dynamic computer cavernosography at the stage of preoperative examination of patients with venogenic erectile dysfunction (ED).&#x0D; Material and methods: 92 patients with venogenic erectile dysfunction were operated. Patients were divided into two groups depending on preoperative planning. Patients in group 1, pharma doppler sonography of the penis was used for preoperative planning. In group 2 – pharma doppler sonography of the penis and dynamic computer cavernosography were used. Resection of the deep dorsal vein of the penis was undergone in patients with proven distal type of shunt. A survey of patients was carried out before surgery and 12 months after surgical treatment according to the validated international rating scales of the erectile function.&#x0D; Results: After preoperative planning and surgical treatment scores of erectile function in both groups changed. In both groups the proportion of patients with a severe degree of ED significantly decreased. The level of assessment of the quality of erection in group 1 remained almost the same, but 26 % of patients recorded a maximum score of 4. In group 2 the majority of patients (56 %) described their condition with a maximum score of 4 points. The assessment of quality of life using a scale of “QOL” after surgical treatment was described by patients in the following way: “excellent”: in group 1 and 3 %, in group 2 and 7 %; “good”: in group 1 – 34 %, group 2 – 63 %; “satisfactory”: 3 % in both groups; “poor”: in group 1 – 50 %, group 2 – 15 %. These data confirm that resection of the deep dorsal vein of the penis statistically significantly (p &lt; 0.0001) improves the quality of life of patients with vein-occlusive mechanism of erectile dysfunction. However, in group 2 due to the proposed preoperative planning and pathophysiologically due to the definition of specific indications for surgical intervention we achieved the best estimates of quality of life (p = 0.0108).&#x0D; Conclusion: Preoperative planning based on the application of dynamic computer cavernosography, provides a statistically significant (p = 0.0061) improvement of the results of resection of the deep dorsal vein of the penis in patients with vein-occlusive mechanism of ED.

Prevalence and Predicting Factors for Commonly Neglected Sexual Side Effects to External-Beam Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer

IntroductionChanges in sexual function other than erectile dysfunction are sparsely investigated after radiation therapy for prostate cancer. AimTo investigate orgasmic dysfunction, urinary incontinence during sexual activity, changes in penile morphology, and sensory disturbances in the penis in patients with prostate cancer treated with external-beam radiation therapy (EBRT). MethodsIn February 2015, men treated with EBRT at our center 3 months to 5 years previously (N = 519) received a study-specific questionnaire. This was developed from purpose-built questions and validated tools including the Erection Hardness Scale. All patients had received a radiation dose of 78 Gy. Androgen deprivation therapy was administered according to disease characteristics. Main Outcome MeasuresOutcome measurements were prevalence rates and predictors of these side effects as identified by multivariate logistic regression analyses. ResultsOne hundred nine patients were eligible (sexually active and had completed androgen deprivation therapy) for inclusion. Twenty-four percent reported anorgasmia, 44% reported a decreased intensity of their orgasms, and 40% reported that the time it took to reach orgasm had increased. Eleven percent reported anejaculation. Fifteen percent reported orgasm-associated pain. Only 4% reported urinary incontinence during sexual activity. Subjective penile length loss in excess of 1 cm was reported by 42%. Twelve percent reported an altered curvature of their penis after EBRT. Six percent reported painful erections. Twenty-seven percent reported decreased sensitivity in the penis after EBRT, 2% reported a cold sensation, and 2% reported paresthesia. Increasing time since final treatment increased the risk of penile sensory disturbances (odds ratio = 1.05; P = .028). ConclusionOrgasmic dysfunction, changes in penile morphology, and sensory disturbances in the penis are common side effects of ERBT. Patients should be properly informed of the occurrence of these side effects before deciding which treatment to pursue.Frey A, Pedersen C, Lindberg H, et al. Prevalence and Predicting Factors for Commonly Neglected Sexual Side Effects to External-Beam Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer. J Sex Med 2017;14:558–565.

Squamous cell carcinoma of penis in patient with incipient neurosyphilis

Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin (SSCC) is one of the most common malignant skin tumors. Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by Treponema pallidum, with human beings as the only host. The combination of syphilis and squamous cell carcinoma of the skin is not uncommon, particularly if the lesions are located on different parts of the body. However, simultaneous development of the chancre and squamous cell carcinoma of the glans penis seems exceptional. Considering rarity of the manifestation observed we feel the rare case of combined syphilis and squamous cell skin cancer is of interest.

Penile Improvement Protocol in Postoperative Management of Patients Undergoing Metoidioplasty.

To introduce a postoperative protocol to optimize the final size of the penis in patients undergoing metoidioplasty. Fourteen patients with the mean age of 29.3years (8-40±11.7), ten female transsexuals (46 xx karyotype) and four with 5-alpha-reductase deficiency syndrome (5ARDS) who had undergone extensive metoidioplasty entered a penile improvement protocol (PIP) between 2007 and 2015 at a specialized clinic in a general hospital in Tehran, Iran. Subjects were thoroughly instructed, rehearsed on the protocol and closely followed for 24weeks. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants. We adapted a popular device, the so-called penile traction device, to accommodate the size of the neo-penis. All patients achieved an increase in their penile length with a mean of 28.42mm (21-47±6.86). Two subjects developed penile bruises and edema during the protocol implementation. No significant procedural complications were detected in the remaining 12 participants. PIP can be an effective step in increasing the size of the neo-penis in patients who have undergone metoidioplasty. We suggest this procedure to be seriously considered in postoperative management of well-informed and motivated patients to improve the final penile length and function in this population. Larger studies are needed to further validate this protocol. This journal requires that the authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Surgical Anatomy of Penis in Exstrophy-epispadias: A Study of Arrangement of Fascial Planes and Superficial Vessels of Surgical Significance

To study the anatomic arrangement of the fascial planes and superficial vessels in relationship to the laid-open urethral plate, glans, corpus spongiosum, and corpora cavernosa in the penis of patients with exstrophy or epispadias. Of 6 patients, 4 had classic exstrophy and 2 had incontinent epispadias. These patients had presented beyond adolescence without previous intervention and were selected for the present study. Using a 1.5-T magnetic resonance imaging scanner and compatible 3-in. surface coil, the epispadiac penises were studied using fast spin echo sequences and contrast-enhanced sequences. In 2 patients, angiography of the superficial vessels was also performed using multidetector row helical computed tomography. The imaging findings were also verified during the subsequent reconstructive surgery. A clear demarcation of the skin, dartos fascia, Buck's fascia, corpora cavernosa, corpus spongiosum, and the intraglanular planes were seen with the course of the blood vessels. The penile dartos received axial pattern vessels from the external pudendal vessels, with collateral branches from the dorsal penile artery as transverse branches at the shaft of the penis and preputial branches at the coronal sulcus. Buck's fascia sleeved the corpora cavernosa, enveloped the neurovascular bundle, and fused with the corpus spongiosum without crossing the midline. Intraglanular extension of Buck's fascia separated the intraglanular vascular arcade from the tip of the corpora. Parallel to the ventral midline, axial pattern vessels to the skin-dartos complex are present, with an additional supply to the prepuce from the terminal penile arteries. These findings can be used for designing the skin coverage. The subfascial plane between the tip of the corpora and the intraglanular vascular arcade and the plane of cleavage between the cavernosa-spongiosum interface can be used for efficient corporal urethral separation.

Bioimpedance Harmonic Analysis as a Diagnostic Tool to Assess Regional Circulation and Neural Activity

The novel technique based on harmonic analysis of bioimpedance microvariations with original hard- and software complex incorporating a high-resolution impedance converter was used to assess the neural activity and circulation in human urinary bladder and penis in patients with pelvic pain, erectile dysfunction, and overactive bladder. The therapeutic effects of shock wave therapy and Botulinum toxin detrusor injections were evaluated quantitatively according to the spectral peaks at low 0.1 Hz frequency (M for Mayer wave), respiratory (R) and cardiac (C) rhythms with their harmonics. Enhanced baseline regional neural activity identified according to M and R peaks was found to be presumably sympathetic in pelvic pain patients, and parasympathetic – in patients with overactive bladder. Total pulsatile activity and pulsatile resonances found in the bladder as well as in the penile spectrum characterised regional circulation and vascular tone. The abnormal spectral parameters characteristic of the patients with genitourinary diseases shifted to the norm in the cases of efficient therapy. Bioimpedance harmonic analysis seems to be a potent tool to assess regional peculiarities of circulatory and autonomic nervous activity in the course of patient treatment.

Increased Sexual Health After Restored Genital Sensation in Male Patients with Spina Bifida or a Spinal Cord Injury: the TOMAX Procedure

In this study we prospectively investigated the contribution of restored penile sensation to sexual health in patients with low spinal lesions. In 30 patients (18 with spina bifida, 12 with spinal cord injury, age range 13 to 55 years) with no penile sensation but good groin sensation the new TOMAX (TO MAX-imize sensation, sexuality and quality of life) procedure was performed. This involves microsurgical connection of the sensory ilioinguinal nerve to the dorsal nerve of the penis unilaterally. Extensive preoperative and postoperative neurological and psychological evaluations were made. A total of 24 patients (80%) gained unilateral glans penis sensation. This was initially felt as groin sensation but transformed into real glans sensation in 11 patients (33%). These patients had better overall sexual function (p = 0.022) and increased satisfaction (p = 0.004). Although 13 patients (43%) maintained groin sensation, their satisfaction with sexuality was only slightly less than that of those with glans sensation. Improved sensations helped them manage urinary incontinence, thereby improving personal hygiene and independence. Most patients felt more complete and less handicapped with their penis now part of their body image. They also reported having more open and meaningful sexual relationships with their partners. Tactile and erogenous sensitivity was restored in the glans penis in patients with a low spinal lesion. This new sensation enhanced the quality of sexual functioning and satisfaction. The TOMAX procedure should become standard treatment for such patients.

Extramammary Paget disease of the penis as a manifestation of recurrent transitional cell carcinoma

Extramammary Paget disease (EMPD) mainly affects elderly women in areas with apocrine glands. Only 10 cases have been reported to involve the penis in patients with underlying transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder. Herein we report a patient with EMPD of the penis after radical cystectomy.

Study of efficiency of Likoprofit Potential-Formula biologically active additive (BAA) in the treatment of patients with erectile dysfunction against the background of arterial hypertension

The efficiency of the action of Likoprofit Potential biologically active additive (BAA) on microcirculation of penis in patients with erectile dysfunction (ED) against the background of arterial hypertension has been studied. All the patients have passed the laser Doppler flowmetry, assessment of the index of male copulatory function and the international index of erectile function. The course of administration was three months. All the patients in 100% of cases had mild arterial hypertension. The patients of the main group had decreased libido (50%), lack of self-confidence (7%), weak spontaneous and adequate erections (21%), ejaculatory component (7%), orgasmic dysfunction (28%), increased period of sexual stimulation, decreased number and quality of coiti (100%). In patients with erectile dysfunction against the background of arterial hypertension, Likoprofit Potential produces the stimulating effect on CNS, spasmolytic action on penis vessels, and improves hemodynamics in cavernous bodies of penis. The number of patients’ complains have decreased, the psycho-emotional state has improved, and the satisfaction of the sex life has appeared. The patients’ microcirculation has improved as well.

Neurological bypass for sensory innervation of the penis in patients with spina bifida and traumatic spinal lesion

Purpose Restoration of sensation in the penis may contribute importantly to quality of life of spina bifida (SB) and traumatic spinal lesion (TSL) patients. The aim of this prospective study was to investigate the outcome of a new operative neurological bypass procedure. Material and methods Twenty-four patients (17 SB and 7 TSL, 13-42 yrs, spinal lesion below L1) with no sensation of their glans-penis but good sensation in the groin area were selected. The sensory ilioinguinal nerve (L1) was cut distally in the groin and anastomosed by microneurorraphy to the ipsilateral dorsal nerve of the penis, (S2-4). All patients had pre and postoperative neurological and psychological evaluations. Results Twelve months postoperatively, 21 patients gained excellent sensation in the glans, which was first experienced “as if the groin was being touched”. In 8 patients this “groin” sensation transformed into “glans-penis sensation” and gained erogenous quality resulting in more meaningful and -frequent masturbation and sexual activities. All were unequivocally positive about the results and their penis had become more integrated in their body image. Conclusions The neurological bypass procedure in low spinal lesion patients resulted in excellent tactile- and in one third of the patients erogenous sensibility in the glans penis. The new sensation appeared to contribute to the quality of the patients' sexuality, sexual functioning, and their quality of life. This new operation might become standard treatment for low spinal lesion patients in the future.

Local therapy for Peyronie’s disease

The natural history of Peyronie’s disease is extremely variable. There are no clear, efficacious medical treatments. Local therapy includes pharmacotherapy and mechanical therapy. Degree of penile curvature is the critical end point for studies, although plaque size, erectile function, and pain are also important. Intralesional treatment with verapamil is the most commonly used therapy and has shown positive results, mostly in nonrandomized, noncontrolled trials. Interferon has shown efficacy in a large, multicenter, placebo-controlled trial but has significant flu-like symptoms. New data with collagenase show promise, and large, multicenter clinical trials are due to begin in 2008. Mechanical therapy with penis extenders has been introduced in the past year in an attempt to straighten and lengthen the penis in patients with Peyronie’s disease. More double-blind, randomized, controlled studies are necessary to better analyze these minimally invasive modalities in the treatment of Peyronie’s disease.

Neurological bypass for sensory innervation of the penis in patients with spina bifida

Neurological bypass for sensory innervation of the penis in patients with spina bifida

Presence of LDL Modified by Myeloperoxidase in the Penis in Patients with Vascular Erectile Dysfunction: A Preliminary Study

ObjectiveErectile dysfunction (ED) is a major vascular disorder. Atherosclerosis is closely related to lipoprotein metabolism and especially, oxidative modifications of low-density lipoproteins (LDLs), which are involved in early development of the atherosclerotic lesions. Current major questions include how LDLs are oxidised (OxLDL) in vivo. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) is an enzyme present in the azurophile granules of neutrophils and monocytes that can contribute to LDL oxidation in the presence of H2O2. We have developed a new monoclonal antibody against LDL modified by MPO (Mox-LDL) and have used it on penile biopsies from patients operated on for penile implant. MethodsSeven patients with vascular ED and one impotent patient after radical prostatectomy (RP) underwent biopsy of the cavernous body during penile implant procedures. An immunohistochemical study with a monoclonal antibody against Mox-LDL and an antibody against apoprotein B (ApoB), the protein moiety of LDL, to confirm the presence of LDL was performed. ResultsThe staining was positive for Mox-LDL and ApoB and was present between the endothelial cells of the sinusoid spaces and the smooth muscle cells in the seven patients with vascular ED. The patient with RP was negative for Mox-LDL. DiscussionBecause it is known that modified LDL could decrease nitric oxide production, Mox-LDL could be one of the agents responsible for ED. Further studies are needed to confirm this hypothesis.