bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
(130) Multicenter Study Comparing Stripping vs Ligation of Vas Deferens During Microscopic Denervation of Spermatic Cord in Men with Chronic Orchialgia Across the US
Authors: Hammad M A M , El-Achkar A , Barham D , Hsieh M , Mills J , Ziegelmann M , Smith R , Bernie H , Raheem O , Fendereski K , Hotaling J , Yafi F A 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Microdenervation of the spermatic cord (MSCD) is an effective treatment modality for men with intractable scrotal content pain. For patients not interested in preserving fertility, some centers advocate ligation of the vas during denervation while others perfer stripping of the Vas deferens to preserve the vasal artery, hence preserving vasculature to testis and possibly decreasing post operative congestion pain.

Objective
This multicenter study analyzes outcomes of patients that underwent MSCD by either stripping or ligating the vas deferens.

Methods
A retrospective chart review of 85 patients who underwent MSCD from 2020–2023 was performed. Patients’ demographics including history of prior surgical procedures was recorded. Response to surgery was evaluated as either complete resolution of pain, partial resolution of pain or no improvement in pain.

Results
85 patients underwent MSCD with a median (IQR) age of 36 (25.5–46.5) years and median duration of pain of 16 months. 37 patients underwent stripping of vas while 48 underwent ligation of vas during MSCD. Median follow up was 12 months. 21(43.5%) patients had prior inguinal scrotal surgery in ligation group compared to 5 (13.5%) in the stripping group p=0.003. The etiology of pain was similar between the groups. The response to MSCD between the 2 groups was similar (p=0.968), with similar post op complications (Table 1).

Conclusions
In men with intractable chronic scrotal content with no interest in preserving fertility, ligation or stripping of the vas deferens yields similar outcomes with regards to pain resolution. Both techniques are safe with no reports of any testicular atrophy.

Disclosure
Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: Advisory board and speaker for Coloplast; consultant for Cynosure; advisory board and speaker for Halozyme; intellectual property with Masimo; advisory board for Promescent; consultant for Sprout; advisory board for Xialla.
(135) Systematic Review on the Association of Peyronie’s Disease Development and Severity to Testosterone Level: Do we Have Enough Data?
Authors: Savira M , Atmoko W 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Exact pathophysiology of Peyronie's disease (PD) are still poorly known with the combination of tissue ischemia to predefined hereditary variables. Due to the anti-inflammatory factors and ability to regulate collagen metabolism and wound healing, androgens have been the subject of several clinical research studying their role in the onset and severity of PD.

Objective
The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between testosterone level to the development and severity of PD.

Methods
A systematic search on PubMed, Scopus, and Embase was conducted on April 4th, 2023 using the keywords of testosterone, hypogonadism, and Peyronie’s disease. All studies that compare the testosterone levels of the patients with or without PD or evaluate the association of PD severity were considered. Each included studies are evaluated for its quality and risk of bias.

Results
Eleven studies comprising 1.106 patients with PD and 507 control were included. Three of the four studies examining the association of testosterone level to PD development found that testosterone/DHEA-s levels were lower in the PD group compared to the control. In addition, four of seven studies found that the severity or degree of penile curvature among patients with PD has lower testosterone levels. On contrary, only two of six studies support the correlation of testosterone level to penile plaque diameter. In two studies that confirmed the correlation of penile plaque and degree of curvature to testosterone levels, they also found that PD patients with normal or higher testosterone levels responds better to medical treatment.

Conclusions
Contemporary literature on the correlation between PD and testosterone levels shows conflicting results. Although around half of the studies support its possible correlation to penile curvature severity, no definitive conclusion can be made. Further research is warranted to seek the impact of low testosterone level to PD and whether it needs to be routinely evaluated in clinical practice.

Disclosure
No.
(137) Telemedicine for Sexual Health Issues: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Poudel R 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Telemedicine has revolutionized healthcare by enabling remote consultations. In the realm of sexual health, it offers a discreet and convenient platform for couples to seek expert advice, receive counseling, and access personalized treatments from the comfort and privacy of their own homes.

Objective
The objective of this study is to examine the predominant sexual health issues in telemedicine consultations and analyze the socio-demographic profiles of the subjects accessing the service.

Methods
The study received ethical clearance from the Institutional Review Committee of the Medical College. A sexual wellness clinic was established within the psychiatry department, operating on specific days. Patients visiting the clinic were provided with a WhatsApp number for teleconsultation. This number was also shared on various social media platforms to reach a wider audience. During the study period, 88 individuals sought telemedicine consultation, of whom 51 presented with one or more sexual health issues and were included in the study after providing informed verbal consent. The subjects' sociodemographic profiles and relevant clinical data were recorded. Diagnosis of sexual dysfunction followed the DSM5 criteria, while other sexual health issues were categorized separately. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results
Among 51 subjects 48 were male while 3 were female. Fourty six subjects had some sexual dysfunction while 5 subjects presented with other sexual health issues. Majority of the patients were young. Among sexual dysfunction, premature ejaculation was the most common sexual dysfunction while among sexual health issues, dhat syndrome was the most common one.

Conclusions
In regions with limited access to sexual health services, telemedicine offers a promising alternative, providing accessible and private consultations. This study emphasizes its significance in addressing sexual health concerns and advocates for further integration into mainstream healthcare.

Disclosure
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(139) Efficacy of a New Vacuum Erection Device (Vigor 2020) for Erectile Dysfunction in a Retrospective Study in Japan
Authors: Shirai M , Sano M , Anno Y , Ishikawa K , Taniguchi A , Kure A , Uesaka Y , Nozaki T , Fukuhara S , Iwasa A , Kobayashi K , Kato J , Tsujimura A 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors (PDE5i) are the first-line treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED), but there is in approximately 30% of ineffective patients or contraindicated in patients taking nitrate medications. Although vacuum erection device (VED) is the second line in ED guidelines, they have long been unavailable in Japan, due to the withdrawal of their manufacturers.

Objective
A new VED, Vigor 2020, has now been manufactured and received medical approval by the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) in Japan. It is very important to be able to sexual intercourse with VED, recommended in the ED guidelines. We conducted a retrospective observational study of patients with Vigor 2020 in clinical practice.

Methods
We analyzed male patients aged 20 years or older who presented to an outpatient clinic with ED and were treated with Vigor 2020 as a second-line treatment, because PDE5i was ineffective or contraindicated. Sexual and ejaculatory function were assessed using questionnaires [Erection Hardness Score (EHS), International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), Male Sexual Health Questionnaire for assessing ejaculatory dysfunction (MSHQ-EjD), the numerical rating scale (NRS)].

Results
There were 34 participants who could be evaluated before and after the use of Vigor 2020, with a mean age of 57.85 (27–86) years. Significant improvement in EHS and IIEF total score were observed with the use of Vigor 2020 in all participants. There was a significant improvement in MSHQ-EjD and NRS for participants who had an EHS of 3 or higher after the use of Vigor 2020. But no significant improvement in MSHQ-EjD and NRS for participants who had an EHS of 2 or lower after the use of Vigor 2020. The participants experienced no significant adverse events.

Conclusions
Vigor 2020 may be one treatment tool for ED, as defined in the ED guidelines. There is not only significant improvement of erection with Vigor 2020 but also improvement of ejaculation in cases of significant erectile efficacy.

Disclosure
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(144) The Use of Virtual Reality Systematic Desensitization for the Treatment of Psychogenic Erectile Dysfunction: A Pilot Study
Authors: Rodríguez Martínez J E , Dadian R , García Gómez A , Suro Martos A , Martínez Félix A M 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a sexual dysfunction that affects the sexual health of millions of men around the world. In recent years, the evidence indicates an increase in cases of ED among individuals under 40 years old. In most cases, the etiology is of psychogenic origin. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has been proven effective and remains one of the most widely used treatments for ED in these cases although controlled studies are lacking. One of the most effective CBT techniques is a set of activities performed by a couple, known as systematic desensitization (SD). SD involves gradually exposing the patient to feared intimacy-related activities with their partner. However, many patients do not have a stable partner or do not want their partner to participate in the treatment. Technological advances are helping to create virtual SD programs which are able to reproduce the sights, sounds, and other sensations of the feared situation.

Objective
Our goal is to determine the potential usefulness of a new virtual reality-based SD program for the treatment of psychogenic ED (pED).

Methods
Six sexually active men diagnosed with pED based on criteria for Erectile Disorder from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) completed virtual SD over 8 weeks. The program consisted of one educational session and five different virtual reality audio exercises which were completed at home using a masturbation aid device called Myhixel ED01, that is connected to a smartphone. The five-item Spanish version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) questionnaire was used to assess symptoms before and after the treatment and the Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction (EDITS) questionnaire was used for evaluating satisfaction with treatment.

Results
Patients enrolled had a mean age of 34.83 years (range 27–39) and experienced an improvement in erectile function, mean IIEF-5 score pretreatment was 11(range 9–13) mean posttreatment IIEF score was 18 (range 14–21). The mean EDITS index score at the end of the treatment was 64.70 (range 59–70.25). No adverse effects were reported during the treatment.

Conclusions
This case series suggests that the use of a virtual reality-based SD could be a potentially effective and safe therapeutic option for men with pED. This new treatment would facilitate greater access of men with pED to one of the most commonly used strategies of sexual therapy, as it would no longer require the participation of a partner. Studies with adequate sample sizes, control groups, randomization, and follow-up are needed to determine the effectiveness of this new treatment.

Disclosure
Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: NEW WELLNESS CONCEPT SL.
(149) Knowledge About HIV and Stigma Towards HIV-Positive People: A Study on the Italian Population
Authors: Antonelli P , Salvatori G , Giunti D , Borrello L , Dèttore D 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Introduction
The literature shows that an adequate knowledge about HIV enables individuals to understand the risks associated with virus transmission and encourages the adoption of protective behaviors. Moreover, it reduces stigma and discrimination against people living with the virus, fostering an open and supportive environment for early diagnosis and treatment. Thus, HIV awareness plays a crucial role in preventing the spread of the virus, improving public health and enhancing the quality of life for those affected.

Objective
The objective of our study was to assess the level of knowledge about HIV, particularly concerning transmission, prevention, and testing. We also investigated participants' habits regarding risky behaviors and the use of protection during sexual intercourse. Additionally, we aimed to evaluate how participants' knowledge about HIV influenced their perceived stigma towards HIV-positive individuals. Our hypothesis was that HIV knowledge would be negatively correlated with perceived stigma towards HIV-positive individuals.

Methods
We recruited a sample of 5256 individuals aged between 14 and 69 (M = 23.99, SD = 6.71) who claimed being HIV-negative, as well as a 54-people sample of participants who reported being HIV-positive, aged between 21 and 70 (M = 43.85, SD = 12.49). Participants completed a questionnaire that assessed their knowledge of HIV, sexual habits related to risky behaviors and transmission prevention, and their level of perceived stigma towards HIV-positive individuals.

Results
Both groups displayed good overall knowledge about HIV, as 75% of the HIV-negative group gave 25 (78.1%) correct answers or more and 75% of the HIV-positives gave at least 28 (87.5%) correct answers. Nonetheless, results highlighted poor knowledge concerning the modalities of HIV transmission and risky behaviors, as well as a low use of condoms during sexual intercourse, as well as low rate of HIV testing. Significant but weak correlations were observed between HIV knowledge, age and perceived stigma.

Conclusions
Although our sample demonstrated good overall HIV knowledge, our findings highlighted specific areas that require attention and should be targeted in future awareness campaigns. Perceived stigma showed weak associations with HIV knowledge and participants' age, but further research is necessary to gain a deeper understanding of the factors influencing this construct.

Disclosure
No.
(161) Is there a Difference in Inflatable Penile Prosthesis Mechanical Failure and Infections Rates in Relation to Prostate Cancer Treatment Modality (Radiation Therapy vs Radical Prostatectomy)
Authors: Khalaf Alla K , Mehr J , Green T , Kim D , Wang R 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Inflatable Penile Prosthesis (IPP) implantation as a treatment for ED has high satisfaction rates in the general population; however, there is limited literature on quantification of complication rates as stratified by ED etiology.

Objective
Our aim was to compare mechanical failure and infection rates in patients undergoing IPP implantation for ED following Radical Prostatectomy (RP) versus radiation therapy (RT) for prostate cancer.

Methods
A retrospective chart review from our institutional database was conducted to identify 405 patients who underwent IPP placement at our institution from 2015–2019, then selecting for those whose etiology of ED was following RP or RT. To prevent crossover confounding; patients with history of pelvic radiation or salvage radiotherapy were excluded from the RP group and patients with history of RP were excluded from the RT group. Data was obtained from 75 patients who met criteria for inclusion: 44 patients in the RP group and 31 patients in the RT group. Mechanical failure, infection rates, mean EDITS scores and additional survey questions were compared between the radiation and RP groups.

Results
Patient demographic information and IPP complication and satisfaction rates are listed below in Table 1 and Figure 1. There was a statistically significant difference in number of patients experiencing IPP complications, 19.4% (n=6) of patients in the RT cohort and 4.5% (n=2) in the RP cohort, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference found in stratified complications- infection rates, device erosion rates, mechanical failure rates, or device removal and/or replacement rates between the two groups. The RP cohort had a significantly higher mean Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction (EDITS) questionnaire score versus the RT cohort, 91.58 to 76.02, respectively.

Conclusions
These preliminary findings, while requiring large-scale follow up, suggest that there is a higher rate of IPP related complications in patients with device placement following RT for prostate cancer versus RP.

Disclosure
No.
(165) Shaeer's Cavernotome: Core Your Way Through Corporal Fibrosis
Authors: Mahmoud O 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Penile prosthesis implantation in scarred corporal bodies is one of the most challenging urologic procedures, with high risks of perforation and/or failure.

Objective
We present Shaeer’s Cavernotome (patent application number PCT/EG2021/050003). This is the forward-cutting cavernotome that relies on the principle of controlled coring rather than forward stabbing, with fibrous tissue accommodated into the hollow core, thereby high efficacy and low risk of perforation.

Methods
This is a prospective study involving 18 patients with severe corporal scarring. Surgery is performed through a peno-scrotal incision with an indwelling urethral catheter. Corporotomies are incised and a 2cm long core of fibrous tissue is excised with scalpel. Shaeer’s Cavernotome (ShC) is introduced and is lodged against the fibrous tissue. Coring proceeds with the stretched corpus or crus held between the thumb and index fingers of the non-dominant hand as a guide, ahead of the tip. ShC doubles as a sizer. Following coring, penile prosthesis implantation proceeds.

Results
Dilation of the corpora cavernosa was successful in 17 out of 18 patients. Average coring time was 8 minutes 3.2. Dilation was up to girth 13 Hegar in 12 patients, and 11 in 5. No perforations or infections were encountered

Conclusions
Shaeer’s Cavernotome is an instrument that facilitates penile prosthesis implantation in scarred corporal bodies. Full excavation of both corpora cavernosa is achievable in under 10 minutes, with low risk for perforation.

Disclosure
No.
(193) Low Intensity Shockwave Therapy in Combination with Phosphodiesterase-5 Inhibitors is an Effective and Safe Treatment Option in Patients with Vasculogenic ED who are PDE5i Nonresponders: A Multicenter Single-Arm Clinical Trial
Authors: Palmieri A , Arcaniolo D , Palumbo F , Verze P , Liguori G , Mondaini N , Falcone M , Idelfonso Scroppo F , Salonia A , Cai T 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Low-intensity shockwave therapy (Li-ESWT) has been shown to be an effective and safe treatment for vasculogenic erectiledysfunction (ED)

Objective
We aim to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of LiESWT in treating patients affected from vasculogenic ED who did not respond to oral treatment with Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors (PDE5-i)

Methods
It is a multicentric open-label prospective study, in a cohort of patients non-responders to PDE-5i. Li-ESWT was performed in an outpatient setting by using the following schedule: 3000 shockwaves with an energy of 0.25 mJ/mm2 and a frequency of 4–6 Hz, twice a week for 3 weeks. International Index of Erectile Function, Erection Hardness Score and Sexual Quality of Life-Male questionnaires, and penile doppler ultrasound (PDU) are the outcome measurements.

Results
The Student t-test or Wilcoxon signed-rank test were applied to compare variables, with results considered statistically significant at p &lt; 0.05. 106 (97.2%) completed treatment and performed follow-up visit after 4 weeks. At follow up visit, the mean IIEF-EF increased by 8.6 points (13.47 ± 4.61 vs 22.07 ± 5.27; p &lt; 0.0001). A clinically significant improvement of IIEF-EF was achieved in 75 patients (70.7%). An EHS score ≥ 3, sufficient for a full intercourse, was reported by 72 patients (67.9%) at follow-up visit. 37 (34.9%) patients reported a full rigid penis (EHS = 4) after treatment. Li-ESWT treatment was also able to improve quality of life (SQOL-M: 45.56 ± 8.00 vs 55.31 ± 9.56; p &lt; 0.0001). Li-ESWT significantly increased mean PSV (27.79 ± 5.50 vs 41.66 ± 8.59; p &lt; 0.0001) and decreased mean EDV (5.66 ± 2.03 vs 1.93 ± 2.11; p &lt; 0.0001) in PDU.

Conclusions
Combination of Li-ESWT and PDE5-i represents an effective and safe treatment for patients affected from ED who do not respond to first line oral therapy

Disclosure
No.
(197) Natural Aphrodisiacs Consumption by Male Workers in the Katanga province, DR Congo
Authors: Musa Obadia P , Kalenda Mulaji G , Muta Musambo T , Pyana Kitenge J , Carsi Kuhangana T , Kayembe-Kitenge T , Banza Lubaba Nkulu C , Enzlin P , Nemery B 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Introduction
In a previous cross-sectional study to determine the prevalence of ED among artisanal mineworkers, we found a significant association between aphrodisiacs consumption and erectile dysfunction (Musa et al. under review).

Objective
This study aimed at investigating the main reasons of aphrodisiacs consumption and their possible health effects in male workers in the Katanga province.

Methods
We conducted a mixed method study in which a first quantitative phase (survey) was conducted from March 2021 to May 2021, and included by convenience sampling, 127 artisanal miners and 122 drivers of collective taxis. All participants responded to the IIEF in the first survey. We measured urea, creatinine, sGOT, sGPT, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and triglyceride in serum. The second qualitative phase (interviews) took place later, and included 16 participants from the first quantitative study, 8 in each group.

Results
Self-reported aphrodisiacs consumption was 1.6 as prevalent among taxi-drivers compared to miners. ED was 1.5 as prevalent among aphrodisiacs' consumers compared to controls. Total cholesterol and LDL were significantly higher in aphrodisiac consumers than in non-consumers. Cultural perceptions about masculinity, support of erectile function and/or prevention of ED were themes that emerged from interviews in both groups. Two most consumed aphrodisiacs including Securidaca longepedunculata and Mitragyna stipulosa were taken with alcohol. No evidence of nephrotoxicity or hepatotoxicity was found.

Conclusions
In a population with high rate of herbal treatment use, we found a high prevalence of natural aphrodisiac plants that are widely consumed instead of pharmacologically proved synthetic drugs probably due to cultural beliefs. More ethno botanical studies of plants consumed as aphrodisiacs including isolation and rigorous identification of the active constituents are needed to provide the poor population with the right information and to protect them against unwanted toxic effects.

Disclosure
No.