Early vs delayed insertion of penile prosthesis in patients with refractory priapism: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Refractory priapism, characterized by persistent and prolonged painful erections despite initial treatment maneuvers, can significantly impair erectile function secondary to ischemia-induced corporal tissue fibrosis. These patients will likely require subsequent penile prosthesis (PP) surgery to regain sexual activity, yet consensus regarding the optimal timing of implantation remains lacking. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate and compare the clinical outcomes associated with early vs delayed PP implantation in individuals with priapism-induced erectile dysfunction (ED). METHODS: We included studies that focused on refractory priapism leading to ED and its management with PP implantation. We assessed cohort study bias with a risk-of-bias tool and case series bias with the modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) were calculated by a fixed-effect model. RESULTS: We included 9 studies, comprising 4 cohort studies and 5 case series, involving a total of 278 patients. Total complications were higher in the delayed group (OR, 4.16; 95% CI, 2.77-6.26). Fibrosis was significantly more pronounced in the delayed group (OR, 118.18; 95% CI, 20.06-696.32). The odds of erosion, infections, and penile injury did not show statistically significant differences between the groups (OR, 2.52 [95% CI, 0.67-9.49], 0.89 [0.38-2.10], 1.83 [0.79-4.26], respectively). Patients' satisfaction resulted in a pooled OR of 0.15 (95% CI, 0.04-0.49) in favor of the early PP insertion group. CONCLUSION: The results from this study favor an early approach to ED (within 30 days) following ischemic priapism. However, it is important to consider patients' preferences, values, and psychological factors to make an informed decision.

Current opinions on the management of prolonged ischemic priapism: does penoscrotal decompression outperform corporoglanular tunneling?

Prolonged ischemic priapism presents a treatment challenge given the difficulty in achieving detumescence and effects on sexual function. To evaluate current practice patterns, an open, web-based multi-institutional survey querying surgeons' experience with and perceived efficacy of tunneling maneuvers (corporoglanular tunneling and penoscrotal decompression), as well as impressions of erectile recovery, was administered to members of societies specializing in male genital surgery. Following distribution, 141 responses were received. Tunneling procedures were the favored first-line surgical intervention in the prolonged setting (99/139, 71.2% tunneling vs. 14/139, 10.1% implant, p < .001). Although respondents were more likely to have performed corporoglanular tunneling than penoscrotal decompression (124/138, 89.9% vs. 86/137, 62.8%, p < .001), penoscrotal decompression was perceived as more effective among those who had performed both (47.3% Very or Extremely Effective for penoscrotal decompression vs. 18.7% for corporoglanular tunneling; p < .001). Many respondents who had performed both tunneling procedures felt that most regained meaningful sexual function after either corporoglanular tunneling or penoscrotal decompression (33/75, 44.0% vs. 33/74, 44.6%, p = .942). While further patient-centered investigation is warranted, this study suggests that penoscrotal decompression may outperform corporoglanular tunneling for prolonged priapism, and that recovery of sexual function may be higher than previously thought after tunneling procedures.

Penile implants in low flow priapism.

Priapism is a persistent or prolonged erection, in the absence of sexual stimulation, that fails to subside. Prolonged ischaemic or low flow priapism is defined as a full or partial erection persisting for more than 4 h and unrelated to sexual interest or stimulation, characterised by little or no cavernous blood flow. Low flow priapism leads to progressive corporal fibrosis, which could, in turn, lead to long-lasting erectile dysfunction if left untreated. Penile prosthesis implantation is recognised as a management option in refractory and delayed low flow priapism for restoring erectile function with high patient satisfaction rates. However, the ensuing corporal fibrotic scarring poses a surgical challenge to clinicians, given the higher complication rates in this patient subset. Postoperative patient satisfaction has been closely linked to preoperative expectations and perceived loss of penile length. Therefore, thorough patient counselling concerning the risk and benefits of penile implants should be a priority for all clinicians. Moreover, there is a lack of consensus on the ideal prosthesis choice and procedural timing in refractory low flow priapism. In this review, we will examine the existing literature on penile implants in patients with priapism and discuss the options for managing complications associated with penile prosthesis surgery.

Priapism in children: an experience of the modified Winter procedure.

BACKGROUND: Priapism in children is a rare disease, which seldom presents during the pediatric surgery practice. It is, however, a surgical and urological emergency. Early diagnosis and prompt management can prevent the devastating sequelae of this potentially fatal condition. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study was conducted between March 1st, 2007 and February 28th, 2019 at the Department of Pediatric Surgery, Khyber Teaching hospital, Peshawar. All the patients between 3 and 15 years of age, with the diagnosis of priapism, were enrolled in the study with ethical approval. RESULTS: A total of ten patients were enrolled in the study period from March 1st, 2007 to February 28th, 2019. The age ranged between 3 and 15 years and the mean age of presentation was 8 years. The mean duration of symptoms was 4 h. The mean hospital stay was 4 days. The modified Winter procedure by creating a corporoglanular shunt was performed in all cases. Successful detumescence was achieved in eight patients, while two patients needed further detumescence and manual evacuation. Symptomatic relief was achieved in all the children. CONCLUSION: Priparism in children is a rare urological emergency that can lead to permanent erectile dysfunction if prompt medical intervention is not done. The modified Winter procedure technically is a less invasive procedure to achieve satisfactory clinical outcome in terms of achieving good erectile functions.

A population-based analysis of predictors of penile surgical intervention among inpatients with acute priapism.

While consensus exists regarding risk factors for priapism, predictors of operative intervention are less well established. We assessed patient and hospital-level predictors associated with penile surgical intervention (PSI) for patients admitted with acute priapism, as well as length of stay (LOS) and total hospital charges using the National Inpatient Sample (2010-2015). Inpatients with acute priapism were stratified by PSI, defined as penile shunts, incisions, and placement of penile prostheses, exclusive of irrigation procedures. Survey-weighted logistic regression models were utilized to assess predictors of PSI. Negative binomial regression and generalized linear models with logarithmic transformation were used to compare PSI to LOS and total hospital charges, respectively. Among 14,529 weighted hospitalizations, 4,953 underwent PSI. Non-Medicare insurances, substance abuse, and ≥3 Elixhauser comorbidities had increased odds of PSI. Conversely, Black patients, sickle cell disease, alcohol abuse, neurologic diseases, malignancies, and teaching hospitals had lower odds. PSI coincided with shorter median LOS (adjusted IRR: 0.62; p < 0.001) and lower ratio of the mean hospital charges (adjusted Ratio: 0.49; p < 0.001). Additional subgroup analysis revealed penile incisions and shunts primarily associated with reduced LOS (adjusted IRR: 0.66; p < 0.001) and total hospital charges (adjusted Ratio: 0.49; p < 0.001). Further work is required to understand predictors of poor outcomes in these populations.

Novel treatment for glance necrosis due to priapism; presentation and review of literature.

INTRODUCTION: Glans necrosis in association with priapism is very rare and its appropriate treatment is not known. There is a secondary cause in most cases. CASE DESCRIPTION: We treated a 65-year-old man with priapism and glans necrosis using a closed shunt (Winter), continuous penile irrigation with normal saline, and heparin for 48 h and waited for the necrotic area to resolve spontaneously. The treatment outcome was much better compared to previous cases in whom open surgery, irrigation with pure normal saline, and/or resection of the necrotic area were performed. CONCLUSION: In cases with priapism and glans ischemia, we recommend treating the condition with continuous covernose irrigation with heparinized saline and avoiding open surgery.

Rare emergency in children: Priapism and stepwise treatment approach.

BACKGROUND: Priapism is a rare condition in children and the treatment algorithm is controversial in this age group. Herein, we report eight cases with low-flow priapism and our stepwise treatment approach in light of literature. METHODS: We present a simple stepwise treatment for low-flow priapism including five steps. Step 1: Cold compress and analgesia while evaluation the priapism and its etiology. Step 2: Corporal aspiration and adrenaline infusion in the ward. Step 3: Modified Winter shunt in the same place. Step 4: Ketamine application and caudal block in the operating room. Step 5: Sapheno-cavernous (Grayhack) shunt. Eight cases with low-flow priapism were reviewed retrospectively. Symptoms, duration of tumescence, the interventions, and step that provide detumescence were recorded. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 8.5 years (1-17 y). The median time of the priapism before admission was 15 h (4-165 h). The etiological factors were sickle cell disease, hemodialysis due to chronic renal failure, and factor V Leiden mutation in three patients. Detumescence was achieved in one patient at Step 2, in two patients at Steps 3, 4, and 5, respectively. Rigidity of cavernous body was observed in one patient in long-term follow-up. CONCLUSION: Low-flow priapism is a urological emergency that may cause erectile dysfunction. Treatment options should be selected according to a protocol that prevents time loss and avoids more invasive treatment in unnecessary situations. Our algorithm with simple nature and its steps from less invasive to more invasive procedures may be an alternative for the treatment of low-flow priapism.

A Rare Cause of Autoinflation after Penile Prosthesis Insertion: Case Series and Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: In 2016, we reported the first case of high flow priapism and arteriocavernosal fistula caused by penile prosthesis insertion that mimicked device autoinflation. AIM: To raise awareness amongst implanters, we describe further cases from our institution and perform a systematic review of the literature to understand the rarity of this phenomenon. METHODS: Patient demographics, management and outcomes were extracted retrospectively. A systematic search of the EMBASE, PubMed and PubMed Central libraries for studies reporting arteriocavernosal fistula mimicking autoinflation since 1946 was performed. OUTCOMES: To identify and report all known cases of high flow priapism and arteriocavernosal fistula presenting as autoinflation of an inflatable penile prosthesis. RESULTS: Four patients in total (median age 56, range 46-60 years) were identified. Catastrophic bleeding (1.8L) occurred during revision surgery for presumed autoinflation in Patient 1 and subsequent ultrasound (US) confirmed a fistula which was embolized. Patient 2 redeveloped autoinflation following revision surgery. Ultrasound confirmed high flow priapism from an arteriocavernosal fistula. Patient 3 underwent penile magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to investigate autoinflation and residual penile curvature. MRI showed a tumescent penis despite a deflated device and the fistula was embolized successfully. Patient 4 with sleep-related painful erections did not improve following insertion of penile prosthesis. Doppler US identified 2 fistulae that was embolized but with no resolution of symptoms. Subsequent embolization of both common penile arteries were done to control his symptoms. No other publications apart from the published abstract from 2016 reporting patient 1 was found. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: If considered prior to revision surgery, the fistula can be managed safely by minimally invasive percutaneous angioembolisation avoiding surgery which can potentially be associated with significant complications. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: The rarity of this phenomenon was supported by a systematic review. Our study however does present the findings from a small number of patients. CONCLUSION: Damage to the cavernosal artery during inflatable penile prosthesis insertion can create an arteriocavernosal fistula that mimics autoinflation, leading to catastrophic intra-operative bleeding or unnecessary surgery. Lee WG, Satchi M, Skrodzka M, et al. A Rare Cause of Autoinflation after Penile Prosthesis Insertion: Case Series and Systematic Review. J Sex Med 2022;19:879-886.

Immediate insertion of a soft penile prosthesis as a new option for a safe and cost-effective treatment of refractory ischemic priapism.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to assess the management of refractory ischemic priapism (IP) by the immediate insertion of a soft penile prosthesis (sPP). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We identified men affected by IP who underwent early sPP placement from May 2017 to October 2019. All patients underwent a detailed medical history review; intraoperative, postoperative features and adverse events were recorded. We evaluated the penile lengthening and bending, presence of complementary erection, ability to have sexual intercourse, postoperative sexual life satisfaction (International Index of Erectile Function [IIEF] questionnaire - question number 5). A cost-analysis was included. RESULTS: A total of six patients were identified. Median time (range) since onset was 78 (48-108) hours with a mean age (SD) of 33 (6.9) years. Median operative time (range) was 82 minutes (62-180). No complications were recorded. Median follow- up was 9 months (range 3-17). No significant loss of penile length, neither penile angulation was recorded. Despite a transient reduction of penile sensitivity, all patients reported satisfactory sexual intercourse (mean score question number 5 from IIEF-5 of 4). The cost of sPP was € 1769,00 with a surgeryrelated reimbursement fee from the National Health System of € 3856,75. CONCLUSIONS: The insertion of a sPP for patients with refractory IP results in immediate pain relief, preservation of sexual function and penile size, with a higher surgery reproducibility in an emergency. In addition to this, financial and resource burdens of IP on the health-care system can be potentially reduced.

Exploring the Use of Exchange Transfusion in the Surgical Management of Priapism in Sickle Cell Disease: A Population-Based Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Priapism is a urologic emergency that may require surgical intervention in cases refractory to supportive care. Exchange transfusion (ET) has been previously used to manage sickle cell disease (SCD), including in priapism; however, its utilization in the context of surgical intervention has not been well-established. AIM: To explore the utilization of ET, as well as other patient and hospital-level factors, associated with surgical intervention for SCD-induced priapism METHODS: Using the National Inpatient Sample (2010-2015), males diagnosed with SCD and priapism were stratified by need for surgical intervention. Survey-weighted regression models were used to analyze the association of ET to surgical intervention. Furthermore, negative binomial regression and generalized linear models with logarithmic transformation were used to compare ET vs surgery to length of hospital stay (LOS) and total hospital charges, respectively. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Predictors of surgical intervention among patients with SCD-related priapism RESULTS: A weighted total of 8,087 hospitalizations were identified, with 1,782 (22%) receiving surgical intervention for priapism, 484 undergoing ET (6.0%), and 149 (1.8%) receiving combined therapy of both ET and surgery. On multivariable regression, pre-existing Elixhauser comorbidities (e.g. ≥2 Elixhauser: OR: 2.20; P < 0.001), other forms of insurance (OR: 2.12; P < 0.001), and ET (OR: 1.99; P = 0.009) had increased odds of undergoing surgical intervention. In contrast, Black race (OR: 0.45; P < 0.001) and other co-existing SCD complications (e.g. infectious complications OR: 0.52; P < 0.001) reduced such odds. Compared to supportive care alone, patients undergoing ET (adjusted IRR: 1.42; 95% CI: 1.10-1.83; P = 0.007) or combined therapy (adjusted IRR: 1.42; 95% CI: 111-1.82; P < 0.001) had a longer LOS vs. surgery alone (adjusted IRR: 0.85; 95% CI: 0.74-0.97; P = 0.017). Patients receiving ET (adjusted Ratio: 2.39; 95% CI: 1.52-3.76; P < 0.001) or combined therapy (adjusted Ratio: 4.42; 95% CI: 1.67-11.71; P = 0.003) had higher ratio of mean hospital charges compared with surgery alone (adjusted Ratio: 1.09; 95% CI: 0.69-1.72; P = 0.710). CONCLUSIONS: Numerous factors were associated with the need for surgical intervention, including the use of ET. Those receiving ET, as well as those with combined therapy, had a longer LOS and increased total hospital charges. Ha AS, Wallace BK, Miles C, et al. Exploring the Use of Exchange Transfusion in the Surgical Management of Priapism in Sickle Cell Disease: A Population-Based Analysis. J Sex Med 2021;18:1788-1796.

Current Status for Semirigid Penile Prosthetic Devices.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The goal of this paper was to evaluate the current use of semirigid penile prosthesis (SRPP), surgical techniques for insertion of SRPP, and how to prevent and approach surgical complications. RECENT FINDINGS: SRPP is a valid option for those who are refractory to medical therapy for erectile dysfunction (ED) and even more appropriate for specific subsets of patient populations. It is important for urologists to know which patient population SRPP is preferred for. Several studies have shown good patient outcomes and patient satisfaction with those who underwent SRPP.

The surgical management of ischaemic priapism.

Priapism is a urological emergency that is defined as a prolonged penile erection lasting more than 4 h, remaining despite orgasm and in the absence of sexual stimulation. Without prompt and complete detumescence, time-dependent changes occur to the smooth muscle of the corpus cavernosa that can result in permanent erectile dysfunction and penile deformity (curvature, shortening and loss of girth). The diagnosis is confirmed with a hypoxic and acidotic blood sample from the corpus cavernosa. The trapped blood inside the corpus cavernosa is aspirated and can be irrigated with 0.9% normal saline. Intracavernosal injection of a sympathomimetic agent is used to cause smooth muscle contraction if the previous measures fail. Failure or recurrence of priapism following these conservative measures is an indication for surgical management. Shunt procedures that create a connection with the corpus cavernosa and a neighbouring structure are often used first line. Multiple shunt procedures have been described and these are summarised in this article. Distal shunt procedures are the most commonly used as they are easier to perform and seem to have at least comparable detumescence and potency rates. Refractory or prolonged (>48 h) ischaemic priapism maybe an indication of immediate placement of a penile prosthesis.

Penile prosthesis implant in the special populations: diabetics, neurogenic conditions, fibrotic cases, concurrent urinary continence surgery, and salvage implants.

Penile prosthesis implant (PPI) remains an effective and safe treatment option for men with erectile dysfunction (ED). However, PPI surgery can be associated with a higher risk of complications in certain populations. This article provides a critical review of relevant publications pertaining to PPI in men with diabetes, significant corporal fibrosis, spinal cord injury, concurrent continence surgery, and complex salvage cases. The discussion of each category of special populations includes a brief review of the surgical challenges and a practical action-based set of recommendations. While specific patient populations posed considerable challenges in PPI surgery, strict pre- and postoperative management coupled with safe surgical practice is a prerequisite to achieving excellent clinical outcomes and high patient satisfaction rate.

Anatomic and Functional Outcome Following Distal Shunt and Tunneling for Treatment Ischemic Priapism: A Single-Center Experience.

BACKGROUND: Ischemic priapism (IP) is a urologic emergency that requires early intervention. The main aim of IP treatment is to relieve the cavernosal pressure and provide erectile function. AIM: The aim of this study was to determine the correlation between preoperative risk factors (patient's age, duration of priapism, preoperative erectile function) and postoperative erectile dysfunction (ED). METHODS: This retrospective study consisted of 25 patients diagnosed with refractory IP between 2009-2017. The diagnosis of IP was confirmed by medical history, physical examination, and cavernosal blood gas analysis. All of the patients underwent the T-shunt procedure ± tunneling after a failed initial intervention. RESULTS: The mean age at the time of the IP diagnosis was 46.84 years (range 23-77). The average follow-up time of the study population was 40.4 months (range 3-114), and the median time from the occurrence of IP to surgery was 58 hours (range 24-240). In all cases, rapid resolution of the erection was achieved with the T-shunt ± tunneling procedure. In 1 patient, priapism recurred after 12 hours. Postoperative ED was reported by 16 (84.21%) patients, with degrees of mild, mild to moderate, and severe in 6, 1, and 9 of these cases, respectively. During the follow-up, the mean International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) score was 12.68 (range 5-23). Only 3 (15.78%) patients achieved successful sexual intercourse without any treatment. 6 (31.5%) patients required the aid of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, and 1 (5.26%) patient required the aid of a vacuum erection device. The 9 (47.36%) patients with severe ED failed to respond to medical treatment and were considered candidates for a penile implant. According to Kendall's tau-b correlation coefficient analysis, there was a positive correlation between the preoperative and postoperative IIEF-5 scores (P = .005), whereas the patient's age and duration of priapism were negatively correlated with the postoperative IIEF-5 score (P = .016 and P = .046, respectively). CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Treatment options of IP should be discussed with patients in terms of both preoperative erectile function and the duration of priapism. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS: The small sample size and retrospective nature of this study were the main limitations. CONCLUSIONS: Despite high success and low complication rates of T-shunt surgery, the rate of undisturbed erectile function is only 14.6%. The patient's age, the existence of preoperative ED, and the duration of priapism are associated with postoperative IIEF-5 scores. Ortaç M, Çevik G, Akdere H, et al. Anatomic and Functional Outcome Following Distal Shunt and Tunneling for Treatment Ischemic Priapism: A Single-Center Experience. J Sex Med 2019;16:1290-1296.

Intractable acute ischaemic priapism occurring secondary to newly commenced olanzapine.

We present a case of intractable acute ischaemic priapism occurring secondary to newly commenced olanzapine. It demonstrates rapid intervention in a stepwise approach aiming to restore penile flaccidity in order to prevent chronic damage to the corpora cavernosa. After an unsuccessful conservative approach, our patient underwent two formal distal penile shunt procedures with no effective penile detumescence. Subsequently, bilateral proximal penile shunts were performed comprising a right corpus cavernosum to corpus spongiosum anastomosis and a left saphenous vein to left corpus cavernosum anastomosis. The patient remained an inpatient for observation, and detumescence was gradually achieved over several days after this procedure. However, follow-up revealed erectile dysfunction, and it was explained to the patient that he was unlikely to achieve further erections and that a penile implant was the only realistic option.

A Systematic Review on Ischemic Priapism and Immediate Implantation: Do We Need More Data?

INTRODUCTION: Ischemic priapism (IP) is the most common form of priapism. In cases of priapism persisting for >36 hours, conservative management usually fails, and the patients' erectile tissue will be inevitably compromised, resulting in corporal fibrosis, shortening of the penis, and refractory erectile dysfunction. In this subset of patients, early implantation of a penile prosthesis (PP) could be a solution for both the priapic episode and the erectile dysfunction. AIM: To analyze the current literature with regard to the correlation between refractory ischemic priapism and immediate implantation of PP. METHODS: An extensive literature research was conducted to retrieve studies focusing on immediate PP implantation in patients suffering from refractory ischemic priapism (RIP). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We evaluated the functional outcomes of patients who have undergone the immediate insertion of a PP as treatment for an acute episode of IP refractory to medical therapy or shunt surgery. RESULTS: Nine studies were included in this systematic review, including 3 case reports and 6 retrospective analyses. All studies agreed that in patients with RIP, early insertion of a PP is a safe and effective procedure, and all studies but 1 preferred malleable implants to inflatable implants. CONCLUSION: The systematic review does not demonstrate superiority of immediatePP implantation over delayed PP implantation, because none of the studies was designed with this purpose. However, considering the reduced complication rate and the ease of the procedure, all studies are in favor of early implantation over delayed implantation. Capece M, La Rocca R, Mirone V, et al. A Systematic Review on Ischemic Priapism and Immediate Implantation: Do We Need More Data? Sex Med Rev 2018;7:530-534.

Current practice in the management of ischemic priapism: an anonymous survey of ISSM members.

Penile shunting is the standard of care in management of ischemic priapism refractory (IPR) to non-surgical interventions. Due to high rates of impotence, corporal fibrosis, and loss of penile length, recent literature suggests these patients benefit from immediate penile prosthesis (PP) placement. An IRB-exempt anonymous electronic survey of the 2168 members of the International Society for Sexual Medicine (ISSM) was conducted. The survey included demographic information, confidence, and experience-related management of IPR. The aim was to evaluate current practice patterns in management of IPR and to investigate the role of immediate PP implantation in the management of prolonged (>36 h) IPR. The survey response rate was 11.6% (n = 251). Most respondents were urologists (173), from the USA (49.1%), and had completed a fellowship in male sexual medicine, men's health, reconstruction, or andrology (71.1%). The majority (91.3%) see at least one case of prolonged priapism (>36 h) that requires surgical management yearly. When looking at volume in training and after, our respondents had a significantly higher experience with penile prostheses (over 70%, > = 10) as compared with shunts (less than 40%, > = 10). Overall, 70.9% of respondents felt more comfortable with a malleable PP than a shunt. However, penile shunts are still preferred as the first line of surgical management by ~80% of respondents as compared with 12.7% who instead prefer a PP. We also found that under 40% of respondents currently use penile MRI or corporal biopsies in their management of prolonged assessment. This is the first study to assess current clinical practices in management of IPR globally. As in any anonymous self-reported survey-based research, recall and sampling bias are an inherent limitation. Penile shunting for IPR continues to be the preferred treatment despite emerging data. Respondents performed PP surgery routinely and feel more confident placing PP than performing penile shunting procedures.

Priapism as a Debut Presentation of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia.

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a chronic myeloproliferative disorder that usually presents with high white blood cell counts and massive splenomegaly. Priapism is a rare manifestation of CML and is mostly due to hyperleukocytosis. Its debut appearance as a sign of hematological dyscrasia is a rare event. Priapism occurring in a setting of any leukemia is both a medical and a urological emergency that requires immediate local therapy, symptomatic treatment, cytoreductive therapy and early initiation of targeted therapy. This case report describes priapism as an unusual presentation of CML and its importance in the work-up and management of patients presenting with priapism.

Chronic myeloid leukaemia presenting as priapism: A case report from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Priapism is known as a very rare complication of leukaemia. We report a 16-years boy who presented with the persistent painful erection of the penis for eleven days. He had aspiration without achieving sustained detumescence. The patient underwent an emergency irrigation and decompression of priapism by a consultant urologist. During the hospital stay blood morphology, bone marrow aspiration and BCR-ABL were done to confirm the diagnosis of chronic myeloid leukaemia. Our report thus explains the relevance of all physicians in the diagnosis and management of patients with priapism.