Recent advances in understanding and treating priapism

Abstract

Priapism is a rare condition that can lead to long-term erectile dysfunction if left untreated. It is one of the few urological emergencies that require prompt medical intervention. Priapism refers to a penile erection that lasts for more than 4 hours and is unrelated to sexual stimulation or orgasm. The aims of immediate intervention for ischaemic priapism are to resolve the painful erection and preserve the cavernosal smooth muscle function. The aim of this review is to evaluate the latest advances in the management of priapism. Despite the continuous challenge in providing an optimal treatment for this rare urological condition, our understanding and management of it have been advanced by decades of clinical and basic science research. Proximal shunts (Quackels or Grayhack) are no longer routinely performed. Distal shunt procedures are currently the most commonly used techniques. A novel penoscrotal decompression technique has recently been described. Ischaemic priapism can be managed conservatively in most cases with the preservation of erectile function. In cases where ischaemic priapism has persisted for more than 36 hours, the majority will develop erectile dysfunction. Early penile prosthesis with thorough patient counselling should be considered in such cases. In some cases of long-standing non-ischaemic priapism, patients can develop fibrosis within the distal corpora, and, therefore, early treatment with super-selective embolisation is required to prevent this.