Erectile function and dysfunction following low flow priapism: a comparison of distal and proximal shunts

To compare erectile function following low flow priapism in patients undergoing distal and proximal shunts.

From January 1995 to December 2005, we retrospectively studied 16 patients who presented to our medical center with refractory priapism. Of 16 patients, 5 underwent Winter shunt, while El-Ghorab procedure was performed for 7 patients and the remaining 4 underwent Grayhack shunt. Erectile function was assessed in a minimum follow-up of 2 years (range, 2 to 10 years) using erectile dysfunction (ED) intensity scale [Total score: 5 to 10 (severe ED); 11 to 15 (moderate ED); 16 to 20 (mild ED); and 21 to 25 (no ED)].

The mean patient's age was 40.62 ± 15.27 years. Mean duration of priapism was 51.12 ± 37.99 hours. Of 4 patients (25%) who underwent proximal shunt (Grayhack procedure), 2 (50%) were impotent, 1 had potency, and the other one achieved some penile erection with administration of oral sildenafil. Of 5 patients (31.25%) who underwent Winter procedure, 1 died because of metastatic bladder cancer and of 4 remainders, 2 (50%) had normal erectile function, but 1 patient suffered from recurrent priapism. Of 7 patients (43.75%) who underwent El-Ghorab procedure, 1 was lost for follow-up and of remaining 6 patients, 2 (33.3%) had normal erectile function and 4 (66.6%) were impotent. No surgical complication was seen. Median lag time from priapism till surgery for patients with and without ED was 48 and 26 hours, respectively (P = .22).

Grayhack shunt is a safe surgical procedure without any major complications and with lower ED rate. Grayhack shunt might be considered as treatment of choice for refractory low flow priapism.