Abstract

In this retrospective study, we reviewed 16 cases with priapism, treated at our clinic, under light of literature, according to etiologic factors and results of treatment.

The average age of patients was 34.8 years (14-60 years). Etiologic factors of priapism cases were as follows: intracavernosal injection of Papaverine (7 cases), Sickle cell disease (1 case), treatment with oral coumadine (1 case), administration of chlorpromazine (1 case) and excessive sexual activity (2 cases). Four cases were accepted idiopatic because no eliologic factor was detected. Outpatient treatment procedures were applied to 7 intracavernosal Papaverine injection induced priapism cases while other 9 cases were hospitalized for treatment. All cases were instructed for control at the Ist, 6th and 12th months after treatment.

The cases induced with intracavernous Papaverine injection and 3 patients in other etiologic groups were only treated successfully with cavernosal aspiration and intracavernosal adrenaline injection whereas the other patients expect the one caused with sickle cell disease priapism underwent various surgical procedures. Because most of patients lost in follow-up, long-term results of treatment procedures were not assassed.

In conclusion, we think that priapism, which is caused with various etiologic factors, is a urologic emergency. The success of treatment depends on duration of erection as well as etiologic factors. Knowledge about long-term complications of priapism and treatment modalities is limited due to loss of most patients during follow-up.