Sapheno-Cavernous Shunt: A Vascular Approach In The Treatment Of Ischemic Priapism

Priapism is an urologic emergency defined as an erection that persists for more than 4 hours and is unrelated or lasts beyond sexual stimulation. Ischemic priapism, caused by prolonged venous occlusion within the corporal bodies, works as a compartment syndrome that requires prompt resolution in order to preserve erectile function. We present two cases of ischemic priapism refractory to conventional treatment that were treated with the help of vascular surgeons. In both cases a sapheno-cavernous shunt was effective in achieving detumescence and erectile function recovery. Despite rarely described in literature, this can be a safe and effective technique in the treatment of ischemic priapism.