Superselective embolization for high-flow priapism refractory to medical and surgical treatments

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to report long-term outcome of superselective embolization in patients with high-flow priapism refractory to medical and surgical treatments. METHODS: From August 2011 until July 2016, 14 patients with high-flow priapism refractory to local treatments were treated and their charts were retrospective reviewed. Clinical evaluation, color Doppler ultrasonography, arteriography and selective embolization were performed. Follow up was performed in all patients. Fourteen men (18–63 years old) were enrolled, with priapism duration of 14 h to 28 days. Internal pudendal arteries or glutaea inferior arteriae were successfully embolized with gelatin sponge particles, polyvinyl alcohol particles or microcoils. RESULTS: Pseudoaneurysm in right femoral artery was found in one case after intervention. The follow-up 1 week later showed that 13 patients were in good condition, the priapism diminished 1–7 days (mean 3.2 ± 0.5 days) after intervention, and 1 patient received second intervention. Mean follow-up was (range 10.8–69.6) months. One patient had recurrent priapism months after embolization and had his penis surgically removed for severe necrosis. CONCLUSIONS: Superselective embolization is safe and effective in high-flow priapism refractory local treatments, with a good long-term prognosis.