[The value of using a facilitating dose of papaverine chlorhydrate during cavernometry]

In order to establish diagnostic cavernometric criteria, we selected 63 patients who did not respond positively to visual sexual stimulation. They were subjected to the following protocol including Rigiscan monitoring of 2 or 3 nights erections for, hormonal assays, penile doppler, cavernometry and cavernography. Intracorporeal injection of 8 mg of papaverine was performed during the hemodynamic tests. Our results showed that the erection maintenance blood flow and the maintenance index are statistically reliable diagnostic criteria for venous leaks (the maintenance index is more accurate). The use of 8 mg of papaverine reduces the incidence of false positive results without significant hemodynamic changes. In order to exclude psychogenic false positive patients, it is recommended to select the candidates for cavernometry after papaverine tests and nocturnal penile tumescence and rigidity monitoring.