Biomedical subjects

John Mulhall

Publications and source records attributed to John Mulhall.

12 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2007

Bilateral cavernous nerve interposition grafting during radical retropubic prostatectomy: Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center experience.

PURPOSE: Cavernous nerve graft is an option for men requiring bilateral cavernous nerve resection for cancer control during radical prostatectomy. We determined the success rate and identified determinants of success of bilateral cavernous nerve grafting following resection of the 2 nerves during radical prostatectomy in patients who were potent preoperatively. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 44 consecutive patients who underwent bilateral nerve grafting from 1999 to 2004. Postoperative erectile function was defined as the achievement of erections satisfactory for intercourse with or without oral medication. We calculated cumulative erectile function recovery rates using Kaplan-Meier curves. The log rank test was used to compare variables affecting erectile function recovery with p <0.0083 considered significant after adjusting for the number of variables evaluated using the Bonferroni correction. RESULTS: The overall 5-year cumulative recovery of erectile function permitting penetration was 34% and the rate of consistent penetration was 11%. None of the analyzed variables were significantly associated with recovery of postoperative erectile function, including patient age (p = 0.3), incomplete bilateral cavernous nerve resection (p = 0.045), sural nerve grafts compared to genitofemoral or ilioinguinal nerves as donor sites (p = 0.067), post-radiation salvage radical prostatectomy (p = 0.15), neoadjuvant hormone therapy (p = 0.7) and comorbidities (p = 0.15) or medications (p = 0.4) affecting EF. CONCLUSIONS: Bilateral cavernous nerve grafts might be beneficial in select patients. A definitive answer awaits the performance of a multi-institutional, randomized, controlled trial.

Humans↗

PubMed2006

Anatomy and preservation of accessory pudendal arteries in laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVE: The incidence of laparoscopically diagnosed accessory pudendal arteries (APAs) varies depending on how proactive the surgeon is to find them. Their preservation depends on their calibre and location. Our objective was to provide a detailed description of how to identify, dissect, and preserve APAs during laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP). METHODS: Between January 2003 and January 2005, we treated 377 men with LRP; 325 met inclusion criteria for this study. We defined an APA as any artery located within the periprostatic region running parallel to the dorsal vascular complex and extending caudally towards the anterior perineum, other than cavernous arteries, corona mortis, and satellite arteries to the superficial and deep vascular complex. Two distinct varieties of APAs were identified: (1) lateral APAs course along the lateral aspect of the prostate and branch off any of the terminal branches of the hypogastric artery; and (2) apical APAs emerge through the levator ani fibres near the apical region of the prostate and most likely branch off the pudendal artery or corresponds to an aberrant course of the pudendal artery itself. We present a video depicting the laparoscopic anatomy of APAs and the technique to preserve them. RESULTS: Ninety-six of 325 men (30%) were found to have 125 separate APAs. Using the depicted surgical technique, we were able to preserve 83% of all APAs. Forty-nine of 55 lateral APAs (89%) and 55 of 70 apical APAs (79%) were preserved. Thirty-five of 38 large-calibre APAs (92%) and 70 of 87 small-calibre APAs (80%) were spared. The side-specific incidence of PSMs were 3% and 6% when APAs were preserved and not preserved, respectively (p=0.5). CONCLUSIONS: APAs are frequently identified during laparoscopic prostatectomy. Their preservation is feasible in LRP without increasing the risk of causing a PSM. It is reasonable to integrate APA preservation as part of the modern radical prostatectomy, although their role in functional outcomes still needs to be prospectively established.

Arteries↗

PubMed2006

Determinants of patient satisfaction following penile prosthesis surgery.

PURPOSE: Penile prosthetic surgery is associated with satisfaction rates >90% for the general penile implant population. It is suggested that satisfaction rates may be lower in certain populations. This study was undertaken to define potential predictors of satisfaction. METHODS: Patients undergoing penile prosthesis surgery completed the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) prior to surgery, and the IIEF and Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction (EDITS) questionnaires at least 6 months postoperatively accompanied by a Global Satisfaction Question (GSQ). RESULTS: A total of 114 patients constituted the study population. Subgroups evaluated included patients with Peyronie's disease (PD), body mass index (BMI) > 30 kg/m2, radical prostatectomy (RP), and patient age > 70 years. The mean patient age and duration of ED were 59 +/- 14 and 3.2 +/- 1.9 years, respectively. All groups demonstrated statistically significant differences between pre- and postoperative scores for the IIEF and EDITS. Patients with PD, a history of RP, and BMI > 30 kg/m2 had significantly lower scores on the GSQ, IIEF satisfaction domain, and EDITS compared with the general implant population. Only PD impacted negatively on the postoperative IIEF erectile function domain score. On the multivariate analysis, factors associated with >or=5-point difference in the IIEF satisfaction domain score compared with the general implant population were PD (RR = 4.2), RP (RR = 2.2), and BMI > 30 (RR = 1.8). CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that men diagnosed with PD, BMI > 30, or previous RP undergoing penile prosthesis surgery have lower satisfaction rates than the general penile implant population.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Obesity, dyslipidemias and erectile dysfunction: a report of a subcommittee of the sexual medicine society of North America.

Because of increasingly sedentary lifestyles and diets higher in saturated fats, obesity and dyslipidemias are common and increasing in prevalence in Westernized countries. Longitudinal population-based studies clearly demonstrate that dyslipidemias and obesity, as well as factors such as hypertension, diabetes, and smoking, are major risk factors for atherosclerosis. Both clinical and animal models of endothelial dysfunction confirm that atherosclerosis leads to increased cerebrovascular and cardiovascular morbidity. Clinical studies with hypolipidemic agents demonstrate that hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors can decrease the risk of vascular morbidity. An increasing body of evidence from animal models demonstrates that hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis are risk factors for the development of erectile dysfunction (ED). This causal relationship between obesity and dyslipidemias with the development of ED in humans still needs further definition with convincing peer-reviewed scientific studies. The challenge for the future will be to define the benefit of controlling obesity and dyslipidemias on the development of ED and improvement of erectile function.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

The use of an erectogenic pharmacotherapy regimen following radical prostatectomy improves recovery of spontaneous erectile function.

PURPOSE: It has been suggested that postradical prostatectomy (RP) erectile function outcomes are improved by early use of erectogenic medications. This analysis was designed to assess the ability of a post-RP vasoactive drug program to improve long-term spontaneous erectile function. METHODS: Men with functional preoperative erections who underwent RP were challenged early postoperatively with oral sildenafil. Nonresponders were switched to intracavernosal injection therapy (ICI). Patients were instructed to inject three times a week. Only patients who presented within 6 months post RP, who completed the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire on at least three separate occasions after surgery, and who had been followed for at least 18 months were included. Data from men who were committed to rehabilitation were compared with those of men who did not follow the protocol but continued to be followed serially following RP. RESULTS: There were 58 patients in the rehabilitation (R) group and 74 in the nonrehabilitation (NR) group. No differences existed in mean patient age, comorbidity profile, intraoperative nerve sparing status, or postoperative erectile hemodynamics between the two groups. At 18 months post RP, there were statistically significant differences between the two groups in the percentage of patients who were capable of having medication-unassisted intercourse (R=52% vs. NR=19%, P<0.001); mean erectile rigidity (R=53+/-21% vs. NR=26+/-43%, P<0.01); mean IIEF erectile function (EF) domain scores (R=22+/-6 vs. NR=12+/-14, P<0.01); the percentage of patients with normal EF domain scores (R=22% vs. NR=6%, P<0.01); the percentage of patients responding to sildenafil (R=64% vs. NR=24%, P<0.001); the time to become a sildenafil responder (R=9+/-4 vs. NR=13+/-3 months, P=0.02); and the percentage of patients responding to ICI (R=95% vs. NR=76%, P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The data generated from this nonrandomized study indicate that a pharmacologic penile rehabilitation protocol results in higher rates of spontaneous functional erections and erectogenic drug response after RP.

Clinical Protocols↗

PubMed2005

Sildenafil citrate response correlates with the nature and the severity of penile vascular insufficiency.

INTRODUCTION: Sildenafil citrate is a highly effective erectogenic agent. However, predicting which patients will respond to this agent is often difficult. While the patient response to this agent is dependent on the nitric oxide-guanylate cyclase-cyclic guanosine monophosphate cascade, the integrity of penile arterial flow and venocclusive mechanism is also important. Duplex Doppler penile ultrasonography can reliably document penile hemodynamics. This study aimed at defining response rates based on degree of penile vascular sufficiency. METHODS: This study enrolled patients who met strict criteria for sildenafil citrate response who had also undergone penile ultrasound. Correlation was drawn between the nature and the severity of the vascular insufficiency and the response rate to sildenafil citrate. RESULTS: The distribution of vascular diagnoses was arteriogenic 64%, venogenic 6%, mixed vascular insufficiency 18%, and normal 12%. The best response was seen in those men with normal vascular studies, 80% responding. Fifty-three percent of all men with any abnormality on penile ultrasound responded; 65% of men with arteriogenic erectile dysfunction (ED), 25% of patients with venogenic ED, and 6% of men with a mixed vascular insufficiency were responders. There was a correlation between the degree of vascular impairment and the response rate. All men with venogenic ED who responded had mild leak. CONCLUSION: These data demonstrate a correlation between the nature and severity of penile vascular disease and the ability to respond to sildenafil citrate. These data may be useful to the sexual medicine practitioner when counseling patients regarding oral erectogenic therapy.

Erectile Dysfunction↗

PubMed2005

A surgical algorithm for men with combined Peyronie's disease and erectile dysfunction: functional and satisfaction outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: Men with Peyronie's disease who also have erectile dysfunction represent a challenge to the urologist. Historically, penile prosthesis surgery has been the management strategy of choice for this population. This study was undertaken to define the outcomes of a penile reconstructive surgery algorithm in men with Peyronie's disease and concomitant erectile dysfunction (ED). METHODS: Patients presenting with combined Peyronie's disease and erectile dysfunction were treated with vasoactive therapy initially. All patients underwent dynamic infusion cavernosometry and cavernosography. Nonresponders to erectogenic pharmacotherapy were advised to undergo penile prosthetic surgery. Responders to erectogenic therapy were considered candidates for either corporoplasty or plaque incision and grafting. The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire was used to compare erectile function and satisfaction profiles serially pre- and postoperatively between the patients in the three groups. RESULTS: Sixty-two patients constituted the study population. Eighty-one percent of the patients responded to erectogenic pharmacotherapy. Postoperative IIEF erectile function domain scores were statistically higher for implant patients and lower for plaque incision and grafting patients compared to preoperative scores. Postoperative IIEF satisfaction domain scores were higher for corporoplasty and implant patients and lower for plaque incision and grafting patients compared to preoperative scores. CONCLUSIONS: The surgical algorithm used in this study leads to excellent IIEF erectile function and satisfaction scores for corporoplasty and implant patients; however, plaque incision and grafting patients had poor functional and satisfaction outcomes. These data support the concept that not all men with combined ED and Peyronie's disease require penile prosthetic surgery, and furthermore, plaque incision and grafting surgery is a poor option for men with combined disease.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

The hemodynamics of erectile dysfunction following external beam radiation for prostate cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Radiation to the pelvis is associated with erectile dysfunction (ED). The mechanisms include neural injury, vascular alterations, and corporal smooth structural changes. There exists little data on the vascular assessment of men who present with ED following radiation therapy for prostate cancer. This study was conducted to evaluate the erectile hemodynamics in such a patient population. METHODS: Men who presented for the evaluation of ED following radiation therapy for prostate cancer underwent vascular evaluation in the form of dynamic infusion cavernosometry and cavernosography (DICC). Established parameters were recorded to define arterial insufficiency and venocclusive function including cavernosal artery occlusion pressure, flow-to-maintain, and pressure decay. RESULTS: Sixteen men with a mean age of 61 years presenting with ED after radiation underwent DICC at a mean duration post radiation of 11 months. All of the patients in whom arterial hemodynamics were measurable had abnormal arterial parameters, and 85% had abnormal venocclusive parameters. Of the patients who could undergo cavernosography, 80% had venous leak, most commonly from the crura. CONCLUSIONS: Men presenting with ED following radiation therapy for prostate cancer are likely to have significant alterations in erectile hemodynamics, often of a combined arterio-venogenic nature. In patients with venous leak the majority had venocclusive dysfunction with venous leak emanating from the crura.

Aged↗

PubMed2004

Penile prosthetic surgery for Peyronie's disease: defining the need for intraoperative adjuvant maneuvers.

INTRODUCTION: There are a number of accepted approaches to the patient with Peyronie's disease and erectile dysfunction (ED), including penile prosthesis surgery. During prosthesis surgery for Peyronie's disease some men are left with residual curvature upon maximum device inflation. This analysis was undertaken to define how often and in which patients, intra-operative adjuvant maneuvers are required. METHODS: Men undergoing penile prosthesis surgery for combined Peyronie's disease/ED constituted the study population. Residual curvature >10 degrees was deemed to warrant the use of a secondary maneuver to correct curvature. In this analysis, plaque release incisions were utilized and grafting was performed only if there was overt exposure of the prosthesis. RESULTS: 36 men were included in the analysis. All patients with preoperative curvatures 45 degrees curvature preoperatively, 86% needed plaque incision to achieve adequate penile straightening. Grafting was required in only 5.5% patients and both of these patients had preoperative curvature >60 degrees . CONCLUSIONS: In 61% of patients with combined Peyronie's disease/ED in this study, the placement of a three-piece inflatable penile prosthesis alone corrected the penile curvature. 86% of patients requiring plaque incision had preoperative curvatures >45 degrees . This information should enable surgeons to plan such operations more effectively and to counsel patients more comprehensively prior to operative intervention.

Erectile Dysfunction↗

PubMed2004

Peyronie's disease.

INTRODUCTION: Peyronie's disease is a sexual medicine condition that may adversely affect male sexual function. AIM: To provide expert opinions/recommendations concerning state-of-the-art knowledge for the pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of Peyronie's disease. METHODS: An International Consultation in collaboration with the major urology and sexual medicine associations assembled over 200 multidisciplinary experts from 60 countries into 17 committees. Committee members established specific objectives and scopes for various male and female sexual medicine topics. The recommendations concerning state-of-the-art knowledge in the respective sexual medicine topic represent the opinion of experts from five continents developed in a scientific and debate process. Concerning the Peyronnie's disease committee, there were 10 experts from six countries. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Expert opinions/recommendations are based on grading of evidence-based medical literature, extensive internal committee discussion over 2 years, public presentation and deliberation. RESULTS: Peyronie's disease is characterized by an inflammatory response beneath the tunica albuginea with fibroblast proliferation forming a thickened fibrous plaque that may cause penile pain, penile curvature and erectile dysfunction. Medical treatments have been described but few prospective controlled trials have revealed significant clinical benefits. Surgical treatments (penile plication, Nesbit excision, plaque incision and grafting and penile prosthesis insertion) should be considered after Peyronie's disease has stabilized. Surgical outcome studies reveal that a stable deformity is best corrected with the least postoperative ED by a Nesbit procedure. Plaque incision and grafting should be reserved for men with good erectile function and marked penile shortening although there is a higher prevalence of postoperative ED. Implantation of a penile prosthesis is an excellent option for men with an accompanying erectile deficit. CONCLUSIONS: Safe and effective treatments for Peyronie's disease examined by prospective, placebo-controlled, multi-institutional clinical trials are needed.

Consensus↗

PubMed2004

Priapism.

INTRODUCTION: There are three different types of priapism: low-flow, ischemic, anoxic or veno-occlusive priapism; high-flow, arterial or nonischemic priapism; and recurrent or stuttering priapism. AIM: To provide recommendations/guidelines concerning state-of-the-art knowledge for the diagnosis and treatment of priapism. METHODS: An International Consultation in collaboration with the major urology and sexual medicine associations assembled over 200 multidisciplinary experts from 60 countries into 17 committees. Committee members established specific objectives and scopes for various male and female sexual medicine topics. The recommendations concerning state-of-the-art knowledge in the respective sexual medicine topic represent the opinion of experts from five continents developed in a process over a 2-year period. Concerning the Priapism Committee, there were 10 experts from six countries. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Expert opinion was based on grading of evidence-based medical literature, widespread internal committee discussion, public presentation and debate. RESULTS: Concerning ischemic priapism, persistent cavernous smooth muscle relaxation and failure of contraction is a compartment syndrome with increasing intracavernosal anoxia, rising pCO2 and acidosis. Urgent medical attention should be sought for an erection lasting >4 hours; 90% with priapism >24 hours develop complete erectile dysfunction. After diagnosis and counselling, intracavernosal aspiration and alpha-blockers should precede surgical shunting. Concerning high-flow priapism (congenital, traumatic or iatrogenic), intervention is not urgent and often unnecessary. Definitive management is by selective embolization with autologous blood clot. Concerning recurrent/stuttering priapism, the pathophysiology may be central or local (sickle cell disease). Management needs to be individualized; androgen deprivation has proved useful but has adverse effects. CONCLUSIONS: There is need for prospective, clinical trials to define safe and effective management strategies for patients with low-flow, high-flow or recurrent priapism.

Consensus↗

PubMed2003

Role of IMRT in reducing penile doses in dose escalation for prostate cancer.

PURPOSE: In three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT), penile tissues adjacent to the prostate are exposed to significant doses of radiation. This is likely to be a factor in development of posttreatment erectile dysfunction. In this study, we investigate whether intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) leads to lower radiation exposure to proximal penile tissues (PPT) when compared with 3D-CRT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten randomly selected patients with clinically localized prostate cancer constituted the study group. Using identical structure sets, 3D-CRT and IMRT plans were designed for each patient. For IMRT, both tomographic (TOMO) and step-and-shoot (SS) techniques were used. Treatment plans were developed using 18 MV photons for 3D-CRT, 6 MV photons for TOMO, and 6 MV and 18 MV photons for SS plans. The PPT up to the beginning of the penile shaft (usually measuring 2-3 cm) was outlined by a team composed of a board-certified urologist and a radiation oncologist. The outlined PPT was subdivided into three segments (P1, P2, P3), and the radiation dose to each segment and to the entire structure was calculated. In addition, PPT was subdivided into corporal cavernosa (CC) and corpus spongiosum (bulb). The prostate dose was escalated from 73.8 Gy to 81 Gy to 90 Gy. Target D(95) (dose to 95% volume), critical structure D(5) (dose to 5% volume), and D(mean) (mean dose) were used in the comparison among treatment plans. Because 3D-CRT uses larger field margins than does IMRT, target and critical structure doses were recalculated in 3D-CRT plans employing field margins obtained from IMRT plans. Planning target volumes in original and modified 3D-CRT plans were the same. RESULTS: Compared with 3D-CRT plans, the mean PPT doses were reduced by 40.2%, 43.6%, and 46.2%, respectively, at the three prescription dose levels in TOMO plans. The average D(mean) for CC was lower by 46.4%, 48.4%, and 51.4%, whereas the average bulb D(mean) was reduced by 44.2%, 44.9%, and 47.9%, respectively. There was also considerable sparing of P1, with a reduction in average D(mean) of 41.9%, 45.5%, and 48.5% compared with 3D-CRT. All differences between 3D-CRT and IMRT doses were statistically significant (p < 0.001). Similar improvements were noticed in maximum doses (D(5)) for penile structures. The percent dose reduction with IMRT plans improved as prostate dose was escalated. When compared with 3D-CRT plans with reduced fields, IMRT plans showed slightly smaller but still significant improvements in critical structure doses (p < 0.001). Compared with SS plans, TOMO plans produced improved sparing of dose to critical structures. CONCLUSIONS: IMRT allows for dose escalation in prostate cancer while keeping penile tissue doses significantly lower compared to conformal radiotherapy. This may result in improved potency rates over current results observed with 3D-CRT.

Humans↗