Microvascular treatment of impotence

Occlusion and/or stenosis of arteries supplying the penis was the cause of erectile impotence in 11 patients. They were chosen from 124 patients who were assessed by a multidisciplinary team for impotence. Indirect revascularization of the corpora cavernosa was performed by anastomosing the inferior epigastric artery to the deep dorsal penile vein. This arterialized vein was, in turn, anastomosed side to side to one of the corpora cavernosa. In seven patients the anastomosis remained patent. There was one documented thrombosis. Three patients were unavailable for Doppler examination but are known to have achieved erection. The indirect revascularization of the corpora cavernosa appears to be an acceptable surgical treatment of vasculogenic impotence.