Acute management of priapism in men.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: * To review the literature regarding ischaemic, non-ischaemic and stuttering priapism * To provide management recommendations PATIENTS AND METHODS: * A Medline search was carried out to identify all relevant papers with management guidelines for priapism. RESULT(S): * Ischaemic priapism represents a compartment syndrome of the penis and urgent intervention is required to decrease the risk of erectile dysfunction. * Non-ischaemic priapism is not a medical emergency; however, it can result in erectile dysfunction. * The treatment objective for stuttering priapism is to reduce future episodes with systemic treatments, whilst treating each ischaemic episode as an emergency. CONCLUSION(S): * Priapism is a complex condition that requires expert care to prevent complications and irreversible erectile dysfunction. © 2012 The Authors © 2012 BJU International.