Emergencies in andrology

Abstract

Andrological emergencies include pathological conditions of the external male genitalia which need a rapid treatment, both surgical and medical. Between them priapism and traumas represent typical situations and often need a surgical approach, while other entities such as necrotic infections have a lower incidence but unfortunately worse outcomes. Priapism is a pathological condition characterized by a full or partial erection of more than 4 h without any sexual stimulation and which is not solved by orgasm. Three subtypes of priapism are described: Ischaemic or low flow, non-ischaemic or high flow and stuttering. The first kind of priapism represents an andrological emergency and need an immediate treatment. Genital traumas can be blunt and sharp: In the first case a communication with the external exists, while in the second case the skin is generally intact. Between infections the necrotizing fasciitis of Fournier represents the most dramatic circumstance and involves the perineum and external genitalia causing disfiguring results if not recognized and treated promptly.The aim of this chapter is drawing a picture regarding diagnosis and treatment of the commonest andrological emergencies.