A modified papaverine test and the use of venous constriction in erectile dysfunction

A simple technique employing a penoscrotal tourniquet in the investigation and management of impotence due to venous leakage is described. Fifteen patients were investigated using a constriction band and intracorporeal injection of papaverine. Colour doppler ultrasound studies demonstrated that the tourniquet abolished venous leakage in 11 cases and there was a close correlation between clinical and ultrasonographic findings. Most of the patients with venogenic impotence found the device to be of therapeutic benefit. The technique is simple and provides reliable clinical information about the likely cause of erectile failure and is an effective and acceptable aid to treatment in correctly selected cases.