The external shunt in the treatment of idiopathic priapism.

A new surgical procedure for idiopathic priapism has been used successfully in patients. In 2 of these patients the procedure was done after 5 days of persistent or recurrent erections. The method consists of a combination of external polyethylene shunts between the corpora cavernosa and the venous systems of the underarms drip infusion of a heparin-saline solution into the corpora and prompt systematic anticoagulant therapy. All 3 patients were cured of the priapism and recovered normal sexual powers.