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High-flow priapism (HFP) secondary to Nesbit operation: management by percutaneous embolization and colour Doppler-guided compression

International Journal of Impotence Research volume 17, pages 304–306 (2005)Cite this article

High-flow priapism (HFP) is an uncommon clinical entity that is typically associated with perineal or penile trauma with laceration of the cavernous artery, leading to arterial–lacunar fistula,1 and is characterized by a persistent, partial and not painful erection.2 History and physical examination followed by corporeal blood gas analysis and colour Doppler ultrasound (CDU) or selective internal pudendal arteriography usually lead to the diagnosis.3 The management of HFP is still controversial and typically includes selective internal pudendal embolization or open surgical legation of the arterial–lacunar fistula; conservative options, such as drainage of the corpora cavernosa with needle aspiration and intracavernous injections of alpha-adrenergic agonists, have been used with only temporary results.4

A 20-y-old man who underwent Nesbit corporoplasty in another department sought medical attention at a community hospital for having noticed the development of persistent penile erection approximately 12 h after surgery. Drainage of the corpora cavernosa with needle aspiration and several irrigations with 10 mg/ml phenylephrine produced only a transient detumescence and therefore he was sent to our department.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Urology, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy

    G Liguori, G Garaffa, C Trombetta & E Belgrano

  2. Division of Urology, General Hospital, Gorizia, Trieste, Italy

    M Capone

  3. Department of Radiology, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy

    M Bertolotto & F Pozzi-Mucelli

Authors
  1. G Liguori
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  2. G Garaffa
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  3. C Trombetta
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  4. M Capone
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  5. M Bertolotto
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  6. F Pozzi-Mucelli
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  7. E Belgrano
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Correspondence to G Liguori.

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Liguori, G., Garaffa, G., Trombetta, C. et al. High-flow priapism (HFP) secondary to Nesbit operation: management by percutaneous embolization and colour Doppler-guided compression. Int J Impot Res 17, 304–306 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ijir.3901251

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ijir.3901251

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