PRIAPISMUS
Priapismus is an abnormal longstanding painful erection caused by hindered outflow from the blood-filled corpora cavernosa (the two swelling bodies of the penis). It can be due to abnormal coagulation of the blood as with malignant diseases like leukemia, but often there is no obvious underlying cause.
Unfortunately patients come late to the hospital with this problem since it causes profound embarrassment to the afflicted person. More unfortunate is the all too common delay by medical professionals who waste time with different inefficient treatments before referring to the hospital.
When seen early – hours after debut – the condition can be cured by medications alone. However here patients most often seek medical help only after several days – or a week - and then surgery is the only way to relieve this painful condition. The procedure is extremely simple, but not practiced by many.
The basic principle of the procedure is to create an outflow for the trapped blood by making an artificial sinus (opening) between the two corpora cavernosa and the corpus spongiosum via the glans penis. The sinus is made by inserting a knife blade No 11 into the glans and further deeper into the erected corpus cavernosum which protrudes like a torpedo into the glans on both sides. After that the small openings are closed with a suture.
When the procedure is made on neglected cases blood clots has to be evacuated from the corpora by suction and irrigation with saline. I use a simple suction tube and a large syringe for that purpose.
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Self made support by the patient |
Preparation for surgery |
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Ready for surgery |
Knife blade No 11 inserted into the glans ….. |
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…..and further into one corpus cavernosum |
Suction and irrigation with saline |
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Suture of the small incision |
Procedure completed |
The whole procedure takes only some minutes and the patient is usually extremely relieved, grateful and happy afterwards. With time this gradually turns into profound grief as the patient comes to understand that the organ will never wake up to action again.
The only way to avoid permanent impotence is early treatment.