The value of cavernous body biopsy in evaluating of impotent men

Rapid advances in the basic understanding of the anatomy, physiology and pharmacology of penile erection have drastically changed the clinical approach to patients with erectile dysfunction. To evaluate the value of microscopic architecture of the corpora cavernosa, we examined cavernous body biopsies taken during penile prosthesis implants. We studied on 12 impotent patients 25 to 67 years old who underwent implantation of a penile prosthesis. The biopsy was stained with H&E (Hematoxylin and Eosin) for general architecture, Masson Trichrome for collagen distribution and EVG for elastic fibers. Except 3 cases no pathological changes were determined at H&E staining. At collagen staining, roughly increased collagen distribution was determined in all cases. There were no appreciable differences in distribution of elastic fibers. In conclusion our data demonstrate that cavernous body biopsy is of limited value to determine etiologic factors in patients with erectile dysfunction.