Objective: To evaluate the outcome of patients undergoing the immediate insertion of a penile prosthesis as a treatment for acute low-flow priapism.
Patients and methods: Eight patients presenting with low-flow priapism with a mean duration of 91 h (range 32-192) were prospectively evaluated. All had failed conservative management with the instillation of alpha-adrenergic agents, and four had already undergone shunt procedures elsewhere. Immediate management consisted of the insertion of a malleable prosthesis in six patients and an inflatable prosthesis in two. One of the malleable prostheses was subsequently changed to an inflatable device.
Results: There were no early complications, with all patients being satisfied with the end result, and seven having sexual intercourse. One patient developed a penile deformity after surgery, cause by fibrosis around one inflatable cylinder. All patients have maintained their penile length.
Conclusions: Prolonged low-flow priapism results in a variable degree of cavernosal fibrosis and a subsequent loss of penile length. The delayed insertion of a penile prosthesis can be difficult, with high complication rates. The immediate insertion of a penile prosthesis in patients with prolonged low-flow priapism is simple and maintains penile length. This should always be offered to the patient at initial presentation, as the complication rate is low and the subsequent outcome excellent.