Microsurgical penile revascularization using the central corporeal penile artery

We treated 9 patients with vasculogenic impotence by penile revascularization using a microsurgical anastomosis between the inferior epigastric artery and the central corporeal penile artery. Diagnostic evaluation included penile brachial indexes and pelvic arteriograms, which were abnormal in all 9 patients. Revascularization was technically possible in 7 of 9 patients; 2 had inadequate central arteries. The penile brachial index initially was improved in all 7 patients, although 1 had an early occlusion at 2 months and 1 had a late occlusion at 4 years. Potency was improved initially in 6 of the 9 patients, with longer term improvement in 5 of 9 followed 1 to 8 years. Two patients remain potent currently. The advantages of this technique are a reasonably high technical success rate in selected patients, with improved initial potency in more than half. The disadvantages include technical difficulty, lack of clear-cut selection criteria and unknown long-term results.