Dynamic Cavernosography: Venous Outflow Studies of Cavernous Bodies

Abstract

Based on dynamic cavernosography studies in 15 patients, including 8 with simultaneous passive erection, more precise details of the venous drainage of the penis are presented. The venous drainage is comprised of 3 different systems. The superficial dorsal vein drains mainly the penile skin and prepuce, and empties via the external pudendal veins into the femoral vein. The deep dorsal vein, located between the tunica albuginea and Buck''s fascia, drains the glans and all 3 corpora. The venae profundae penis emerge from each crus of the corpora cavernosa and drain only the corpora themselves. Considerable individual differences were found regarding further drainage via the pelvic venous system, including the prostatovesical plexus and internal pudendal veins. Passive erection was tried in 11 patients and was successful immediately after cavernosography in 8. The flow rates to induce an erection averaged 111 ml/min (range 55-60 ml/min), while the rate to maintain the erection was 48 ml/min (range 12-90 ml/min).