Priapism following a lumbar sympathetic nerve block

Pain Med. 2011 Jul;12(7):1046-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1526-4637.2011.01145.x. Epub 2011 Jun 13.

Abstract

Objective: To understand an unusual complication of a common procedure.

Design: This article chronicles the side effect of a lumbar sympathetic nerve block (LSNB).

Setting: Loyola University Medical Center Outpatient Chronic Pain Clinic.

Patients: One.

Results: Our patient had several hours of priapism following a LSNB.

Conclusions: A bilateral lumbar sympathetic nerve block can lead to unopposed parasympathetic penile stimulation and cause priapism.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Autonomic Nerve Block / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Iatrogenic Disease*
  • Lumbosacral Region*
  • Male
  • Priapism / etiology*
  • Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy / therapy