[Papaverine-induced priapism. Experiences with a new urologic emergency]

Ten patients with priapism after self-administered intracavernous papaverine injection for erectile impotence had to be treated as emergencies between September 1985 and February 1988. In half the patients it was possible to achieve penile detumescence by puncture of the corpora cavernosa, injection of 2-5 mg metaraminol or both, but failed in the remainder, requiring the intracavernous injection of 10-30 mg metaraminol in 500 ml physiological saline. Surgical treatment was necessary in one case. Papaverine-induced priapism constitutes a urological emergency which, because of the danger of hypertensive crises, demands treatment in hospital.