Recent advances in the management of priapism

F1000Res. 2018 Jan 10:7:37. doi: 10.12688/f1000research.12828.1. eCollection 2018.

Abstract

Priapism is an uncommon urological emergency that can lead to permanent impotence if prompt presentation and medical intervention is not performed. It is a breakdown of the usual physiological mechanisms controlling penile tumescence and detumescence, leading to a prolonged penile erection (>4 hours) that is unrelated to sexual stimulation. Currently, there are three accepted subtypes: ischaemic, non-ischaemic, and stuttering priapism, which is also known as recurrent ischemic priapism. The aim of treatment is the immediate resolution of the painful erection and the preservation of cavernosal smooth muscle function in order to prevent cavernosal fibrosis, which can lead to penile shortening and permanent erectile dysfunction.

Keywords: Penile dysfunction; Priapism; Urological.

Publication types

  • Review

Grants and funding

Asif Muneer is supported by the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre University College London Hospital.