[Results of deep dorsal vein ligation for venogenic impotence]

We treated seventy venogenic impotence with ligation of the deep dorsal vein of the penis. Their corporal veno-occlusive function was evaluated by dynamic infusion cavernosometry and cavernosography (DICC). Under local anesthesia, we made a longitudinal skin incision at the base of the penis. The deep dorsal vein was ligated and also a portion of this vein of 1.5 cm long was resected together with branches surrounding the vein. After the operation, the infusion rate determined by DICC was confirmed to be decreased in almost all patients. Thirty nine out of seventy cases had their erectile capability restored and reported that they could achieve sexual intercourse. Sixty one of the seventy cases showed full erection together with an intracavernous papaverine injection. However fifty percent of the sixty one patients who became capable of obtaining erection with the treatment had lost their erectile capability again within one year of the operation, however the other fifty percent were shown to maintain their erectile capability for up to three years. As four years after the treatment only thirty percent of those who had achieved the initial erectile capability still remained potent. This operation is easy to perform without any major complications, and its outcome is as good as that achieved by other more invasive venous ligation in the treatment of patients with venogenic impotence. We therefore conclude that penile deep dorsal vein ligation and partial resection of the vein one of the most useful treatments currently available for venogenic impotence and should be the treatment of choice.