The management of priapism in sickle cell anemia.

After assessing the data currently available on the multiple modalities used to manage priapism secondary to sickle cell disease we adopted a specific therapeutic regimen for the treatment of this problem. Early non-surgical measures, including hydration, alkalization and analgesics, rapid red cell infusion to double the hematocrit and late shunting procedures in conjunction with exchange transfusion, offer the soundest approach on pathophysiological grounds. There is currently no evidence to support early surgical intervention as the best approach to conserve potency in this problem.