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Priapism

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Emergencies in Urology

Abstract

Priapism is defined as an erection lasting longer than 4 h that is not associated with sexual stimulation. It is generally classified into two etiologies: ischemic and nonischemic. The former, comprising the vast majority of cases, is considered an emergency due to the associated pain as well as to structural changes in the penis that may lead to penile fibrosis and severe erectile dysfunction. Conservative management is rarely effective except in select circumstances. Interventions may include aspiration of the corpora, injection of vasoconstrictive agents, or surgical procedures. Nonischemic priapism presents fewer emergent risks andmay be followed conservatively. If intervention is necessary, angiographic embolization is often the best therapeutic option.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Northstar Urology, PO Box 40,000, Vail, CO, 81658, USA

    W. O. Brant MD

  2. Foundation Robert J. Krane Scholar, University of California, San Francisco, 400 Parnassus Ave, A633, San Francisco, CA, 94143-0738, USA

    A. J. Bella MD, FRCSC (Clinical Instructor and American Urological Association)

  3. Department of Urology, 400 Parnassus Ave, A-633, San Francisco, CA, 94143-0738, USA

    M. M. Gracia MD (Chief Resident) & T. F. Lue MD (Professor of Urology)

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  1. W. O. Brant MD
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  2. A. J. Bella MD, FRCSC
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  3. M. M. Gracia MD
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  4. T. F. Lue MD
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Urology, Heidelberg University, Medical School, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany

    Markus Hohenfellner MD (Professor and Chairman) (Professor and Chairman)

  2. Detroit Receiving Hospital, 4160 John R., Suite 1017, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA

    Richard A. Santucci MD (Chief of Urology and Associate Professor) (Chief of Urology and Associate Professor)

  3. Wayne State University School of Medicine, 4160 John R., Suite 1017, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA

    Richard A. Santucci MD (Chief of Urology and Associate Professor) (Chief of Urology and Associate Professor)

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© 2007 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

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Brant, W.O., Bella, A.J., Gracia, M.M., Lue, T.F. (2007). Priapism. In: Hohenfellner, M., Santucci, R.A. (eds) Emergencies in Urology. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-48605-3_24

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-48605-3_24

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-540-48603-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-540-48605-3

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