Erectile dysfunction: an underdiagnosed condition associated with multiple risk factors

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common condition with a significant effect on the quality of life. The prevalence of ED rises with increasing age and other conditions (hypertension, diabetes, ischaemic heart disease, hypercholesterolaemia and depression). The MALES study is one of the largest epidemiological surveys to investigate the prevalence of ED. This study included 27839 patients spanning eight countries. In addition to the MALES study, we review the emerging link

between lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) and ED, including the effect of BPH treatment on sexual function. Preliminary data from the MALES II study shows a significant cascade effect in the treatment seeking behaviour and treatment adherence of patients taking sildenafil for ED. We explore the possible reasons behind the discontinuation of oral phosphodiesterase inhibitors prescribed for the long-term treatment of ED.     

Evidence-based guidelines for the management of lower urinary tract symptoms related to uncomplicated benign prostatic hyperplasia in Italy: updated summary

ABSTRACT

Background and scope: Despite the high prevalence and huge socio-economic impact of benign prostatic hyper­plasia (BPH) in Italy, no national guidelines have been produced so far. This is a summary of the first Italian guidelines on the diagnosis and treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) related to uncomplicated BPH, prepared by a multidisciplinary panel under the auspices of the Italian Association of Urologists and introduced in Italy in 2003. An update compiled by the authors is also included.

Methods: Relevant papers published from 1998 to 2003 (updated to 2006) were identified through a structured literature review and the quality of evidence presented therein was graded according to the Centre for the Evaluation of Effectiveness in Health Administration (CeVEAS) system. Recommendations were based on evidence from the literature, but also on feedback from practitioners and specialists.

Main findings/recommendations: Given the prevalence of BPH, all men aged ≥ 50 years of age should be asked about LUTS and informed about disease characteristics and therapeutic options, while sexual function should always be assessed in patients with severe and long-standing LUTS. Initial assessment should include medical history (including drug and co-morbidity history), digital rectal examination, urinalysis, International Prostate Symptom Score-Quality of Life (IPSS-QoL) and a voiding diary, while prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and measure­ment of prostate volume by suprapubic ultrasonography are indicated in fully informed patients with a life expectancy of ≥ 10 years in whom BPH progression could influence treatment choices. QoL considerations should dictate whether to start active treatment. When QoL is not affected by LUTS, watchful waiting is indicated if symptoms are mild, acceptable if they are moderate. When QoL is affected, medical therapy with α₁-blockers or 5α-reductase inhibitors (the latter indicated in patients with increased prostate volume) is appropriate. Combined therapy with α₁-blockers + 5α-reductase inhibitors should only be considered in patients at high risk for progression (prostate volume > 40?mL or PSA > 4?ng/mL), since the incremental cost of combination therapy vs. monotherapy with α₁?blockers or finasteride is prohibitive. Selection of the type of surgery should be based on the surgeon's experience, the presence of co-morbid conditions and the size of the prostate. Open prostatectomy and transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) are recommended in patients with acute or chronic retention of urine, and acceptable in obstructed patients with moderate/severe symptoms and worsened QoL. Transurethral incision of the prostate (TUIP) is acceptable when prostate volume is ≤ 30?mL. Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) may be proposed to motivated patients where expert surgeons are available. Transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT) or transurethral needle ablation (TUNA) may be proposed to motivated patients who prefer to avoid surgery and/or do not respond to medical treatment. The possible effects of medical or surgical treatments on sexual function should always be discussed.

Conclusions: These guidelines are intended to provide a framework for health professionals involved in BPH management in order to facilitate decision-making in all areas and at all levels of healthcare.     

Propeller flap: Orthoplastic approach for coverage of distal leg and ankle defects

BackgroundCovering soft tissue defects of the distal one-third of the leg and the Achilles tendon region and is a challenging problem for an orthopedic surgeon. With recent advancements in the anatomical knowledge of perforating vessels, perforator-pedicled propeller flaps have become increasingly popular in recent decades. We aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of our patients whose soft tissue defects in the distal leg were reconstructed with propeller flaps and assessed association of complications with age, gender, flap size and arc of rotation.MethodsPatients that had a reconstruction with a propeller flap at the ankle from 2013 to 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. The main indications for the propeller flap were small- and medium-sized soft tissue defects of the distal lower limb. 20 propeller flaps were applied to 19 patients (14 male, 5 female) for various lower extremity defects.ResultsThe mean follow-up duration was 2 years (range, 6 months to 6 years). The average flap size was 82 cm² (range, 48–125 cm²). The flap was rotated 180 degrees in nine patients The source of the perforator vessel was the tibialis posterior artery in 14 cases, the peroneal artery in 4 cases, both the tibialis posterior and peroneal arteries in 1 case. Four complications (20 %) occured postoperatively. Two patients developed partial necrosis at the tip of the flap, and two patients developed superficial epidermolysis. No correlations were found between complications and flap size and the arc of rotation.ConclusionsThe propeller flap is a reliable option for reconstruction of small to moderate defects in the lower extremity with good clinical results and minimal donor-site morbidity. It is applicable for orthopedic surgeons who do not have microsurgical experience or an available microscope in the operating room.     

A Web-Based Survey of Oculoplastic Surgeons Regarding the Management of Lower Lid Retraction

Purpose: To survey the opinion of oculoplastic surgeons on the assessment and management of lower eyelid retraction (LLR).

Methods: A web-based survey queried oculoplastic surgeon members of Ojoplast, Spanish and Brazilian Oculoplastic Societies on the management of LLR. The frequency and percentage proportions of the responses were analyzed.

Results: One hundred ninety-six oculoplastic surgeons participated in the survey. The main cause of LLR is post-blepharoplasty (62;31.6%). The most used sign to detect LLR is scleral show. The most common approaches to managing LLR are lateral canthal surgery (164/593;27.6%), autogenous spacers (148/593; 24.9%) and retractor release (131/593;22.1%). The preferred autogenous graft material includes ear cartilage (102/260;39.2%). The majority of surgeons (161/314; 51.3%) recommend massage or steroids injection (80/314;25.5%) for early post-blepharoplasty LLR, while, 54.1% (106/196) of participants suggested waiting for at least six months prior to surgical intervention. Frost suture is used after most LLR surgeries (154/196;91.1%). Incomplete correction is the main complication (111/310;35.8%) of LLR surgery. For mild LLR, 48% of the responders prefer clinical treatment; conversely, severe cases routinely require combined surgical techniques.

Conclusions: Oculoplastic surgeons frequently diagnose LLR based on scleral show. LLR management depends on the cause and severity of lid retraction. Mild cases, in general, receive clinical treatment and severe cases need a combination of surgical techniques and grafts.     

下肢静脉曲张术后并发静脉血栓的有效护理干预

目的:分析对下肢静脉曲张术后并发静脉血栓患者的有效护理干预措施。方法:以2019年6月~2019年6月我院收治的42例下肢静脉曲张患者为研究对象,随机分为两组,各21例,对照组常规护理,实验组实施有效护理干预,对比护理效果。结果:对照组下肢静脉曲张术后患者的并发深静脉血栓发生率高于实验组患者,差异具备统计学价值;实验组下肢静脉曲张术后患者的护理满意度高于对照组患者,差异显著且具备统计学意义。结论:下肢静脉曲张术后实施有效护理干预可降低并发静脉血栓发生率,同时提升患者护理满意度,有效改善患者预后,促进患者康复,也有利于维护良好的护患关系,因此应在临床实践中对有效护理干预进行推广与普及。     

颅脑外伤术后昏迷患者下肢深静脉血栓的防治及护理

目的探讨颅脑外伤术后昏迷患者下肢深静脉血栓(LDVT)患者的防治及护理措施。方法 2013年1月至2015年1月医院颅脑外伤昏迷患者86例,均择期手术治疗,采用随机数字表法将分为对照组和观察组各43例,对照组给予常规护理,观察组给予预见性护理,对比2组干预前后血栓前状态,发放Wells评分LDVT量表和Geneva评分肺栓塞量表,记录LDVT、肺栓塞发生率。结果 2组干预前后抗凝血酶(AT)无差异(P0.05);观察组干预后纤维蛋白原(Fbg)、血浆纤维蛋白降解产物(FDP)、AT、D二聚体(D-D)、血小板α颗粒膜蛋白-140(GMP-140)改善明显低于对照组(P0.05);观察组LDVT、肺栓塞发生率为4.65%、0,明显低于对照组(P0.05)。结论颅脑外伤术后昏迷期间给予预见性护理,可改善血栓前状态,预防LDVT、肺栓塞发生。     

不同下肢深静脉血栓形成患者并发肺栓塞的CT肺血管造影的评估价值

目的探析CT肺血管造影(CTPA)在不同下肢深静脉血栓形成(LDVT)患者并发肺栓塞(PE)中的临床评估价值。方法以我院2012年1月至2015年10月期间行CTPA检查的下肢深静脉血栓患者105例作为研究对象,分为A组(左下肢LDVT,n=58)、B组(右下肢LDVT,n=30)、C组(双下肢LDVT,n=17),均行CTPA检查,比较三组PE检出率,计算CT肺动脉栓塞指数(CTI)并比较CTI≥40%患者所占百分率。结果 A、B、C三组的PE检出率分别为41.4%(24/58)、53.3%(16/30)、76.5%(13/17),C组PE检出率明显高于A组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论 CT肺血管造影在不同LDVT患者中的应用对并发PE的诊断具有较大评估价值,尤其对于双下肢DVT患者,值得推广应用。