[Erective dysfunction. Therapeutic consequences of a basal program of investigation]

During a period of nine months, 50 men aged 21-75 years were investigated on account of erective dysfunction by means of a simple outpatient programme of investigation. Five patients could be discharged after the primary contact with history-taking and information about further investigation and treatment. Forty-five patients were submitted to the programme of investigation which consisted of measurement of penile blood pressure, Doppler investigation of the penile arteries and the papaverine test. After this, ten patients (20%) could be referred for sexological advice while five were discharged as they did not desire further treatment. Sixteen patients (32%) were taught self injection. Out of the six patients (12%) in whom arterial insufficiency was demonstrated, penile prostheses were introduced operatively in four. Venous leakage from the corpus cavernosum was demonstrated in seven patients (14%) by means of cavernosometry and cavernosography. Venous ligature was performed in five with good effect in two. Thus, specific treatment could be offered to 35 men (70%) with satisfactory therapeutic results in 22 (44%).