Preoperative Erectile Dysfunction Research Articles

Vaporization of Prostate by 160W GreenLight Laser on Postoperative Erectile Function

ObjectiveTo evaluate the impact of photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) on erectile function (EF) utilizing a 160W GreenLight laser system with up to 36 months of follow-up in men with lower urinary tract symptoms caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia. MethodsA prospectively maintained database of patients who underwent GreenLight PVP was retrospectively reviewed. International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) questionnaire was used to assess EF. In total, 265 sexually active patients who underwent 160W GreenLight laser PVP were identified and divided into Group A with baseline IIEF-5 <19 and group B with baseline IIEF-5 ≥19. IIEF-5, International Prostate Symptom Score, quality of life, postvoid residual, and Qmax were recorded preoperatively, perioperatively, and at follow-up after 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, and 36 months. Recorded data were analyzed statistically using t- and χ2 tests. ResultsThe preoperative and perioperative data of the 2 groups were comparable. Significant improvements in International Prostate Symptom Score, Qmax, quality of life, and postvoid residual were observed in both groups at every follow-up visit throughout the 36 months with no significant difference between the groups. EF was sustained postoperatively compared with the baseline in the whole study population. In Group A (preoperative IIEF-5 <19), EF was significantly improved at 1 month and 12 month (P= .02 and P= .002). ConclusionIn patients undergoing PVP by 160W GreenLight laser for lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia, no significant detrimental effect was observed in the EF at up to 3 years of follow-up. However, in patients with preoperative erectile dysfunction (ED), we showed a significant improvement.

Anatomic and Functional Outcome Following Distal Shunt and Tunneling for Treatment İschemic Priapism: A Single-Center Experience

BackgroundIschemic priapism (IP) is a urologic emergency that requires early intervention. The main aim of IP treatment is to relieve the cavernosal pressure and provide erectile function. AimThe aim of this study was to determine the correlation between preoperative risk factors (patient’s age, duration of priapism, preoperative erectile function) and postoperative erectile dysfunction (ED). MethodsThis retrospective study consisted of 25 patients diagnosed with refractory IP between 2009–2017. The diagnosis of IP was confirmed by medical history, physical examination, and cavernosal blood gas analysis. All of the patients underwent the T-shunt procedure ± tunneling after a failed initial intervention. ResultsThe mean age at the time of the IP diagnosis was 46.84 years (range 23–77). The average follow-up time of the study population was 40.4 months (range 3–114), and the median time from the occurrence of IP to surgery was 58 hours (range 24–240). In all cases, rapid resolution of the erection was achieved with the T-shunt ± tunneling procedure. In 1 patient, priapism recurred after 12 hours. Postoperative ED was reported by 16 (84.21%) patients, with degrees of mild, mild to moderate, and severe in 6, 1, and 9 of these cases, respectively. During the follow-up, the mean International Index of Erectile Function–5 (IIEF-5) score was 12.68 (range 5–23). Only 3 (15.78%) patients achieved successful sexual intercourse without any treatment. 6 (31.5%) patients required the aid of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, and 1 (5.26%) patient required the aid of a vacuum erection device. The 9 (47.36%) patients with severe ED failed to respond to medical treatment and were considered candidates for a penile implant. According to Kendall’s tau-b correlation coefficient analysis, there was a positive correlation between the preoperative and postoperative IIEF-5 scores (P = .005), whereas the patient’s age and duration of priapism were negatively correlated with the postoperative IIEF-5 score (P = .016 and P = .046, respectively). Clinical ImplicationsTreatment options of IP should be discussed with patients in terms of both preoperative erectile function and the duration of priapism. Strengths & LimitationsThe small sample size and retrospective nature of this study were the main limitations. ConclusionsDespite high success and low complication rates of T-shunt surgery, the rate of undisturbed erectile function is only 14.6%. The patient’s age, the existence of preoperative ED, and the duration of priapism are associated with postoperative IIEF-5 scores.Ortaç M, Çevik G, Akdere H, et al. Anatomic and Functional Outcome Following Distal Shunt and Tunneling for Treatment İschemic Priapism: A Single-Center Experience. J Sex Med 2019;16:1290–1296.

PS-06-002 Preoperative erectile dysfunction is a proxy of chronic kidney disease after surgery for renal cell carcinoma - a pilot study

PS-06-002 Preoperative erectile dysfunction is a proxy of chronic kidney disease after surgery for renal cell carcinoma - a pilot study

Robotic radical prostatectomy in 93 cases: Outcomes of the first ERUS robotic urology curriculum trained surgeon in Turkey.

This study presents the surgical, oncological, and functional outcomes of the first 93 robotic radical prostatectomy (RARP) procedures performed in Erzurum, Turkey. These procedures were performed by a single surgeon who had completed the European Association of Urology Robotic Urology Section (ERUS) RARP curriculum in an ERUS-certified training center in Ankara. The study present the results of 93 RARP procedures performed by a single surgeon. The surgeon performing the operations completed an ERUS training program structured for RARP by two robotic surgeons holding ERUS training certificates in an ERUS-approved academic robotic surgery training center in Ankara. The RARP cases performed by the surgeon after completion of the training between April 2016 and August 2018 were retrospectively evaluated. The mean patient age was 63.62±7.04 years, and the mean preoperative serum prostate-specific antigen level was 8.34±4.96 ng/mL. Preoperatively, 82 and 4 patients had prostate biopsy Gleason scores of 3+3 and 4+3, respectively. Bilateral neurovascular bundle (NVB) sparing, unilateral NVB-sparing, and non-NVB-sparing surgery were performed in 21, 13, and 59 cases, respectively. The mean prostate weight was 85.34±47.57 g. Posterior rhabdosphincter reconstruction was performed in 60 (64.5%) cases. Mean console time, intraoperative blood loss, duration of hospital stay, and urethral catheter removal time were 170.49±36.50 min, 100.70±34.08 cc, 6.84±2.28 days, and 7.40±3.11 days, respectively. During the perioperative period (0-30 days), five minor (prolonged drain output, n=3; rectocele, n=1; gout arthritis, n=1) and six major (inguinal hernia, n=1; incisional hernia, n=2; anastomotic urinary leakage, n=2; myocardial infarction, n=1) complications were identified. No complication was detected during postoperative days 31-90. Postoperative pathological stages included pT2a, pT2b, and pT2c disease in 77 (82.8%), 9 (9.7%), and 7 (7.5%) patients, respectively. The positive surgical margin (SM) rate was 10.7% (n=10), including patients with pT2a (n=6) and pT2c (n=2) diseases. Eleven (11.8%) patients underwent pelvic lymph node (LN) dissection. The mean LN yield was 16.45±4.29. The mean length of follow-up was 11.17±8.01 months. Biochemical recurrence was observed in two patients, one of whom received maximal androgen blockage (MAB), and the other one received pelvic radiotherapy+MAB. All the patients with at least one-year follow-up (n=48, 51.6%) were fully continent (0 pads/day). Of the 40 (43%) patients with no preoperative erectile dysfunction (ED) and with at least three-month follow-up, 18 (45%) had no ED, with or without any additional medication including phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors. RARP is a safe minimally invasive procedure with acceptable morbidity, excellent operative, pathological and oncological outcomes, and satisfactory functional results. The ERUS RARP curriculum provides effective and sufficient training.

The impact of prostate-transurethral resection on erectile dysfunction in benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Background: Erectile dysfunction (ED) after a prostate-transurethral resection (P-TUR) is one of the problems in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) that may affect the quality of life in middle-aged and older men. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of P-TUR on ED in BPH patients.Methods: This study was conducted on 83 patients suffering from BPH that underwent a P-TUR. Clinically, testosterone levels, prostatic-specific antigen (PSA) levels, and prostate volume were measured before the P-TUR. Erectile function was measured prior to the P-TUR, as well as at 1 and 3 months after the P-TUR using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). Suitability test of the model was done in a structural equation. Data were analyzed using the chi-square (χ2) test by Analysis of Moment Structure (AMOS) software version 21.Results: The effects of PSA to IIEF before, 1 month after, and 3 months after P-TUR were 0.116, 0.084, and 0.097, respectively. The effects of body mass index to IIEF before, 1 month after, and 3 months after P-TUR were 0.180, 0.066, and 0.164, respectively. The effects of prostate volume to IIEF before, 1 month after, and 3 months after P-TUR were 0.049, 0.004, and 0.011, respectively. The effects of testosterone to IIEF before, 1 month after, and 3 months after P-TUR were –0.029, –0.453, and –0.415, respectively. The effects of age to IIEF before, 1 month after, and 3 months after P-TUR were –0.444, 0.921, and 0.911, respectively.Conclusion: There was a significant improvement of erectile function in patients that underwent P-TUR who previously had preoperative ED, especially 3 months after the surgery.

Free testosterone value before radical prostatectomy is related to oncologic outcomes and post-operative erectile function

PurposeTo investigate whether free testosterone (FT) prior to radical prostatectomy was related to post-operative oncologic outcomes, erectile function and continence.MethodsThe data of 586 patients with available information underwent treatment in our center was retrospectively reviewed. Total testosterone (TT) was tested by chemiluminescence immunoassay, and FT value was calculated using Vermeulen’s formula. Post-operative continence and erectile function were evaluated by the requirement of pad and the IIEF-5 score at 12 months.ResultsThe median TT and FT value was 344 ng/dL (interquartile, IQR 314–374) and 6.9 ng/dL (IQR 6.4–7.3), and 106 patients (18.1%) and 152 patients (25.9%) were evaluated as having low TT and low FT based on current guidelines. Low TT and FT value were both related to older age (both p < 0.001), concomitant diabetes (p = 0.018 & 0.049), higher possibility of pre-operative erectile dysfunction (ED, both p < 0.001), higher pre-operative PSA value (both p < 0.001), higher clinical stage (both p < 0.001) and higher Gleason score in biopsy (both p < 0.001). Low FT was related to higher risk for pT3 (p = 0.020) and high Gleason score (p = 0.011) in logistic regression. The median follow-up duration was 52 moths (IQR 29–67) and FT was found to be an independent risk factor for biochemical recurrence (p = 0.005). In logistic regression TT was related to pre-operative ED (p = 0.010) and FT was related to post-operative ED (p = 0.001).ConclusionLow FT value before radical prostatectomy was related to adverse pathological outcomes, biochemical recurrence and post-operative ED.

Robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: A single center initial experience

Aim: The aim of this study is to present the surgical, oncologic and functional results of the first 34 robotic radical prostatectomy (RARP) procedures performed in our clinic.Material and Methods: Data of 34 patients who underwent RARP between July 2017 and October 2019 were evaluated.Results: The mean patient age was 58.73±4.94 years, and the mean preoperative serum prostate-specific antigen level was 8.9±2.07 ng/mL. Bilateral neurovascular bundle (NVB) sparing, unilateral NVB-sparing, and non-NVB-sparing surgery were performed in 7.5, and 22 cases, respectively. The mean prostate weight was 58.73±26.03g. Anterior reconstruction suture was performed in 22 (64.7%) cases. Mean console time, intraoperative blood loss, duration of hospital stay, and urethral catheter removal time were 195.2±14.03min, 120.3±21.2cc, 7.34±1.62 days, and 7.26±1.26 days, respectively. Biochemi¬cal recurrence was observed in two patients, one of whom received maximal androgen blockage (MAB), and the other one received pelvic radiotherapy+MAB. All the patients with at least one-year follow-up were fully continent (0 pads/day). Of the 16 (47%) patients with no preoperative erectile dysfunction (ED) and with at least three-month follow-up, 9 (62.5%) had no ED, with or without any additional medica¬tion including phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors. Conclusion: RARP is a safe minimally invasive procedure with acceptable morbidity, excellent operative, pathological and oncological outcomes, and satisfactory functional results.

Analysis of Accessory Pudendal Artery Transection on Erections During Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy.

To compare the recovery of erections and potency following the transection of accessory pudendal arteries (APAs) in men undergoing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) compared with men with normal vascular anatomy. A total of 880 consecutive patients who underwent RARP from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2014 were included with prospectively collected data in cross-sectional analysis. Erectile function (EF) was assessed preoperatively and postoperatively at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF)-5, a percent erection fullness compared to preoperative status, and two Expanded Prostate Cancer Index (EPIC) questions: (1) are erections firm enough for penetration and (2) are they satisfactory? Two hundred thirty-one (33.1%) men had APAs transected. There were no significant differences in baseline demographics or clinical characteristics in men with or without APAs transected. Multivariate analyses demonstrated that age (confidence interval [95% CI]: 0.94, 0.99) and baseline IIEF-5 (95% CI: 1.15, 1.26) strongly correlated with recovery of erections and potency. Transection of APAs was not a significant predictor of erectile dysfunction (ED). Good surgical technique dictates the preservation of APAs. However, when preservation is questioned, we found that APA transection had no measurable effect on recovery of erections or potency regardless of age, preoperative ED, or number of APAs transected.

Erectile Function Recovery After Nerve-Sparing Radical Prostatectomy for Prostate Cancer: Is Back to Baseline Status Enough for Patient Satisfaction?

Several definitions of erectile function (EF) recovery after bilateral nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy (BNSRP) have been proposed based on the results of the International Index of EF (IIEF). We aimed at evaluating overall satisfaction (OS) after BNSRP according to the ability to achieve the pretreatment EF. We evaluated data of 652 patients treated with BNSRP for clinically localized prostate cancer (PCa). Erectile dysfunction (ED) was classified according to the IIEF-EF domain score. Return to baseline EF was defined as patients who reached the same preoperative ED category during the 3-year follow-up. Cox regression analyses were fitted to predict return to baseline IIEF-EF and to predict OS defined according to the IIEF-OS in the overall population. Logistic regression analyses were performed to analyze OS in men who reached the back to baseline status. The outcome of the study was to evaluate back to baseline EF status and to correlate it with postoperative OS. Preoperative satisfaction was reported by 218 (33.4%) patients. Postoperative satisfaction was achieved by 103 patients. Overall, 383 patients were able to achieve the preoperative IIEF-EF score. However, only 26.9% reported being satisfied. Age and preoperative IIEF-EF score were significantly associated with baseline IIEF-EF recovery (all P ≤ .02). Patients who were able to return to baseline IIEF-EF were more likely to be satisfied (P<.001). Time elapsed between surgery and achievement of baseline IIEF-EF was significantly associated with OS (P < .001). Among patients who were able to achieve the baseline IIEF-EF score, a preoperative IIEF-EF of 22-25 and 26-30 was significantly associated with postoperative satisfaction (all P < .001). After BNSRP, reaching the baseline IIEF-EF score is not always sufficient to obtain patient satisfaction. Only patients with a preoperative IIEF-EF ≥22 who reached the baseline score after surgery considered themselves satisfied. This should be taken into account in preoperative patient counseling.

Omissions in Urology Residency Training Regarding Sexual Dysfunction Subsequent to Prostate Cancer Treatment: Identifying a Need

To assess urology residents' current knowledge, practice, previous training, barriers, and training needs regarding prostate cancer treatment-related sexual dysfunction. A cross-sectional questionnaire study inventoried the practice patterns and training need of urology residents attending a national training course in June 2015. Of 101 urology residents throughout the Netherlands, 87 attended the training (response rate 100%). Median age was 32 years (range 28-38); 55.2% were woman. Regardless of the residency level, most trainees had never received education about sexual dysfunction (58.6%), reported a limited level of knowledge (48.3%), and indicated an evident need for training (69.4%). The majority did not feel competent to advise prostate cancer patients regarding the treatment of sexual dysfunction (55.2%). Almost all participants inquired about preoperative erectile dysfunction (89.7%), and always informed about treatment-related sexual dysfunction (88.5%). At follow-up, 63.9% of the residents routinely addressed sexual complaints again. More than half of the participants indicated that urology residency training does not provide sufficient education on sexual dysfunction (54.8%).Time constraint (67.1%) and lack of training (35.3%) were the most frequently mentioned barriers. Current urology residency does not pay sufficient attention to sexual communication skills and sexual dysfunction. The residents require more knowledge about and more practical training in sexual counseling. Findings support efforts to enhance the education of urology residents regarding prostate cancer treatment-related sexual dysfunction.

Salvage radical prostatectomy: a few good men.

The current management of recurrent disease after definitive treatment of a localized prostate cancer with radiation therapy (RT) or cryotherapy remains debatable. A substantial portion of patients treated with RT (20–50%) will experience biochemical recurrence. Androgen deprivation therapy has been the mainstay of therapy for this patient population, especially if there was concern about metastatic spread. As the initial experience with salvage radical prostatectomy (SRP) was highly morbid with poor functional outcomes, this did not gain strong acceptance as a recommended treatment method; however, with improved functional outcomes and fewer complications reported in recent series, SRP has once again become a viable alternative in select cases. The rarity of the procedure makes it difficult to generate large-volume prospective studies on SRP, requiring us to depend on retrospective series. Chade et al. 1 published the largest series of patients undergoing SRP through a multicentre collaborative effort, and were able to identify 404 patients treated between 1985 and 2009; other large series were limited to 50–200 patients. In their systematic review of studies published between 1980 and 2011, Chade et al. 2 reported 5- and 10-year biochemical recurrence-free survival rates of 47–82% and 28–53%, respectively. This broad range of outcomes hints at the variable response of patients to SRP. Identifying the subset of patients who are most likely to benefit from SRP will therefore help tailor therapies for patients who have failed RT, cryotherapy or high-intensity focused ultrasonography. As described by Mandel et al. 3, there are three sets of guidelines currently addressing patient selection for SRP. The NICE guidelines are the least specific, essentially mentioning SRP as an option for management without specifying specific criteria 4. The European Association of Urology (EAU) and National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines are more specific, and help narrow the patient population to men with clinically localized recurrence (cT1–2), life expectancy of at least 10 years and a preoperative PSA level <10 ng/mL 5, 6. The EAU guidelines are even more restrictive, limiting selection to men with Gleason ≤7 on prostate biopsy, although they do not specify whether that is before or after RT 5. In their retrospective analysis of 55 patients treated with SRP between 2007 and 2012, Mandel et al. 3 compare the oncological outcomes of patients treated according to the EAU criteria (n = 32) and those treated without meeting the EAU criteria (n = 23). The 5-year biochemical recurrence-free survival rate was 48.7%, consistent with previous studies, as was the 5-year cancer-specific survival rate of 89%. Importantly, however, after stratification based on EAU criteria, the 5-year biochemical recurrence-free survival rates were drastically different: 73.9% in patients who met the EAU criteria and 11.6% in patients who did not. Patients who did not meet the EAU criteria were more likely to have Gleason score ≥8 (P = 0.08) tumours and pN1 (nodal metastatic) disease at the time of SRP (P = 0.04), which shows the ability of these criteria to select patients with localized disease recurrence. They also established that overall functional outcomes were acceptable after this procedure, with a postoperative urinary continence rate of 74%; none of the patients recovered potency, however, which is not surprising considering the high rate of preoperative erectile dysfunction and the non-nerve-sparing nature of the procedure 3. In terms of complications, 12.7% of the patients had Clavien ≥ III complications requiring additional intervention. When complications do occur, they can be severe: three of the patients (5.5%) developed rectovesical fistulae and failed conservative management, progressing to fistula repair with omental flap, and two of the patients required permanent urinary diversion. There was no specification, however, regarding which subset of patients experienced these complications. The complication rate was acceptable, and consistent with recent reports of decreased complication rates with SRP 3. While the study has its limitations as a retrospective review of a relatively small cohort, it is the first to analyse outcomes based on published guidelines criteria, and thereby helps to validate the subset of patients that will benefit from surgical intervention. Based on their findings, appropriately selected patients, those with evidence of truly localized recurrent disease after RT or high-intensity focused ultrasonography, can have significant oncological benefit with acceptable functional outcomes and without significant morbidity. The goal is not to perform SRP indiscriminately, rather to wait for a few good men. None declared.

The Effects of Focal Therapy for Prostate Cancer on Sexual Function: A Combined Analysis of Three Prospective Trials

BackgroundTissue preservation by means of focal therapy offers some men with clinically significant prostate cancer an alternative to standard care that appears to confer favourable genito-urinary outcomes. The precise estimates of these outcomes have so far been based on small series. ObjectiveThis analysis pools the sexual domain related patient reported outcomes from three prospective, registered studies that represent a range of inclusion criteria. Design, setting, and participantsOne-hundred and eighteen men with localised prostate cancer (prostate specific antigen ≤ 15ng/ml, Gleason ≤ 4+3, stage ≤ T3aN0M0) treated in a tissue-preserving manner using high intensity focused ultrasound from three registered studies were included. Data on International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) scores and use of phosphodiesterase-5-inhibitors were collected at baseline, and 1 mo, 3 mo, 6 mo, 9 mo, and 12 mo postoperatively. The IIEF-15 total and individual domain scores were used to assess overall sexual function. Urinary function was assessed with the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), IPSS quality-of-life, and UCLA-Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite continence questionnaires. General health status was derived by means of the Charlson score. Multiple linear regression was used to assess whether age, grade, stage, qualitative scores (IIEF, IPSS, Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite, Charlson), or focal therapy type duration were associated with IIEF-5 and IIEF-15 scores at 12 mo. Results and limitationsMedian age was 63 yr (interquartile range [IQR] 52–70 yr). Median IIEF-erectile score at baseline was 23 (IQR 11–28). This declined significantly to 9 (IQR 3–22, p<0.01) at 1 mo, but improved to 20 (IQR 9–29, p=0.30) at 1 yr posttreatment. Changes in total IIEF and other IIEF domains were only significantly different from preoperative values at 1 mo and 3 mo postoperatively. In the same period, the proportion of men using phosphodiesterase-5-inhibitors was 10% preoperatively, reaching 43% and 42% at 6 mo and 9 months before declining to 37% at 1 yr. The only baseline determinants of postoperative erectile function were total IIEF and IIEF-erectile function scores (p=0.002). The primary limitation of our study is the relatively short follow-up of 1 yr. ConclusionMen who received a range of tissue preserving therapies from the three pertinent studies experienced small decreases in total IIEF, erectile, and individual sexual domain scores that are not significantly different to those recorded at baseline. The only determinant of erectile dysfunction after tissue preserving therapy was preoperative erectile dysfunction status. Tissue preservation confers a high probability of maintaining erectile function that appears independent of all perioperative factors with the exception of baseline status. Patient summaryIn this report, the largest prospectively collected and published set of patients with erectile dysfunction outcomes post–focal therapy for prostate cancer, we have found a return to baseline International Index of Erectile Function–erectile and total International Index of Erectile Function scores by 6 mo post–focal therapy which was maintained at 1 yr, with the majority of patients not on any form of medical treatment for their erectile dysfunction at that point. Focal therapy may represent a suitable alternative for men of any age or comorbidity wishing to maintain erectile function.

Low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy in the treatment of postprostatectomy erectile dysfunction: a pilot study

Objective: The objective was to investigate the effect and feasibility of low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy (LI-ESWT) as a treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED) after bilateral nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy (RP). Materials and methods: Patients who had undergone robot-assisted bilateral nerve-sparing RP more than a year before entering this pilot study, had no preoperative ED and were suffering from mild to severe postoperative ED were invited to participate. Six treatments were given over a 6 week period, using the Duolith® SD1 T-Top machine. The effect of the treatment was evaluated 1 month (t1) and 1 year (t2) after the final treatment. The main outcome measure was changes in the five-item International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) scores. Results: Eighteen patients were included in the study. However, two patients breached the protocol and consequently 16 patients were included in the analysis at t1 and 15 patients were included in the analysis at t2. At baseline the median age was 62 years (range 51 to 70 years) and the median time since surgery was 24 months (range 12 to 54 months). The median preoperative IIEF-5 score was 25 (range 22 to 25) and the median baseline IIEF-5 score was 9.5 (range 5 to 20). The median change in IIEF-5 scores was +3.5 (range –1 to 8; p = 0.0049) and +1 (range –3 to 14; p = 0.046) at t1 and t2, respectively. No severe side-effects were reported. Conclusions: LI-ESWT may improve erectile function after bilateral nerve-sparing RP. Based on these results, further studies in patients with ED after nerve-sparing RP are justified.

Does impotence improve after parathyroidectomy in men with primary hyperparathyroidism?

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common diagnosis associated with age, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHP) is also seen with these comorbidities, but its association with ED has yet to be studied. We evaluated the rate and resolution of impotence after curative surgery for PHP. Prospectively collected data, including a self-reported questionnaire of symptoms, were reviewed for men who had curative parathyroid exploration for sporadic PHP from July 2010 to January 2014. Data were compared with an age-matched cohort of men who had thyroidectomy during the same period. Among 160 men with PHP and mean age of 60 years (range, 19-88), preoperative ED was reported by 13%, and this group was older than patients without ED (mean age, 70 vs 58 years, P < .01). Self-reported resolution of ED after parathyroidectomy occurred in 67% compared with 43% of patients in a thyroidectomy cohort. Preoperative mean arterial blood pressure was less in men with postoperative resolution of ED (96.6 vs 105.4 mm Hg, P = .03). Among 3 of 21 men on specific ED medications, 2 no longer required them postoperatively. Impotence is reported often by men undergoing parathyroidectomy for PHP. After curative surgery, 67% of those affected may self-report ED resolution, which may be more pronounced in those patients with a lesser preoperative mean arterial blood pressure.

Patient-reported Functional Outcomes Following Open, Laparoscopic, and Robotic Assisted Radical Prostatectomy Performed by High-volume Surgeons at High-volume Hospitals

BackgroundFunctional outcomes following radical prostatectomy (RP) have received increased focus with dissemination of minimally invasive approaches. ObjectiveTo examine contemporary patient-reported functional outcomes following open RP. (ORP), laparoscopic RP, (LRP), and robotic assisted RP (RARP) performed by high-volume surgeons at high-volume hospitals. Design, settings, and participantsThis was a retrospective cohort study of 1686 men with cT1–cT2 prostate cancer treated with ORP (n=441), LRP (n=156), or RARP (n=1089) by high-volume surgeons (annual volume ≥25 cases) at two academic centers from 2009 to 2012. Surveys containing the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite urinary and sexual domains were administered at a median of 30.5 mo postoperatively. InterventionsORP, LRP, and RARP. Outcome measurements and statistical analysisBother with overall urinary and sexual function was examined and stratified by surgical technique. Logistic regression models evaluated the associations of clinicopathologic features with survey responses. Results and limitationsIn total, 6.4% of men reported a moderate or big problem with overall urinary function (ORP 5.8%, LRP 5.1%, RARP 6.8%; p=0.62), whereas 37.3% reported a moderate or big problem with overall sexual function (ORP 37.2%, LRP 36.1%, RARP 37.5%; p=0.95). On multivariable analysis, older age at surgery (odds ratio [OR]: 1.08; p<0.0001) was associated with overall urinary bother, whereas older age at surgery (OR: 1.03; p=0.005), preoperative erectile dysfunction treatment (OR: 2.22; p<0.0001), greater prostate volume (OR: 1.01; p=0.02), and RP Gleason score (7 vs 6: OR: 0.96; p=0.004; 8–10 vs 6: OR: 2.25; p=0.0006) were associated with overall sexual bother. Surgical technique was not associated with either functional outcome. Limitations included selection bias and a retrospective design. ConclusionsIn this study of high-volume surgeons at high-volume hospitals, patients reported excellent functional outcomes independent of surgical technique. These results have implications for patient counseling. Patient summaryIn this study of high-volume surgeons at high-volume hospitals, patients reported excellent outcomes for urinary and sexual function following radical prostatectomy regardless of surgical technique.

Outcomes of Robotic Radical Prostatectomy in High-risk Prostate Cancer Patients: Experience in 60 Patients with Oncological and Functional Outcomes

Introduction: In this retrospective study, we report outcomes of robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RARP) in high-risk prostate cancer (HRPC), classified according to the D’Amico risk criteria and with a minimum follow-up of 1 year. Methods: A total of 60 patients who had at least one preoperative HRPC feature and underwent RARP were included. Mean patient age and preoperative serum prostate-specific antigen level were 66.4±7.5 years and 13.4±11.0 ng/ml, respectively. Preoperatively, 3 (5.0%), 4 (6.7%), 17 (28.3%), 3 (5.0%), and 33 (55.0%) patients had prostate biopsy-proven Gleason scores of 5+4, 4+5, 4+4, 3+5, and &lt;8, respectively. Bilateral neurovascular bundle (NVB)-sparing, unilateral NVB-sparing, and non-NVB-sparing surgery were performed in 44 (73.3%), 3 (5.0%), and 13 (21.7%) patients, respectively. Results: Mean console time, intraoperative blood loss, duration of hospital stay, and urethral catheter removal time were 159.7±62.4 minutes, 210±201.9 ml, 3.9±1.9 days, and 10.9±5.3 days, respectively. During the perioperative period (Days 0-30), 7 minor and 5 major complications occurred as categorised using the modified Clavien classification. No complications were detected during postoperative Days 31-90. Postoperative pathological stages included pT0, pT2a, pT2b, pT2c, pT3a, and pT3b disease in 2 (3.3%), 8 (13.3%), 4 (6.7%), 14 (23.3%), 18 (30.0%), and 14 (23.3%) patients, respectively. The positive surgical margin rate was 26.7% and mean lymph node yield was 11.8±8.3 (range: 3-37). Mean follow-up was 27.8±11.1 months. Biochemical recurrence was detected in 13 (21.7%) patients. Of the total 60 patients, 26 (43.3%) were fully continent (0 pad/day), 15 (25.0%) wore a safety pad/day, 10 (16.7%) wore 1 pad/day, 5 (8.3%) wore 2 pads/day, and 4 (6.7%) wore &gt;2 pads/day. Of the 27 patients with no preoperative erectile dysfunction (ED), 17 (63.0%) had no ED at a mean follow-up of 1 year. Trifecta and pentafecta rates were 43.2% and 28.7%, respectively. Conclusion: Based on our experience, RARP in HRPC is a relatively safe procedure with satisfactory oncological and functional outcomes.

Effects of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate on sexual function.

To evaluate the effects of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) on sexual function. A retrospective analysis of 202 sexually active patients who underwent HoLEP was performed. Patients were assessed at baseline and 3 and 12 months post-HoLEP. Evaluations included uroflowmetry and symptom questionnaires (five-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function [IIEF-5], ICIQ-male sexual matters associated with LUTS [ICIQ-MLUTSsex], American Urological Association symptom score [AUA-SS], and single-question quality of life [QoL] score). Nonparametric, Fisher's exact, and chi-squared tests were used to assess changes from baseline and to identify risk factors, if any, associated with deterioration of sexual function after surgery. No significant differences were found between the preoperative and postoperative scores on the questionnaires that evaluated erection quality. However, 6.9% and 12.4% of the patients reported an increase or a reduction, respectively, of greater than five points in total IIEF-5 score. The reduction in IIEF-5 score was statistically significant only in the subgroup of patients without preoperative erectile dysfunction (ED). No preoperative characteristics and no parameters related to the surgery or postoperative outcome were significantly associated with the impairment of erection quality after surgery. In fact, neither capsular perforation nor the total laser energy used during the procedure affected erections. Loss of antegrade ejaculation was found in 70.3% of patients, while 21% reported a reduction in semen quantity. However, concern regarding ED or ejaculatory dysfunctions decreased with surgery. Although erectile function was not altered in the vast majority of patients after HoLEP, patients without preoperative ED displayed a relatively small, but still significant, negative effect on erections. The overwhelming majority of patients suffered from retrograde ejaculation after surgery.

Nerve-sparing prostatectomy benefits men with poor preoperative erectile dysfunction

The aim of the study was to determine whether cavernous nerve preservation in men with prostate cancer and preoperative poor erectile function is a worthwhile endeavor. This is a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of 1,160 patients comparing erectile function pre- and postoperatively with 2 years of follow-up. Sexual Health Inventory for Men–International Index of Erectile Function 5 (SHIM-IIEF-5) questionnaire was used for assessment of erectile dysfunction preoperatively and at 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. IIEF < 13 was considered for inclusion. Bilateral nerve-sparing (BNS, n = 33) versus non-nerve-sparing (NNS, n = 32) procedures were compared. Continence data was collected. All men were offered penile rehabilitation therapy. Average preoperative IIEF-5 scores were 5.45 (BNS) and 4.28 (NNS) and not statistically significant. At 2 years, the average post-op IIEF scores were 4.91 (BNS) and 2.06 (NNS). This was a statistically significant decline in the NNS group. Most erectile function was recovered by 1 year. Positive surgical margins were not statistically significant between groups. Continence was improved in the BNS group (78 vs. 50 %, p = 0.047). Nerve sparing appears to be a worthwhile endeavor in men with poor preoperative IIEF as they return to baseline, oncologic outcomes are not compromised, and may have a continence benefit. The decision for an NNS procedure should not be made on the patient’s preoperative erectile function, but on the merits of other indicators such as grade or advanced clinical stage.

Preoperative erectile function is the only predictor of the use of a high number of phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitors after bilateral nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy.

It is well known that the administration of phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitors (PDE5-Is) may improve erectile function (EF) recovery after bilateral nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy (BNSRP). The aim of our study was to identify predictors of the use of a high number of PDE5-Is (one or more per week) after surgery among 184 patients taking proerectile medications on demand. At a mean follow-up of 22.7 months, 116 patients (63%) recovered EF. Overall, EF recovery rates at 1- and 2- year follow-up were 47.3% and 65.4%, respectively. Overall, 43 (23.4%) patients used one or more PDE5-Is per week. Preoperative EF was the only predictor of the use of one or more PDE5-Is per week after BNSRP. This held true even after adjusting our analyses for age at surgery, body mass index and EF at 1 month after surgery. Particularly, patients fully potent before surgery had roughly 2.1-fold higher probability of using one or more pills per week compared with their counterparts with some degree of preoperative erectile dysfunction (ED; odds ratio: 2.16; 95% confidence interval: 1.03-4.37). In conclusion, preoperative EF represents the only determinant of the use of a higher number of PDE5-Is after surgery. Patients with better preoperative EF might represent individuals more motivated to achieve satisfactory sexual function after surgery. These observations should provide physicians with better preoperative patient counseling and management of postoperative ED.

S196 Potency outcomes of patients without preoperative erectile dysfunction undergoing unilateral intrafacial nerve sparing robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy

S196 Potency outcomes of patients without preoperative erectile dysfunction undergoing unilateral intrafacial nerve sparing robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy