[Functional evaluation of the penile venous system using dynamic pharmaco-cavernosometry and cavernosography]

The penile venous system plays an important role in the haemodynamics of erection. Failure of the venous occlusive mechanism leads to venous incompetence and impotence. The authors have examined the functional capacity of the penile venous system by dynamic pharmacocavernosometry in 31 patients with erectile dysfunction. This diagnostic tool enables to evaluate quantitatively the extent of the venous incompetence. In 26 patients it was possible to localize cavernosographically the site of venous leakage through one of the three venous systems draining the penis. Dynamic cavernosometry and cavernosography together with systematic knowledge of the anatomy of the penile venous system are of primary importance for correct diagnosis and treatment of the erectile dysfunction caused by venous incompetence. (Tab. 2, Fig. 7, Ref. 27.)