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Penile arteries in humans. Origin--distribution--variations
S Droupy1, G Benoît, F Giuliano
1Laboratoire d'Anatomie, UFR Biomédicale des Saints-Pères, Université René Descartes, Paris, France.
Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy : SRA
|January 1, 1997
Summary
Penile arterial supply variations, including accessory pudendal arteries, are common and likely congenital. These arteries, supplying the corpora cavernosa, pose a risk of injury during prostatectomy, potentially causing impotence.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Urology
- Surgical Anatomy
Background:
- The precise arterial supply to the penis is not fully understood.
- The prevalence and functional importance of accessory pudendal arteries are debated.
- Existing theories suggest a link between arterial variations and atherosclerosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the patterns of penile arterial supply in adult males.
- To determine the correlation between accessory pudendal arteries and atherosclerosis.
- To assess the clinical implications of penile arterial anatomy for radical prostatectomy.
Main Methods:
- Dissection of pelvic and penile arteries in 20 adult male cadavers.
- Analysis of arterial patterns based on age and presence of atherosclerosis.
- Categorization of penile arterial supply into three distinct types.
Main Results:
- Three patterns of penile arterial supply were identified: Type I (internal pudendal arteries only), Type II (both accessory and internal pudendal arteries), and Type III (accessory pudendal arteries only).
- Type II was the most common pattern (14/20 specimens).
- No correlation was found between the presence of accessory pudendal arteries and the extent of atherosclerosis.
Conclusions:
- Penile arterial supply variations, particularly accessory pudendal arteries, are common and likely congenital.
- Accessory pudendal arteries primarily supply the corpora cavernosa.
- Their proximity to the prostate highlights a significant risk of iatrogenic injury during radical prostatectomy, potentially leading to post-operative erectile dysfunction.