Priapism—Conservative Treatment Versus Surgical Procedures

Abstract

Fourteen patients with priapism were treated over the last 12 yr. Two patients had a recurrence 2 and 5 yr after the primary incident. Abuse of alcohol (often combined with psychotropic drugs) and the use of antihypertensive drugs were the most prominent etiological factors. Three of 9 patients treated conservatively and 5 of 6 patients treated with a shunt procedure have preserved their erection ability. Conservative treatment apparently is not justified and a shunt procedure should be performed with the least possible delay.