Ates Kadioglu

Summary of the recommendations on sexual dysfunctions in men

INTRODUCTION Sexual health is an integral part of overall health. Sexual dysfunction can have a major impact on quality of life and psychosocial and emotional well-being. AIM To provide evidence-based, expert-opinion consensus guidelines for clinical management of sexual dysfunction in men. METHODS An international consultation collaborating with major urologic and sexual medicine societies convened in Paris, July 2009. More than 190 multidisciplinary experts from 33 countries were assembled into 25 consultation committees. Committee members established scope and objectives for each chapter. Following an exhaustive review of available data and publications, committees developed evidence-based guidelines in each area. Main Outcome Measures.  New algorithms and guidelines for assessment and treatment of sexual dysfunctions were developed based on work of previous consultations and evidence from scientific literature published from 2003 to 2009. The Oxford system of evidence-based review was systematically applied. Expert opinion was based on systematic grading of medical literature, and cultural and ethical considerations. RESULTS Algorithms, recommendations, and guidelines for sexual dysfunction in men are presented. These guidelines were developed in an evidence-based, patient-centered, multidisciplinary manner. It was felt that all sexual dysfunctions should be evaluated and managed following a uniform strategy, thus the International Consultation of Sexual Medicine (ICSM-5) developed a stepwise diagnostic and treatment algorithm for sexual dysfunction. The main goal of ICSM-5 is to unmask the underlying etiology and/or indicate appropriate treatment options according to mens and womens individual needs (patient-centered medicine) using the best available data from population-based research (evidence-based medicine). Specific evaluation, treatment guidelines, and algorithms were developed for every sexual dysfunction in men, including erectile dysfunction; disorders of libido, orgasm, and ejaculation; Peyronies disease; and priapism. CONCLUSIONS Sexual dysfunction in men represents a group of common medical conditions that need to be managed from a multidisciplinary perspective.

Treatment of palpable varicocele in infertile men: a meta-analysis to define the best technique.

To date, there have been no randomized, controlled, prospective clinical studies that compare various techniques to describe the best method for the treatment of varicocele in infertile men. This meta-analysis aims to address the best treatment modality for palpable varicocele in infertile men. A MEDLINE search was performed for articles published between January 1980 and April 2008, and we analyzed 36 studies reporting postoperative spontaneous pregnancy rates and/or complication rates after varicocele repair using various techniques in infertile men with palpable unilateral or bilateral varicocele. Spontaneous pregnancy rates and postoperative complications such as hydrocele formation, recurrence, or persistence were compared among the techniques. In addition, interventional failure with radiologic embolization and reported complications with the laparoscopic approach were reviewed. Overall spontaneous pregnancy rates were 37.69% in the Palomo technique series, 41.97% in the microsurgical varicocelectomy techniques, 30.07% in the laparoscopic varicocelectomy techniques, 33.2% in the radiologic embolization, and 36% in the macroscopic inguinal (Ivanissevich) varicocelectomy series, revealing significant differences among the techniques (P = .001). Overall recurrence rates were 14.97% in the Palomo technique series, 1.05% in the microsurgical varicocelectomy techniques, 4.3% in the laparoscopic varicocelectomy techniques, 12.7% in the radiologic embolization, and 2.63% in the macroscopic inguinal (Ivanissevich) or subinguinal varicocelectomy series, revealing significant difference among the techniques (P = .001). Overall hydrocele formation rates were 8.24% in the Palomo technique series, 0.44% in the microsurgical varicocelectomy techniques, 2.84% in the laparoscopic varicocelectomy, and 7.3% in the macroscopic inguinal (Ivanissevich) or subinguinal varicocelectomy series, revealing significant difference among the techniques (P = .001). We conclude that the microsurgical varicocelectomy technique has higher spontaneous pregnancy rates and lower postoperative recurrence and hydrocele formation than conventional varicocelectomy techniques in infertile men. However, prospective, randomized, and comparative studies with large number of patients are needed to compare the efficacy of microsurgical varicocelectomy with that of other treatment modalities in infertile men with varicocele.

A Retrospective Review of 307 Men With Peyronie’s Disease

PURPOSE We discuss the clinical appearance and natural outcome of Peyronies disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS During an 8-year period 307 men with Peyronies disease were evaluated, and clinical characteristics, risk (factors), penile deformities, erectile status and outcome were analyzed. RESULTS Mean patient age plus or minus standard deviation was 52.8 +/- 9.3 years (range 23 to 76). Penile deformity, pain on erection and palpable nodule were the most common (85%) presenting symptoms, usually in different combinations. The remaining 15% of men (mean age 59.4 +/- 6.5 years) were not aware of the penile deformity and were diagnosed during standard evaluation for erectile dysfunction. Dorsal (45.6%) and lateral (29.3%) were the most common curvatures. The degree of deformity was less than 30 degrees in 42.7% of patients, 31 to 60 degrees in 38.8% and greater than 60 degrees in 18.6%. At least 1 risk factor for systemic vascular disease was identified in 67.5% of patients, and hypercholesterolemia and diabetes were the most common. Patients with at least 1 risk factor had a significantly higher risk for severe penile deformity. Of the men 54.4% complained of erectile dysfunction and the probability of diminished erectile capacity was 86.7% in patients older than 60 years, with Peyronies disease for more than 12 months and at least 1 risk factor. Of 63 patients presenting with the acute phase of disease penile deformity deteriorated in 30.2%, did not change in 66.7% and resolved spontaneously in 3.2% without any treatment after a mean followup of 8.4 months. CONCLUSIONS Our data show that penile deformities are disabling (greater than 30 degrees) in 62.5% of cases. Risk factors, such as serum lipid abnormalities, diabetes and hypertension, seem to have significant impact on the severity of symptoms and outcome. Patients must be informed that Peyronies disease is progressive in 30.2% without treatment and spontaneous resolution is rare.

Comparison of results and complications of high ligation surgery and microsurgical high inguinal varicocelectomy in the treatment of varicocele.

OBJECTIVES To prospectively compare sperm parameters, pregnancy and recurrence rates, and complications after randomized high ligation surgery versus microsurgical high inguinal varicocelectomy (MHIV). METHODS Varicocele was diagnosed by physical examination and color Doppler ultrasound in 468 patients who underwent one of two procedures: high ligation surgery (n = 232) or MHIV (n = 236). The high ligation surgery was left unilateral in 142 and bilateral in 90. The MHIV was left unilateral in 128 and bilateral in 108. The patients were postoperatively evaluated by spermiograms and physical examination. The pregnancy rate was monitored for 2 years. RESULTS One year after surgery, 34.05% in the high ligation group and 46.61% in the MHIV group had a more than 50% increase in their total motile sperm count (P = 0.000). The increase in sperm count was not statistically different between the two groups (P = 0.1), but the difference in the increase in sperm motility in the MHIV group was statistically significant (P = 0.000). Pregnancy rates at the end of 2 years reached 33.57% in the high ligation group and 42.85% in the MHIV group, not a statistically significant difference (P = 0.0571). The postoperative recurrence as detected by physical examination was markedly different between the two techniques. The recurrence rate was 15.51% in the high ligation group and 2.11% in the MHIV group (P = 0.000). Also, the incidence of postoperative hydrocele was significantly different between the two groups (9.09% in the high ligation group and 0.69% in the MHIV group; P = 0.000). CONCLUSIONS MHIV has lower recurrence and hydrocele rates, a higher increase in sperm motility, and results in higher pregnancy rates. Therefore, it should be the preferred technique for varicocelectomy.

Prevalence and Risk Factors for Low Sexual Function in Women: A Study of 1,009 Women in an Outpatient Clinic of a University Hospital in Istanbul

INTRODUCTION Sexual functioning is a common and multidimensional problem, associated with multiple biological, medical, psychological, sociocultural, political, economic, and interpersonal factors. AIM The study was planned to determine the prevalence and risk factors for low sexual function in women in an outpatient clinic of a university hospital in Istanbul. METHODS Totally, 1,009 women over 20 years of age or their healthy female companions were interviewed in the outpatient clinics of the Department of Internal Medicine in a university hospital in Istanbul. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) was used to evaluate sexual function. RESULTS The mean age of women was 38.62 +/- 12.82 and 22.2% of women were postmenopausal. The mean FSFI score was found to be 24.25 +/- 9.50 out of a maximum total score of 36. Based on the total FSFI score, 43.4% of the women had scores less then 26. The mean domain scores were: desire 3.14 +/- 1.47, arousal 3.60 +/- 1.85, lubrication 4.53 +/- 2.01, orgasm 4.02 +/- 1.97, satisfaction 4.27 +/- 1.64, and pain 4.69 +/- 1.96 out of a maximum domain score of six. The rate of low sexual function by the age groups were 22% for those 20-29 years, 39.7% for those 30-39 years, 50.2% for those 40-49 years, 71.3% for those 50-59 years, 82.9% for those 60-64 years, and 87.8% for those 65 and over. Lower educational level, menopause, depression, presence of sexual dysfunction in their partner, and contraceptive use were found to be significantly associated with low sexual function in women. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of low sexual function in women was found to significantly increase with age. The most significantly affected domains were desire and arousal followed by orgasmic problems, satisfaction, and pain, respectively.

Priapism: pathogenesis, epidemiology, and management.

INTRODUCTION Priapism describes a persistent erection arising from dysfunction of mechanisms regulating penile tumescence, rigidity, and flaccidity. A correct diagnosis of priapism is a matter of urgency requiring identification of underlying hemodynamics. AIMS To define the types of priapism, address its pathogenesis and epidemiology, and develop an evidence-based guideline for effective management. METHODS Six experts from four countries developed a consensus document on priapism; this document was presented for peer review and debate in a public forum and revisions were made based on recommendations of chairpersons to the International Consultation on Sexual Medicine. This report focuses on guidelines written over the past decade and reviews the priapism literature from 2003 to 2009. Although the literature is predominantly case series, recent reports have more detailed methodology including duration of priapism, etiology of priapism, and erectile function outcomes. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Consensus recommendations were based on evidence-based literature, best medical practices, and bench research. RESULTS Basic science supporting current concepts in the pathophysiology of priapism, and clinical research supporting the most effective treatment strategies are summarized in this review. CONCLUSIONS Prompt diagnosis and appropriate management of priapism are necessary to spare patients ineffective interventions and maximize erectile function outcomes. Future research is needed to understand corporal smooth muscle pathology associated with genetic and acquired conditions resulting in ischemic priapism. Better understanding of molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of stuttering ischemic priapism will offer new avenues for medical intervention. Documenting erectile function outcomes based on duration of ischemic priapism, time to interventions, and types of interventions is needed to establish evidence-based guidance. In contrast, pathogenesis of nonischemic priapism is understood, and largely attributable to trauma. Better documentation of onset of high-flow priapism in relation to time of injury, and response to conservative management vs. angiogroaphic or surgical interventions is needed to establish evidence-based guidance.

Sexual Dysfunction in Type II Diabetic Females: A Comparative Study

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is considered to play a principle role in the etiopathogenesis of sexual dysfunction both in men and women. The aim of this study is to evaluate sexual function in Type II diabetic women. A total of 72 young diabetic women (mean age: 38.8 years) with no other systemic diseases and 60 age-matched healthy women were enrolled in our study. We sought from them a detailed medical and sexual history and used the Index of Female Sexual function (IFSF) questionnaire (Kaplan et al., 1999). The mean IFSF score of diabetic women was 29.3 - 6.4 and was 37,7 - 3.5 in normal cases ( p < 0.05). Lack of libido was the most common symptom in diabetics and was observed in 77% of the women. Diminished clitoral sensation was observed in 62.5% of the women, 37.5% complained of vaginal dryness and 41.6% had vaginal discomfort. Orgasmic dysfunction was found in 49% of the women. The incidence of all these related symptoms were significantly higher when compared to controls. We concluded that significant percentage of diabetic women that we observed experience sexual dysfunction of varying degrees that diminishes their quality of life.

Is colchicine effective in Peyronie'sdisease? A pilot study

OBJECTIVES The treatment of Peyronies disease with oral or topical agents has not been entirely satisfactory. In this pilot study, we hypothesized that colchicine, known to induce collagenase activity and decrease collagen synthesis, might be an ideal agent in the treatment of Peyronies disease. METHODS Colchicine was administered orally for 3 to 5 months to a group of 24 previously untreated patients with Peyronies disease. RESULTS Peyronies plaque decreased or disappeared in 12 of the 24 patients, 7 of 9 patients with painful erections reported significant relief, and penile curvature was improved in 7 of 19 cases. Erectile status, narrowing of the penis, and accompanying Dupuytrens contracture did not change in any of the cases. CONCLUSIONS Although this pilot study shows some promising results of the use of colchicine in the treatment of Peyronies disease, the ultimate usefulness of this agent will be determined only by a prospective double-blind clinical study.

Graft Materials in Peyronie's Disease Surgery: A Comprehensive Review

OBJECTIVE To discuss the currently used graft materials in Peyronies surgery. METHODS A MEDLINE search was conducted till the end of September 2006 on the surgical treatment of Peyronies disease, and all aspects of the graft materials used for Peyronies surgery were examined. RESULTS Currently available interposing graft materials may be classified in three categories: autologous tissues, extracellular matrix (ECM) tissues, and synthetic materials. Each grafting material in these categories has its own advantages and drawbacks in terms of tissue properties, antigenicity, availability, and cost-effectiveness. Saphenous vein grafts are the most widely used among autologous grafts, with acceptable functional outcomes in the long term. Other graft materials include tunica vaginalis, fascia lata, rectus fascia, and buccal mucosa, with variable results. Despite numerous advantages in terms of tissue compatibility, the major drawback of autologous grafts is tissue harvesting that to morbidities and longer operative durations. For this reason, the use of readily available ECM tissues as the products of tissue engineering is recommended by some authors. Among ECM grafts, cadaveric and bovine pericardia have satisfactory mid-term outcomes. However, longer follow-ups with an adequate number of patients are lacking. On the other hand, recent evidence suggests that small intestinal submucosa may be associated with high rate of operative failure and complications. Generally, synthetic materials are no longer used in grafting procedures in Peyronies surgery because of their antigenicity and inappropriate functional properties. For prosthesis surgery, pericardia as well as autologous rectus fascia grafts are probably the most suitable graft materials because of their suitable tissue characteristics that satisfy the mechanical demands of the prosthesis. CONCLUSION Saphenous vein grafting from autologous tissues and pericardium from ECM tissues have satisfactory results. However, further research and clinical studies are needed in order to determine the optimal graft material.

CAN VARICOCELECTOMY SIGNIFICANTLY CHANGE THE WAY COUPLES USE ASSISTED REPRODUCTIVE TECHNOLOGIES

PURPOSE We assessed how varicocelectomy alters semen quality in a large cohort of infertile men and determined whether it can change patient candidacy for assisted reproductive technology procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS A cohort of 540 infertile men with clinical palpable varicocele underwent microsurgical varicocelectomy and were followed more than 1 and 2 years postoperatively for alterations in semen quality and conception, respectively. Preoperatively and postoperatively the total motile sperm count was calculated in all semen analyses. Based on total motile sperm count values patients were divided into 4 groups according to the type of assisted reproductive technology for which they qualified, including 0 to 1.5 million or less (intracytoplasmic sperm injection candidates), 1.5 to 5 million or less (in vitro fertilization candidates), 5 to less than 20 million (intrauterine insemination candidates) and 20 million or greater sperm (spontaneous pregnancy candidates). Preoperative and postoperative semen quality was compared among individuals in these cohorts to determine the shifts in assisted reproductive technology care that are possible after varicolectomy. RESULTS Mean patient age was 29.5 years (range 18 to 58). Microsurgical varicocelectomy was bilateral in 393 patients (73%), on the left side in 146 (27%) and on the right side in 1 (0.2%). A positive response to varicocelectomy, defined as a greater than 50% increase in total motile sperm count, was observed in 271 patients (50%). An overall spontaneous pregnancy rate of 36.6% was achieved after varicocelectomy with a mean time to conception of 7 months (range 1 to 19). Of preoperative in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection candidates 31% became intrauterine insemination or spontaneous pregnancy candidates after varicolectomy. Of intrauterine insemination candidates 42% gained the potential for spontaneous pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS Varicocelectomy has significant potential not only to obviate the need for assisted reproductive technology, but also to down stage or shift the level of assisted reproductive technology needed to bypass male factor infertility.