Surgical Management of Priapism in Children with Sickle Cell Anemia

Abstract

Priapism occurred in 2-5% of patients with sickle cell disease. Creation of a percutaneous fistula between the glans penis and the corpora cavernosa was applied widely in the management of patients with priapism, except in cases of sickle cell anemia. Reported failures of such shunting procedures in the sickle cell patient has perhaps unduly denied surgical benefits to that population. Children (5) with sickle cell anemia and priapism were successfully treated without complications by creation of a fistula between the glans penis and the corpora cavernosa. This treatment plan is presented; it includes early shunting should initial nonoperative treatment fail.