Treatment of priapism by transcatheter embolization of internal pudendal arteries

Priapism can be successfully treated by unilateral or bilateral percutaneous transcatheter occlusion of the internal pudendal arteries. Occlusion should be reversible in order to avoid impotence. Embolization with autologous clot satisfies this requirement because of the clot lysis and consequent vessel recanalization. Three cases are extensively described which demonstrate the feasibility of the method and the ability to preserve sexual potency. The rationale for using interventional angiography in priapism is also discussed.