Methylene blue as a means of treatment for priapism caused by intracavernous injection to combat erectile dysfunction.

OBJECTIVE

The authors observed priapism as a side effect occuring during the intracavernous treatment of erectile dysfunction. Earlier priapism had been treated with an intracavernous injection of sympatomimetics; unfortunately several complications and contraindications were found.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

Methylene blue was applied in the treatment of five patients. First a corpus cavernosum punction was performed and some blood was aspirated from the penis. Finally 100 mg of Methylthionin Chlorati was injected into the corpus cavernosum.

RESULTS

A sufficient detumescence was observed in all of these cases. There were no complications. The method was applied effectively in two cases after an unsuccessful punction.

CONCLUSION

The autors recommend intravenous methylene blue for the treatment of priapism. According to their experience this method is free of complications and as effective as a sympathomimetics treatment. As they think, it can be recommended in any manifestations of priapism because its force of action appears to be both chemically and biologically clear.