The Erection Ring — A New Treatment Approach in Venogenic Erectile Dysfunction

Abstract

Owing to a lack of successful results the treatment of venous erectile dysfunction of unclear etiology is presently passing through a dynamic phase (Lewis 1988). Previously the treatment of choice was venous ligature, the initial results of which have been encouraging. During a 1-year observation period success rates of between 28% and 75% have been reported (Buvat et al. 1986; Lewis 1988; Michal et al. 1986; Pfeiffer and Terhorst 1988; Wagenknecht et al. 1986; Wespes and Schulman 1985). However, other surgical procedures have proven disappointing, especially in complex venous leakage with drainage via the deep cavernous veins. Wespes et al. recently reported a 5-year success rate of 46% (Wespes et al. 1988). Nonsurgical alternative treatments have long been known. External erectile aids, in particular, have frequently been employed. The use of suction aids (Osbon-Erecaid system) to induce penile tumescence, which is then maintained by constriction bands at the root of the penis, is a recognized procedure for exceptional cases (Osbon 1983; Witherington 1988). Since 1917 different variations of these erectile aids have been patented in the United States of America (Fre-San Products Manufacturing Co. 1976; Jennings 1970; Jones 1974; Lederer 1917; Sell 1959; Sutherland and Isbister 1975; Wilson 1973). Similarly, numerous inflatable external erection systems have been patented in Europe since 1925 (Ekes 1929, 1932; Geyer 1987; Höflinger 1955; Kratzenstein 1926; Nadig 1985; Nitardy 1913; Skora 1933; Wu 1978).