Intracavernosal adrenalin injection in priapism

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Andrology

Background:

• Prolonged erection (priapism) is a rare urological emergency requiring effective treatment.
• Intracavernosal vasoactive agent injection for erectile dysfunction is a common cause of iatrogenic priapism.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intracavernosal adrenaline injection as a standalone treatment for priapism.
• To assess the success rate of adrenaline injections in achieving detumescence.

Main Methods:

• Nineteen patients with prolonged erection were treated with intracavernosal adrenaline (1/100,000).
• Injections were repeated at 20-minute intervals if initial treatment failed.
• Hemodynamic parameters (blood pressure, heart rate) were monitored throughout.

Main Results:

• Detumescence was achieved in 53% of patients after the first adrenaline injection.
• An additional 42% of patients achieved detumescence after repeated injections (2-5 total).
• Overall, 95% of patients experienced successful detumescence with no significant hemodynamic changes.

Conclusions:

• Intracavernosal adrenaline injection alone is a highly effective and safe treatment for priapism.
• This method is particularly beneficial for patients with shorter durations of prolonged erection.
• It presents a less problematic alternative to traditional aspiration and irrigation techniques.