title: Long-term results of penile vein ligation for erectile dysfunction due to cavernovenous disease.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We now know that outflow restriction is essential for maintaining a rigid erection, which can be achieved after satisfactory smooth muscle relaxation. The aim of this study was to assess retrospectively the efficacy of penile vein surgical ligation in patients with a follow-up of at least 3 years.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty-two men with impotence due to cavernovenous occlusive disease underwent penile vein ligation for management of organic erectile dysfunction. Cavernovenous occlusive disease was diagnosed by gravity cavernosometry.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Long-term evaluation revealed sustained potency without adjunctive therapy in only 7 patients (21.87%). Twenty-five patients (78.12%) did not show any improvement in the erectile mechanism. Associated complications included penile shortening in 4 (12.5%), hypoesthesia of the glans area in 2 (6.25%), and Peyronie's disease in 1 (3.2%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Based on these data, we conclude that the long-term success of penile vein ligation is poor.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, Irmandade Santa Casa de Misericórdia, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
authors.forename: C T
authors.initials: CT
authors.lastname: Da Ros
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Telöken
authors.forename: C C
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Antonini
authors.forename: P R
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: Sogari
authors.forename: C A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Souto
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D018783:Impotence, Vasculogenic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D008026:Ligation / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010413:Penis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014680:Veins / Q000601:surgery*