[Prolonged drug-induced erection. Treatment and prevention]

The efficiency of intracavernous injection (ICI) of drugs for impotence is unfortunately counteracted by a real morbidity. The main danger lies in the persistence of this artificial erection. This pharmacologically induced prolonged erection (PIPE) appears like a real no-ischemic priapism. The risk of ischemic transformation must orientate the treatment of this frequent iatrogenic priapism. A decompressive puncture is often adequate. When ineffective, ICI of anti-erectogenic drugs will be indicated. But, this new treatment of priapism is not always effective, and most importantly, it can be dangerous, requiring considerable prudence for both indications and technics (risks of cavernous necrosis and of severe hypertensive crisis). The morbidity of this new pharmacological method is the major handicap to its wide use. Prevention now seems possible by carefully selection of indications for ICI and of the choice of both drugs and dosage, especially for high risk PIPE groups (neurologic and psychogenic impotence).