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PURPOSE: Sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) has been associated with male infertility and poor outcomes of assisted reproductive technology (ART). The purpose of this study was to investigate global practices related to the management of elevated SDF in infertile men, summarize the relevant professional society recommendations, and provide expert recommendations for managing this condition. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An online global survey on clinical practices related to SDF was disseminated to reproductive clinicians, according to the CHERRIES checklist criteria. Management protocols for various conditions associated with SDF were captured and compared to the relevant recommendations in professional society guidelines and the appropriate available evidence. Expert recommendations and consensus on the management of infertile men with elevated SDF were then formulated and adapted using the Delphi method. RESULTS: A total of 436 experts from 55 different countries submitted responses. As an initial approach, 79.1% of reproductive experts recommend lifestyle modifications for infertile men with elevated SDF, and 76.9% prescribe empiric antioxidants. Regarding antioxidant duration, 39.3% recommend 4-6 months and 38.1% recommend 3 months. For men with unexplained or idiopathic infertility, and couples experiencing recurrent miscarriages associated with elevated SDF, most respondents refer to ART 6 months after failure of conservative and empiric medical management. Infertile men with clinical varicocele, normal conventional semen parameters, and elevated SDF are offered varicocele repair immediately after diagnosis by 31.4%, and after failure of antioxidants and conservative measures by 40.9%. Sperm selection techniques and testicular sperm extraction are also management options for couples undergoing ART. For most questions, heterogenous practices were demonstrated. CONCLUSIONS: This paper presents the results of a large global survey on the management of infertile men with elevated SDF and reveals a lack of consensus among clinicians. Furthermore, it demonstrates the scarcity of professional society guidelines in this regard and attempts to highlight the relevant evidence. Expert recommendations are proposed to help guide clinicians.

From 2012, the World Professional Association Transgender Health defined a structured therapeutic path and standards of care for transgender patients undergoing genital gender affirming surgery (GGAS). The main goal of GGAS in transgender males is to provide patients with an aesthetically appealing appearance of the neophallus that should allow standing micturition and enabling penetrative intercourse along with erogenous and tactile sensitivity. The optimal procedure should be safe, reproducible and performed in the fewest number of surgical stages. The ideal technique for total phallic construction (TPC) has not yet been demonstrated; TPC remains challenging and, from a functional point of view, it is also make more demanding as yet there are no perfect replacement materials for erectile and urethral tissues. Several procedures and different type of flaps (pedicled and free-flaps) have been proposed and investigated over time to address TPC with significant advances over the years especially after microsurgical procedures introduction. Due to its high complexity TPC is not free from complications. Local tissue ischaemic complications, complete and partial flap loss, donor site morbidity and urethral complications (fistulae and strictures) are reported. This narrative review aims to provide the readers with a contemporary overview of surgical procedures for TPC in transgender males focusing on key surgical steps, as well as surgical and functional outcomes.

Background Whilst there is a trend away from aggressive nonorgan sparing surgical treatments for malignant penile disease, a variety of penile preservation options exist but functional outcomes and patient reported outcomes (PROs) in this area are poorly reported to date. Aim The aim of this study is to report functional outcomes and PROs of total glans resurfacing (TGR) in a consecutive series of patients with lichen sclerosis (LS) or localized penile cancer (PC). Methods From 2004 to 2018 a consecutive series of patients underwent TGR for the management of LS or localized PC in a tertiary referral network. Patient clinical records and operative notes were retrospectively reviewed. Statistical analysis was conducted with Stata 12. Outcomes Urinary and sexual outcomes were recorded utilizing both the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) validated questionnaires while PROs were extrapolated from a 5-item “ad hoc” telephone questionnaire administered at 1 year post procedure. RESULTS 37 consecutive patients were enrolled. Histology results demonstrated LS in 16 patients, with the remaining 21 having a diagnosis of PC. The most common reasons for patient presentation were local pain (32.4%), pruritus (37.8%) and bleeding (29.7%). Median follow-up was 22 (IQR 13–77) months. Median age was 62 (IQR 55–68). Neither of the questionnaires assessing urinary and sexual function showed any significant deterioration after surgery. Glans sensitivity was fully maintained in 89.2% of cases. 94.5% of patients reported to be fully satisfied with the aesthetic appearance of the penis and would consider undergoing the same procedure again if necessary. 91.9% of patients would recommend the same procedure to someone else. An overall improvement of the quality of life was reported by 86.4% of patients. Clinical Implications TGR should be considered a treatment of choice for selected cases of benign or malignant penile lesions Strengths and Limitations Our study has some limitations, the first being its retrospective nature. Furthermore, despite being one of the largest series to date, follow-up duration is somewhat limited and a control group is lacking. CONCLUSION TGR represents an excellent surgical option ensuring satisfactory voiding and sexual function, as well as cosmesis for selected cases of penile lesions.

Background: Low-chance retrieval non-obstructive azoospermic (NOA) patients are a subpopulation of NOA patients. The objective of this study is to compare the surgical outcome of microsurgical-assisted testicular sperm extraction (M-TeSE) and combined trifocal/M-TeSE in low-chance retrieval NOA patients. Material and Methods: A single-center retrospective analysis of NOA patients who underwent testicular sperm extraction was performed. Low-chance retrieval NOA (testicular volume < 10 cc and FSH > 12.4 UI/L) was set as the inclusion criteria. Re-do TeSE procedures were excluded from the current analysis. Data were extrapolated from clinical records and operative notes. We compared data from patients who underwent classic M-TeSE (group A) with that from patients submitted to combined trifocal/M-TeSE (group B). Sperm retrieval rate (SRr) was the primary outcome of the study. Surgical outcomes and postoperative complications were evaluated. A multivariate analysis was conducted to investigate predictive factors for positive SR. Results: Overall, 80 patients (60 patients in Group A and 20 patients in Group B) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The average (SD) age was 35 (8.2) years. The average preoperative FSH was 27.5 (13) UI/L. The average testicular volume was 6.3 (3) cc on the left side and 6.8 (2.5) cc on the right. Groups were similar in terms of preoperative parameters. The overall SRr was 28%. Patients in group B had higher SRr than those in group A (29.4% vs. 26.9%, p < 0.03). We identified a significant association between testicular histopathology and positive SR (hypospermatogenesis 100%, spermatogenic arrest 32%, and Sertoli cell-only syndrome 22%). The histopathology report was the only significant predicting factor for SR in the multivariate analysis. Conclusion: The combined trifocal and M-TeSE approach is safe and may represent a valuable approach to enhance the SRr in low-chance retrieval NOA. The histopathology report is confirmed to be the only valuable predicting factor for a positive SR.

The available studies that provide a detailed analysis of functional and surgical outcomes after surgical correction of adult acquired buried penis(AABP) are limited. 28 patients who underwent surgical treatment of AABP from 2017 to 2021 were retrospectively recruited. AABP repairs were classified according to surgical complexity following Santucci’s classification. The primary endpoint of the study was the recurrence-free rate(RFR) survival. The secondary endpoints were surgical, functional and patients’ reported outcomes(PROs). The most common complains at presentation were sexual(54%) and voiding(39%) dysfunction. 79% underwent a complex repair(≥III). Surgical management steps ranged from circumcision to more complex procedures, such as abdominoplasty(71%). When skin grafting was needed, a split thickness(25%) or full thickness skin graft(28.6%) was applied. Overall postoperative complications were recorded in 32.1%. High-grade complications(Clavien ≥3) occurred in 7.1%, all in high-complexity group. 1-year RFR survival was 88.7%. 57% answered the questionnaires. IPSS showed an improvement in urinary functon(pre=8(0-12) vs post=2(0-3)) and IIEF-15 in sexual functon(pre=37(23-68) vs post=68(45-72)) in postoperative settings. Overall, patients reported functional improvement and 93.5% were fully satisfied of the outcomes. QoL improved in 93.8% after the operation. Surgical management of AAPB, despite the high incidence of complications, guarantees satisfactory outcomes leading to a significant improvement in patients’ QoL.

Low-chance retrieval non-obstructive azoospermic (NOA) patients are a subpopulation of NOA patients. The objective of this study is to compare the surgical outcome of microsurgical-assisted testicular sperm extraction (M-TeSE) and combined trifocal/M-TeSE in low-chance retrieval NOA patients.A single-center retrospective analysis of NOA patients who underwent testicular sperm extraction was performed. Low-chance retrieval NOA (testicular volumelt; 10 cc and FSHgt; 12.4 UI/L) was set as the inclusion criteria. Re-do TeSE procedures were excluded from the current analysis. Data were extrapolated from clinical records and operative notes. We compared data from patients who underwent classic M-TeSE (group A) with that from patients submitted to combined trifocal/M-TeSE (group B). Sperm retrieval rate (SRr) was the primary outcome of the study. Surgical outcomes and postoperative complications were evaluated. A multivariate analysis was conducted to investigate predictive factors for positive SR.Overall, 80 patients (60 patients in Group A and 20 patients in Group B) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The average (SD) age was 35 (8.2) years. The average preoperative FSH was 27.5 (13) UI/L. The average testicular volume was 6.3 (3) cc on the left side and 6.8 (2.5) cc on the right. Groups were similar in terms of preoperative parameters. The overall SRr was 28%. Patients in group B had higher SRr than those in group A (29.4% vs. 26.9%,The combined trifocal and M-TeSE approach is safe and may represent a valuable approach to enhance the SRr in low-chance retrieval NOA. The histopathology report is confirmed to be the only valuable predicting factor for a positive SR.

To report surgical, functional and patient reported outcomes(PROs) of glansectomy(GS), and split-thickness skin graft(STSG) reconstruction in case of locally invasive penile cancer(PC) MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis from May 2015 to August 2019 was conducted. Inclusion criteria were age80, a "de novo" malignancy, clinically confined PC (≤T2) with histologic confirmation. Complications, recurrence-free(RFS), cancer-free(CFS) and overall survival(OS) were described. Functional outcomes and PROs were explored using validated questionnaires and "ad hoc" created questionnaire respectively. Kaplan-Meier analysis, t-Student and the Mann-Whitney U test were used to estimate survival and postsurgical functional changes respectively.34 patients were enrolled. Median follow-up was 12(IQR:12-41) months. Positive surgical margins were detected in 2.9% of cases, requiring salvage surgery. Postoperative complications occurred in 29.4%, most commonly being a graft partial loss (17.6%), meatal stenosis (5.8%) or genital wound infection (5.8%). Disease recurrence occurred in 17.6% of cases with a median elapsed time of 16 months (12-41). 12-month RFS was 88.2%, whilst CSS and OS were 91% at the same time point. Glans sensation was preserved in 91.2% of cases. 88.2% of patients reported to be fully satisfied with the postoperative aesthetic appearance of the penis, 91.2% of patients would recommend the same procedure to someone else. Limitations include retrospective design and the lack of a control group CONCLUSION: GS with STSG minimizes the impact on urinary and sexual functions without jeopardizing oncological control in locally advanced PC.

To report surgical and oncological outcomes of total glans resurfacing in a consecutive series of superficial penile cancers.26 patients were enrolled in the present trial. A retrospective analysis was conducted. Inclusion criteria were age80, "de novo" malignancy, clinically suspected superficial disease and disease confirmation by a penile biopsy. Clinically palpable corporeal or urethral involvement, high histological grade, clinically palpable nodes on physical examination and unwillingness to comply with follow-up were considered as exclusion criteria.Descriptive features and surgical outcomes were extrapolated from the clinical records. The categorical variables were described using frequency and percentage, and the continuous variables were described using median and interquartile range (IQR) value. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to estimate survival over time.Median follow-up was 38 (IQR 13-86) months. Median age was 65 (IQR 55-68). An history of lichen sclerosus was reported by 50% of patients. No intraoperative complications were reported. Median hospital stay was 5 (IQR 2-6) days. Final histology confirmed superficial disease in 42.4% and T1 in 53.8%. T2 was detected in a single case. Postoperative complications were minimal (3.8%). No regional nodal recurrence was reported. At Kaplan-Meier analysis, overall survival rate was 100% at 1 year, 1-year recurrence free survival was 96.1% and 2-year recurrence free survival was 88.5%.Total glans resurfacing may represent an excellent option for organ preserving surgery in patients with a superficial penile cancer. Surgical and oncological outcomes proved to be satisfactory.

Radial artery forearm free-flap (RAFFF) phalloplasty is considered by most authors as the gold-standard technique for genital gender-affirming surgery (GGAS). RAFFF surgical complications have rarely been investigated, and the aim of this study and literature review is to analyse and focus on the surgical technique and its postoperative vascular complications. From May 2016 to January 2020, a consecutive series of 25 transgender men who underwent GGAS were enrolled in the present study. Age, BMI and smoking habits were recorded for all patients. Overall, vascular flap complications occurred in 20% of cases. Complete flap loss due to acute arterial thrombosis was recorded in a single case (4%). In 8% of cases, limited ventro-proximal arterial ischaemia was detected, while in the remaining 8% of cases, venous ventral ischaemia was reported. These results were compared with the current literature results. Indeed, from our analysis, the number of flap veins (

Background Nesbit corporoplasty was proposed to address penile curvature (PC), both congenital (CPC) and acquired (APC). Aim To evaluate surgical, functional, and patient reported outcomes (PROs) of a modified corporoplasty. Methods From May 2005 to January 2017, a consecutive series of patients underwent a modified corporoplasty. Data were retrospectively extrapolated. Intra and postoperative complications and hospital stay were recorded as surgical outcomes. 2 validated international questionnaires were administered preoperatively and at 12 months after surgery: International Index of Erectile Function and Sexual Encounter Profile (items 2–3). An “ad hoc” questionnaire was utilized to assess PROs. Outcomes Postoperative surgical and functional outcomes and PROs were the primary outcomes assessed in this study. Results 87 out of 145 patients had complete data available and were included in the study. CPC was noted in 61 patients whilst APC, secondary to Peyronie's disease, was present in 26 patients. Median preoperative PC was 60° (interquartile range [IQR] 45–70). Functional and PROs were evaluated 12 months after surgery for all enrolled patients. Considering surgical outcomes, the median follow-up time was 110 months (IQR 27–132.5). Median operative time was 130 minutes for CPC (IQR 115–150) and 120 minutes for APC (IQR 95–140). Median hospital stay was 2 days for both groups (IQR 1–2). After the median follow-up time of 110 months (IQR 27–132.5), a recurrent curvature was observed in 9.2% of cases. Minor residual curvature (35 years), and postoperative complications represented independent risk factors for the development of postoperative erectile dysfunction. Postoperative complications, in terms of bleeding, infection, or poor esthetic wound healing, occurred in 12.6% of patients. No Clavien-Dindo grade III–IV intraoperative complications were reported. Postoperative hematoma was more frequent in CPC when compared to APC (P = .003). In relation to PROs, 26.4% of patients responded as being dissatisfied with postoperative penile length, with a higher incidence in the APC group (P = .001). Overall, a significant improvement in everyday and sexual life quality was observed in both categories. Clinical Implications The modified corporoplasty described showed better residual curvature rates, whilst maintaining similar PROs even if APC patients reported less favorable outcomes when compared to CPC. Strengths & Limitations The primary limitations of this study are its retrospective nature, no objective evaluation of postoperative curvature, and no penile length assessment. Conclusion The aforementioned corporoplasty may represent an excellent option for PC correction, with low complication rate and high patient satisfaction.

Background Although many grafts have been used for plaque incision with grafting (PIG) and penile prosthesis (PP) implantation, there is no evidence that favors 1 specific graft over another. Aim To compare fibrin-coated collagen fleece (TachoSil; Baxter International, Deerfield, IL, USA) with porcine small intestinal submucosa (SIS; Cook Biotech, West Lafayette, IN, USA) as grafts. Methods From January 2007 to January 2015, 60 non-randomized consecutive patients affected by end-stage Peyronie disease underwent PIG and PP implantation (AMS 700CX; Boston Scientific, Marlborough, MA, USA). All patients underwent preoperative penile dynamic duplex ultrasound. All procedures were performed by the same surgeon. Patients were divided in 2 different groups according to the graft used to cover the albuginea defect. SIS was used for grafting in 34 patients (group A) and TachoSil was used in 26 patients (group B). Outcomes Overall hospital stay, operative time, 5-point Likert hematoma scale, visual analog scale, incidence of postoperative complications, and PP mechanical failure were selected as outcome measures. Functional outcomes were assessed through validated questionnaires (International Index of Erectile Function, Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction, and Sexual Encounter Profile questions 2 and 3) preoperatively and 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Results The patients' median age was 63 years. No statistically significant differences were detected between groups for age and type and degree of curvature (median = 65°). Average follow-up was 35 months. No major intraoperative complications were reported. The average operative time was 145 minutes for group A and 120 minutes for group B. No statistically significant differences between groups were detected for postoperative complications. Only 3 patients developed a major postoperative complication requiring a 2nd surgical intervention: 1 patient in group A for mechanic failure and 1 patient in group A and 1 in group B for inflatable PP infection. Multivariate statistical analysis showed no significant difference for all variables analyzed between the 2 groups, except for operative time, which was significantly shorter for group B. Clinical Implications TachoSil could represent a valuable option for grafting, considering its advantages in operative time and cost compared with SIS. Strengths and Limitations Long-term follow-up represents a strength factor. Main limitations are the non-randomized nature of the study and the small number of patients. Conclusions TachoSil seems to represent an effective solution for grafting after PIG and PP implantation. However, additional studies are warranted to confirm our results.

Peyronie's disease (PD) is a common condition which results in penile curvature making sexual intercourse difficult or impossible. Collagenase clostridium histolyticum (CCH) is the first licensed drug for the treatment of PD and is indicated in patients with palpable plaque and curvature deformity of at least 30° of curvature. However, only few monocentric studies are available in the current literature and this is the first national multicentric study focusing on this new treatment. In five Italian centres, 135 patients have completed the treatment with three injections of CCH using Ralph's shortened modified protocol. The protocol consisted of three intralesional injections of CCH (0.9 mg) given at 4-weekly intervals in addiction to a combination of home modelling, stretching and a vacuum device on a daily basis. An improvement in the angle of curvature was recorded in 128/135 patients (94.8%) by a mean (range) of 19.1 (0–40)° or 42.9 (0–67)% from baseline (p

Purpose: Inguinal lymphadenectomy (iLAD) reduces mortality in patients with cN0 penile cancer but yields high complication rates. Thus, its prophylactic role has been questioned and dynamic sentinel node biopsy (DSNB) was introduced to select men who should undergo the procedure. Our aim was to investigate the accuracy of a contemporary DSNB cohort. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of ≥T1 or ≥G2 cN0 penile cancer undergoing perioperative DSNB from June 2009 to June 2015 at a tertiary referral center. We excluded men with Results: Thirty-five men underwent DSNB; 85.71% had ≤T2 penile cancer with ≤G2a histology. Per groin detection rate was 80% (scintigraphy being positive bilaterally in 60% and unilaterally in 20.0%). In no cases did DSNB prolong the postoperative course compared to primary surgery. Nine men (n = 15/109 nodes removed) had positive results, 8 of whom underwent iLAD. Among negative DSNB patients, 2 developed nodal penile cancer recurrence; none of them had node biopsy due to inconclusive scintigraphy. At a median follow-up of 42 months (interquartile range 30-78 months), if considering only men with scintigraphy detected inguinal nodes, per-patient sensitivity and specificity were 50% and 80% whereas positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 25% and 92.3%, respectively. Conclusions: Perioperative DSNB is a safe procedure, yielding promising results when performed at a tertiary referral center. Future prospective large studies are needed to investigate how to optimize detection rate and reduce false-negative rates.

The aim of this manuscript is to systematically review the current literature on surgical management of the short penis, focusing on surgical and functional outcomes and postoperative complications. Penile size still represents a major concern among a large proportion of men regardless of age and socio-cultural background. On the other hand, there is still no clear agreement on the definition of a short penis. Penile inadequacy can be secondary to a variety of clinical conditions, either organic or psychogenic; moreover, the causes of a short penis could be divided in congenital or acquired. A surgical intervention is often requested to address these conditions, with a variety of different techniques that reflect the vast heterogeneity of the etiologies of the disease. Surgical and patients’ satisfaction outcomes are extremely variable, as long as the different techniques are hardly comparable. As a general statement, a lack of objective data, mainly concerning postoperative lengthening results, must be emphasized. To date, penile lengthening procedures remain highly controversial. Recent evidences show better results in case of intrinsic or “false” penile shortness, while there is a lack of standardized studies concerning patients affected by penile dysmorphic disorder.

Objectives The aim of the present manuscript is to review the current literature on priapism, focusing on the state-of-the-art knowledge of both the diagnosis and the treatment of the refractory ischemic priapism (IP). Methods Pubmed and EMBASE search engines were used to search for words "priapism", "refractory priapism", "penile prosthesis", "diagnosis priapism", "priapism treatment", "penile fibrosis", "priapism therapy". All the studies were carefully examined by the authors and then included in the review. Results First-line treatment involves ejaculation, physical exercise and cold shower followed by corporal blood aspiration and injection of α-adrenoceptor agonists. Subsequently, a distal or proximal shunt may be considered. If none of the treatment is effective or the priapism episode lasts >48 hours penile prosthesis implantation could be the only option to solve the priapism and treat the ongoing erectile dysfunction. Conclusion The management of IP is to achieve detumescence of persistent penile erection and to preserve erectile function after resolution of the priapic episode. On the other hand, penile fibrosis and following shortening should be prevented. Early penile prosthesis implantation in patients with refractory IP is able to solve both the priapic episode and prevent the otherwise certain penile shortening. Penile prosthesis implantation is the actual gold standard of care in cases of refractory IP.

Introduction and objectives: Adult patients with Klinefelter syndrome (KS) may present with testicular volume loss and a decrease in circulating testosterone (T) levels. However, the actual rate of hypogonadism in adult KS men is unknown. We aimed to (a) assess the prevalence of different forms of hypogonadism in a cohort of KS patients with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA); and (b) investigate potential preoperative predictor of positive sperm retrieval (SR) at surgery in the same cohort of men. Methods: Complete data from 103 KS men with NOA who underwent testicular sperm extraction (TESE) between 2008 and 2019 at five centers were analyzed. Comorbidities were scored with the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). Patients were categorized into four groups of hypogonadism as follows: eugonadism [normal total T (tT) (≥3.03ng/mL) and normal luteinizing hormone (LH) (≤9.4 mUI/mL)], secondary hypogonadism [low tT (≤3.03ng/mL) and low/normal LH (≤9.4 mUI/mL)], primary hypogonadism [low tT (≤3.03ng/mL) and elevated LH (≥9.4 mUI/mL)], and compensated hypogonadism [normal tT (≥3.03ng/mL) and elevated LH (≥9.4 mUI/mL)]. Descriptive statistics tested the association between clinical characteristics and laboratory values among the four groups. Results: Median (IQR) patients age was 32 (24, 37) years. Baseline follicle-stimulating hormone and tT levels were 29.5 (19.9, 40.9) mUI/mL and 3.8 (2.5, 11.0) ng/mL, respectively. Eugonadism, primary hypogonadism, and compensated hypogonadism were found in 16 (15.6%), 34 (33.0%), and 53 (51.4%) men, respectively. No patients had secondary hypogonadism. Positive SR rate at TESE was 21.4% (22 patients); of 22, 15 (68.2%) patients underwent assisted reproductive technology and five (22.7%) ended in live birth children. Patients’ age, BMI, CCI, FSH levels, and positive SR rates were comparable among hypogonadism groups. No preoperative parameters were associated with positive SR at logistic regressions analysis. Conclusions: Findings from this cross-sectional study showed that 15.6% of adult KS men have normal tT values at presentation in the real-life setting. Most KS patients presented with either compensated or primary hypogonadism. Sperm retrieval rates were not associated with different forms of hypogonadism.

There is limited scientific literature regarding the management outcomes for end-stage erectile dysfunction (ED) following radical cystoprostatectomy (RCP). This study aims to evaluate the surgical outcomes of penile prosthesis (PP) implantation. A retrospective analysis over 17 years (2004-2017) was performed from the clinical records of patients in four tertiary referral centres, whom previously had undergone RCP, followed by PP implantation for end-stage ED. Outcome measures include both intra and postoperative complications, operative duration, a 5-point Likert hematoma scale as well as length of hospital stay. Additionally, a matched-pair cohort analysis was performed, dividing patients in 2 groups according to the type of urinary diversion (neobladder versus ileal conduit/cutaneous ureterostomy). The median time elapsed between RCP and PP implantation was 38 months (IQR 20-56). The median follow-up was 18 months (IQR 12-156). A 3-piece inflatable PP was implanted in 43 patients (91.5%) whereas a semirigid device was implanted in the remainder. Reservoir position was extra-peritoneal (utilising a separate abdominal incision) in 24 patients (54.8%), while an ectopic high-submuscular placement was preferred in the remainder. PP infection and mechanical failure occurred in 1 (2.1%) and 3 cases (6.3%) respectively. The comparative analysis of surgical outcomes did not show any statistically significant difference between the two groups. Our evidence suggests that PP implantation in patients with refractory ED following RCP may represent a safe and effective procedure associated with a low incidence of complications. The main limitation of this study is represented by the non-randomised, retrospective nature as well as the lack of patients' functional outcomes and the limited follow-up.

We agree that the ideal strategy in patients withan SMT would be to follow them with periodic USand perform surgery only in those who show sig-nificant growth during followup. This is our actualpolicy in masses less than 5 mm in diameter. Inthis group few patients required surgical explora-tion during followup. It is likely that in cases ofsuch small lesions strict surveillance may notchange the progression of germinal tumors, as re-ported by Bieniek et al, who noted a mean lesiondiameter of 4.142.0 mm (reference 1 in EditorialComment).However, sparse data are available in the litera-ture on the natural history of larger masses whenleft untreated. Our study shows that even largerlesions up to 20 mm in diameter may be benign, indicating that strict surveillance might be justifiedeven for masses larger than 5 mm. Our experiencealso demonstrates that with increasing lesion sizethe risk of cancer significantly increases 7 times permm. This information could be used to bettercounsel patients about the risk of harboring TC andeventually better support a followup strategy inpatients with an STM.We believe that 2 research lines which might helpus in the near future are 1) study of the individuallesion growth rate, which could differentiate benignfrom malignant lesions, and 2) new imaging diag-nostic tests such as contrast enhanced US1ortesticular magnetic resonance imaging, whichmight improve the diagnostic performance of scrotalUS.

PURPOSE: No questionnaire is currently available to evaluate sexual function after male-to-female gender affirming surgery. Such a limit leads to a suboptimal evaluation in postoperative sexual function in these patients. We developed and validated a new questionnaire, the oMtFSFI (operated Male-to-Female Sexual Function Index), for assessing sexual function in male-to-female patients after surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A panel of experts in gender dysphoria defined the main content areas to be assessed, including genital self-image, desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction and sexual pain. After a pretest on 10 patients the oMtFSFI was applied in the main study to 65 operated male-to-female patients, recruited at 7 Italian centers, and 57 women. The participants provided self-ratings on online oMtFSFI, Female Sexual Function Index, Beck Depression Inventory for Primary Care and Short Form Health Survey questionnaires. Operated male-to-female patients completed the oMtFSFI twice, 4 weeks apart. RESULTS: Principal component analysis performed on self-ratings provided by operated male-to-female patients on oMtFSFI items yielded a 3-domain structure of sexual dissatisfaction, sexual pain and genital self-image. The 3 domains were internally consistent and test-retest reliable. Convergent associations with Female Sexual Function Index scales emerged for sexual dissatisfaction and sexual pain but not for genital self-image. Male-to-female patients reported lower sexual function levels than cisgender women. CONCLUSIONS: The present preliminary results support reliability and psychometric validity of the oMtFSFI in the assessment of key sexual function domains in transgender women, further revealing that genital self-image represents an assessment area to be considered in male-to-female patients, in addition to domains that are salient for cis women as well.

Background A recent meta-analysis (Human Reproduction Update 23, 2017 and 265) reported positive sperm retrieval rates (SRR) in 50% of patients with Klinefelter syndrome (KS) undergoing testicular sperm extraction (TESE). However, these results do not reflect the rates of SR that we observe in clinical practice. We assessed the rate and potential predictors of SR in Klinefelter patients in the real-life setting. Materials and Methods We reviewed clinical data of 103 KS men who underwent TESE between 08/2008 and 03/2019 at five tertiary referral Andrology centers. Patients underwent testis ultrasound, hormonal evaluation, and genetic testing. All patients were azoospermic based on the 2010 WHO reference criteria. Conventional TESE (cTESE) or microsurgical TESE (mTESE) was performed based on the surgeon's preference. We used descriptive statistics and logistic regression models to describe the whole cohort. Results Median (IQR) patient's age was 32 (24-37) years. Baseline serum FSH and total testosterone levels were 29.5 (19.9-40.9) mUI/mL and 3.8 (2.5-11.0) ng/mL, respectively. Conventional TESE and mTESE were performed in 38 (36.5%) and 65 (63.5%) men, respectively. The sperm retrieval rate was 21.4% (22/103 men). Fifteen patients used spermatozoa for ICSI and five ended in live birth children. Patients with positive SR were similar to those with a negative TESE in terms of clinical, hormonal, and procedural parameters (all P > .05). Logistic regression analyses confirmed the lack of association between clinical, hormonal, and procedural parameters with SR outcome. Discussion Given the conflicting results in the literature regarding SRR in KS, patients should be carefully counseled regarding TESE outcomes based on data from published literature and local results. Conclusions In the real-life setting, we observed a lower SRR (21.4%) than that reported in meta-analyses in our cohort of KS patients. No associations between clinical, hormonal, and procedural variables with TESE success were found.

A variety of approaches are available to address a genital gender affirming surgery (GGAS) in transgender men. The aim of the present study is to report surgical and functional outcomes after a suprapubic pedicled phalloplasty (SPP). From November 2008 to August 2018, a consecutive series of 34 patients underwent an SPP in two tertiary referral centers. GGAS was conducted as a multistaged procedure, consisting (1) SPP with subsequent radial artery-based forearm free-flap urethroplasty, (2) glans sculpting, urethral anastomosis, and scrotoplasty, and (3) penile prosthesis implantation. The duration of surgery, intra and postoperative complications, and hospital stay were selected as variables for surgical outcomes. Functional outcomes were extrapolated from a four-item questionnaire.A partial necrosis of phallus was detected in two cases (5.8 %). Two cases of seroma formation with wound dehiscence (5.8%) were detected. Overall, 89% of patients declared to be fully satisfied of the SPP, 83% would recommend the procedure to someone else, and 89% would undergo the same procedure again. Overall, 66% of patients could achieve an orgasm during sexual penetrative intercourses. The retrospective design, the lack of randomization and validated questionnaire for outcomes reporting, and the limited follow-up represent the main drawbacks of our study. Our evidences suggest that SPP represents as an acceptable option for GGAS.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES:The available literature does not provide any questionnaire to evaluate sexual function after male to female (MtF) gender reassignment surgery (GRS). The assessment of s...

Grazie ai progressi compiuti dall’oncologia negli ultimi decenni, oggi le percentuali di guarigione dei bambini e dei giovani adulti affetti da tumore si attestano intorno all’80%. Tuttavia, anche con i moderni protocolli di terapia oltre il 50% dei giovani pazienti sviluppa nel tempo infertilita, nella maggior parte dei casi dovuta a danno gonadico diretto. La proposta di preservare la fertilita, in un momento cosi critico della vita, diviene quindi essenziale di fronte a trattamenti che possono ledere in modo irreversibile la capacita fecondante dell’individuo. Esistono per entrambi i sessi metodi consolidati e approcci ancora sperimentali per salvaguardare le potenzialita procreative cui si deve ricorrere nel contesto dell’inquadramento oncologico iniziale poiche, tuttora, non esistono parametri per poter prevedere con certezza l’entita dell’effetto gonadotossico dei vari trattamenti oncologici. I problemi attualmente emergenti sono relativi alla preservazione della fertilita nei prepuberi e su tale aspetto si sta soprattutto orientando la ricerca biomedica.