title: Emergency Department Management Of Priapism.
abstract: Priapism is a genitourinary emergency that demands a thorough, time-sensitive evaluation. There are 3 types of priapism: ischemic, nonischemic, and recurrent ischemic priapism; ischemic priapism accounts for 95% of cases. Ischemic priapism must be treated within 4 to 6 hours to minimize morbidity, including impotence. The diagnosis of ischemic priapism relies heavily on the history and physical examination and may be facilitated by penile blood gas analysis and penile ultrasound. This issue reviews current evidence regarding emergency department treatment of ischemic priapism using a stepwise approach that begins with aspiration of cavernosal blood, cold saline irrigation, and penile injection with sympathomimetic agents. Evidence-based management and appropriate urologic follow-up of nonischemic and recurrent ischemic priapism maximizes patient outcomes and resource utilization.
authors.affiliation: Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria, Peoria, IL.
authors.forename: Gregory S
authors.initials: GS
authors.lastname: Podolej
authors.affiliation: Assistant Professor, Section of Emergency Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL.
authors.forename: Christine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Babcock
mesh_terms: D019468:Disease Management; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011317:Priapism / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D012008:Recurrence; D013566:Sympathomimetics / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D013566:Sympathomimetics