[Priapism following intracavernous injection of vasoactive substances as a urologic emergency]

From 1986 to 1989 papaverine was used alone or in combination with phentolamine in 165 patients in diagnosis and treatment of erectile dysfunction. In 14 patients a prolonged erection did occur after diagnostical introduction of SKAT therapy. Treatment consisted of intracavernous injection of 2-4 mg metaraminol, partly additional by puncture of cavernous bodies and evacuation of viscous blood. As single complication of metaraminol injection a hypertensive crisis could observed. A glando-cavernous shunt was not necessary in any case. After exact dosage adjustment the danger of drug-induced priapism is low.