Transient Distal Penile Corporoglanular Shunt as an Adjunct to Aspiration and Irrigation Procedures in the Treatment of Early Ischemic Priapism

PURPOSE: Ischemic priapism, a compartment syndrome, requires urgent treatment in order to nourish the corpora cavernosa. As the first step, aspiration of blood and irrigation of the cavernosal bodies is performed to prevent fibrotic activity and secure erectile capability. During aspiration, there are risks of cardiovascular side effects of adrenergic agonists. We aimed to evaluate a transient distal penile corporoglanular shunt technique in place of aspiration and irrigation techniques for treatment of early ischemic priapism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A transient distal penile shunt was applied to 15 patients with early ischemic priapism between January 2011 and May 2012. Priapism duration, history, causes, pain, and any prior management of priapism were assessed in all patients. A complete blood count and penile Doppler ultrasonography were performed, which showed attenuated blood flow in the cavernosal artery. A sterile closed system blood collection set, which has two needles and tubing, was used for the transient distal penile shunt. RESULTS: Ten of 15 patients with early ischemic priapism were successfully treated with this transient shunt technique. No additional procedures were needed after the resolution of rigidity in the 10 successfully treated patients. CONCLUSIONS: The transient nature of this technique is an advantage over aspiration and irrigation in the treatment of early ischemic priapism. Our results indicate that the technique can be offered for patients with an ischemic priapism episode of no more than 7 hours.

Corticosteroid Therapy Improves the Outcome of Semen Analysis in an Oligozoospermic Patient With Epididymal Sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis is a multisystem, inflammatory disorder characterized by the presence of noncaseating epithelioid granulomas. Sarcoidosis can involve the genitourinary system by affecting the kidney and genitals. Most characteristic genital lesions proceed to granuloma and can comprise the epididymis, testis, and vas deferens. Few case reports have been published on this rare entity. We report a case in which a man presented with bilateral epididymal sarcoidosis and severe oligospermia. Corticosteroid treatment, which was applied in gradually decreasing doses for 6 months, dissolved the testicular granuloma. Consequently, semen analysis demonstrated a significant increase in the sperm count to within normal limits.