Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2026
12:10
Retzius-Sparing Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy
Published on: May 19, 2022
Spontaneous priapism after radical retropubic prostatectomy
Dominik Bohlen1, Johannes Eberle, Hans-Peter Schmid
1Urology Center Berne, Berne, Switzerland.
Urologia Internationalis
|August 5, 2006
Summary
This study reports the first case of priapism after radical prostatectomy. Post-surgery, a patient experienced painful erections related to body position, possibly due to venous obstruction.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Surgical Oncology
Background:
- Radical prostatectomy is a common treatment for prostate cancer.
- Maintaining erectile function post-surgery is a significant concern for patients.
Observation:
- A 66-year-old male patient developed priapism after a radical retropubic prostatectomy with unilateral nerve sparing.
- The patient experienced spontaneous, painful erections in a standing position, which resolved when supine.
Findings:
- Pathology confirmed pT2c pN0 Gleason score 3 + 3 = 6 prostate cancer.
- The priapism episodes were intermittent and position-dependent, lasting for 3 weeks post-surgery.
Implications:
- This case suggests a potential link between radical prostatectomy and positional priapism.
- Post-surgical venous obstruction from hematoma or thrombosis may underlie this complication.
- Further research is needed to understand and manage this rare adverse event.
