In a recent study published in the International Journal of Impotence Research , researchers analyze nationwide inpatient data provided by the Federal Bureau of Statistics of Germany to evaluate the in-hospital outcomes and overall trends in cases of high- and low-flow priapism. These data were used to better understand potential treatment and management measures for both conditions. Study: Trends and outcomes of hospitalized patients with priapism in Germany: results from the GRAND study.
Image Credit: Inside Creative House / Shutterstock.com Priapism is defined as an unwanted and prolonged erection that persists for many hours despite the lack of a sexual stimulus. Based on the cause and flow of blood into or out of the penis, priapism can be further classified as ischemic or non-ischemic.
Ischemic priapism is the low-flow type where venous outflow from the penis is obstructed, thus resulting in hypoxia and eventual necrosis in the corpora cavernosa. Low-flow priapism is often caused by hematological ailments such as sickle cell disease or the use of erectile agents. However, in rare cases, ischemic priapism can be caused by infections, metabolic disorders, recreational drugs, and neoplasms.
Non-ischemic or high-flow priapism occurs due to penile or perineal injury and is characterized by increased flow of blood into the penis. While ischemic priapism is always considered an emergency requiring surgical insertion of a penile shunt or implantation of a penile prosthesis, non.
