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Priapism: an Update on Principles and Practices

  • MALE AND FEMALE SURGICAL INTERVENTIONS (AL BURNETT AND CC CARSON III, SECTION EDITORS)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Priapism is an erectile disorder in which erection persists uncontrollably without sexual purpose. It exists in two forms: ischemic (or low-flow) priapism, which represents the majority of cases, and nonischemic (high-flow) priapism. This condition requires prompt evaluation and management to prevent long-term sequelae of ischemic priapism, most notably erectile dysfunction. It is important that initial diagnostic steps identify the proper form of priapism because ischemic priapism is an emergency that must be treated as quickly as possible. Initial evaluation must include a history and physical exam and a corporeal blood gas analysis. Initial treatment is therapeutic aspiration of blood and subsequent intracavernous injection of sympathomimetic drugs. Only after failure of these conservative measures is the use of surgical shunts appropriate. Nonischemic priapism is not an emergency. Initial management is observation, followed by arterial embolization for patients who request intervention.

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Conflict of Interest

Nathaniel Readal and Arthur L. Burnett declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Human and Animal Rights and Informed Consent

This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Brady Urological Institute, Johns Hopkins Medical Institution, Brady Building 402 ,600 N Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA

    Nathaniel Readal & Arthur L. Burnett

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  1. Nathaniel Readal
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  2. Arthur L. Burnett
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Correspondence to Nathaniel Readal.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Male and Female Surgical Interventions

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Readal, N., Burnett, A.L. Priapism: an Update on Principles and Practices. Curr Sex Health Rep 6, 38–44 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11930-013-0004-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11930-013-0004-4

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