No abstract

Background Low specificity of prostate-specific antigen results in a considerable number of unnecessary prostate biopsies in current practice. SelectMDx® predicts significant prostate cancer upon biopsy and is used to reduce the number of unnecessary initial prostate biopsies. Furthermore, potential overtreatment of insignificant prostate cancer can be reduced. Besides the diagnostic accuracy of the test, also the context in a specific country determines the potential health benefit and costeffectiveness. Therefore, the health benefit and cost-effectiveness of SelectMDx were assessed in France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. Subject and methods A decision model was used to compare the current standard of care in which men undergo initial prostate biopsy in case of an elevated prostate-specific antigen, to a strategy in which SelectMDx was used to select men for biopsy. Model inputs most relevant to each of the four countries were obtained. With use of the model long-term qualityadjusted life years (QALYs) and healthcare costs were calculated for both strategies. Results In all four countries, the SelectMDx resulted in QALY gain and cost savings compared with the current standard of care. In France, SelectMDx resulted in 0.022 QALYs gained and cost savings of €1217 per patient. For Germany, the model showed a QALY gain of 0.016 and a cost saving of €442. In Italy, the QALY gain and cost savings were 0.031 and €762. In Spain 0.020 QALYs were gained and €250 costs were saved. Conclusions The results of the model showed that with SelectMDx, QALYs could be gained while saving healthcare costs in the initial diagnosis of prostate cancer. The significant presence of overtreatment in the current standard of care in all four countries was the main factor that resulted in the beneficial outcomes with SelectMDx.

The incidence of bladder cancer in Spain, age adjusted to the standard European population, confirms that Spain has one of the highest incidences in Europe. Most primary nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer corresponded to high risk patients but with a low detected incidence of carcinoma in situ.

Introduction Patients with Peyronie’s disease (PD) and erectile dysfunction (ED) concomitant with shortening or other malformations benefit from prosthesis implantation and penile lengthening procedures. Aim To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a multi-incisional technique with penile prosthesis implantation with multiple corporeal incisions and collagen grafting for the surgical management of complex cases of PD with ED and severe penile shortening. Methods From February 2015–May 2018, 43 consecutive patients with complex PD were treated using this technique. Implantation of a penile prosthesis (malleable or inflatable [IPP]) together with multiple relaxing tunica albuginea incisions and grafting with a self-adhesive collagen-fibrin fleece (TachoSil, Baxter Healthcare) was performed in all patients by a single surgeon (J.I.M.S.). Main Outcome Measure Penile length and curvature correction, operative time, and incidence of postoperative complications were recorded as outcome measures. Functional outcomes were measured with questionnaires (International Index of Erectile Function-5, Erection Hardness Score, modified Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction questionnaire, PD Questionnaire) before and 3 and 6 months after surgery. Results With a median follow-up of 21 months (range 10–31), mean postsurgical penile lengthening was 2.5 (range 1–5) cm, with an improvement in the Bother domain of the PD Questionnaire of 4.4 (range 2–5) points. The average operative time was 86.7 and 71.6 minutes for the IPP and malleable penile prosthesis procedure, respectively. No glans ischemia was recorded; however, 1 IPP infection and 1 delayed distal corporeal erosion were recorded. Hematoma or bruising was observed in 23.2% of patients. The modified Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction questionnaire was completed by 39 (90.7%) patients. Overall, 89.7% would recommend this surgery. Patient satisfaction with straightness and length was 94.9% and 82.1%, respectively. Clinical Implications The described technique helps restoration of penile length and erectile function in patients with complex PD. Strengths & Limitations The strength of the study is that it offers a simple, easy-to-apply technique for surgeons to correct shortening and other malformations in patients with ED and complex PD. The study is limited by the small number of patients, the short follow-up period and the performance of the technique by a single high-volume implanter. Conclusion The implantation of a penile prosthesis (malleable or inflatable) together with multiple incisions of the plaque/tunica albuginea and grafting with a collagen fleece is a safe and efficient treatment for patients with complex PD in addition to ED and significant shortening.