Outcome and erectile function following treatment of priapism: An institutional experience

Priapism has a devastating consequence on the sexual function of men if not promptly managed. We are presenting our experience of the treatment of priapism and the status of sexual function even following successful detumescence achieved after treatment.

Nineteen patients, who presented with priapism from January 2012 to December 2014, were included in the study. After obtaining a detailed history; color Doppler ultrasonography of penis and blood gas analysis of the initial corporal aspirate were done to ascertain the type of priapism. Standard protocol in our institute for management of priaprism was to start with conservative treatment by corporal aspiration and intracorporeal injection (ICI) of phenylephrine. On the failure of conservative management, distal shunts were performed. Proximal shunts were performed on the failure of distal shunt procedures. Erectile function was evaluated with International Index of Erectile Function-5 questionnaire on admission and during follow-up.

All the patients had ischemic type priapism. Age of the patients ranged from 22 to 55 years. Duration of priapism varied from 20 to 480 h (mean 96.7). Etiologies attributed were; over-the-counter sildenafil use, chlorpromazine, opium intake and intracorporeal papaverine injection, chronic myeloid leukemia, and idiopathic. Five patients had preserved erectile function during follow-up. Preservation of normal erectile function following aspiration and ICI, proximal and distal shunt procedures were 66.7%, 18.1% and 20%, respectively.

Patients with late presentation and those patients requiring higher treatment modalities (e.g., proximal shunts) for achieving detumescence will subsequently have a poor erectile function. These patients should be counseled about the early penile prosthesis placement during initial surgical management.