Determination of erectile penile volume by ultrasonography

A total of 58 men with organic erectile dysfunction underwent penile blood flow studies with a 10 MHz. high resolution ultrasonogram and pulsed Doppler analysis after papaverine injection. The average volume increase for the entire group was 52.62 cc (445.9 per cent). No statistical differences in volume increase were noted among 3 groups separated by age. The average volume increase in 23 patients with venous insufficiency was greater than that in 20 patients with primary arterial insufficiency (p less than 0.033). Eleven patients who had erections satisfactory for vaginal penetration after papaverine injection had a statistically greater increase in penile length but no difference in volume increase than those with a poor response. The 10 MHz. high resolution sonogram provides the most accurate assessment of penile volume, which if measured at specific intervals after papaverine injection should allow an accurate assessment of penile flow. Patients with venous insufficiency may have weakness of the tunica, allowing greater volume expansion. A satisfactory erection is not associated with a significant increase in volume.