Erectile Impotence from Veno-Occlusive Dysfunction: Our Experience and Present Diagnostic-Therapeutic Indications

Abstract

The authors evaluate erectile impotence from veno-occlusive dysfunction, concentrating on diagnostic techniques, both invasive and non-invasive, and appropriate treatment. In particular dynamic testing is reviewed, where a vasoactive drug, Papaverine or more recently PGE1, is injected into one of the corpora cavernosa. Measurement of blood flow velocity with Doppler ultrasonography allows a functional evaluation, while radiographic images during cavernosography give an anatomical view of the erectile abnormality. A review of case histories and partial follow-up of patients has confirmed the actual precision of the diagnostic methods and various therapeutic approaches.