Self intra-cavernous injections as a successful treatment in pure neurogenic impotence

The aim of our research is to investigate the success of the vasoactive intracavernous therapy in subjects suffering impotence only on a neurological basis. We have submitted 50 subjects to a multisciplinary study including P.B.P.I., intracavernous minitest plus V.S.S., M.M.P.I., B.C.R. latency, duration, aspect and an hormonal screening (SH, LH, PRL, F. TEST, 17 BE2). The patients, or their partners, were instructed in the technique of self intracavernous injection (S.I.C.I.) of vasoactive drugs. Papaverine alone was given to 37 patients in a mean dose of 20.8 +/- 11.7 mg. Other 13 patients were treated with papaverine plus phentolamine in order to obtain a full erection. Comprehensive results of the treatment were judged at 80% effective: only 10 patients discontinued self injection treatment, unable to perform this technique properly.