[Diagnosis and management of priapism]

Priapism is defined as an erection for more than 4 h without sexual stimulation. The most common form with nearly 95% is the ischemic or low-flow form, which is very painful. The other 5% are comprised of nonischemic high-flow type usually caused by a blunt perineal trauma and the recurrent or intermittent so-called stuttering priapism. Anamnesis as well as physical and laboratory examination are important during the diagnostic workup. Patients who suffer from sickle cell anemia are predestined to develop priapism. Priapism constitutes a urological emergency because especially the low-flow type has to be treated immediately to prevent a long-lasting fibrosis of the corpus cavernosa and a consecutive erectile dysfunction. The first step is the puncture and aspiration of blood from the corpus cavernosa if necessary combined with the injection of α-agonists. In case detumescence is not achieved, an operative shunt should be placed after an MRI. If there is a complete fibrosis of the corpus cavernosa possibly combined with penis deviation the implantation of a penile prosthesis is an option. The therapy of high-flow priapism is not as urgent as that of low-flow priapism because there is no risk of ischemia. If conservative therapeutic options fail, the superselective embolization of the fistula is the treatment of choice. In recurrent or intermittent priapism, the goal is to avoid new episodes with drug treatment. Because of the low incidence of priapism, it is very difficult to recommend and favor one therapeutic procedure.