During a 10-year period 11 cases of priapism were treated with a saphenocavernous bypass. Uniformly good functional results were obtained if the procedure was done within 36 hours of the commencement of priapism. Prior aspiration and irrigation appear to lengthen this interval. The formation of temporary cavernovenous communication with the superficial venous system of the penis by aspiration and irrigation with large needles is demonstrated and is postulated as a mechanism by which this method of treatment alone is occasionally successful. Persisting graft patency has been associated with impotence. If erection does not occur within 3 months of the saphenous bypass the shunt should be ligated.

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