[The pharmaco-erection test]. / Il test di farmacoerezione.

Intracavernous administration of vasoactive drugs induces an erection in absence of erotic stimuli; we can use this property in the study of impotent patients, inducing the appearance on an erection to examine it in all its phases (FIC Test). In case of the appearance of a good erection, the test should rule out the presence of a penile arterial disease or of a corpora-veno-occlusive deficiency. When the administration of the drug does not cause complete tumescence, it is very probable that the erectile dysfunction is caused by arterial vascular alterations or by organic disorders of veno-occlusion mechanism, but we cannot exclude for a certainty a psychogenic dysfunction. In fact an excessive noradrenergic autonomic control, as during stress condition, may limit FIC Test response. Therefore we hope that more efficacious molecules will be available in a near future. Nevertheless, we consider the opportunity of enclosing tests in the diagnostic algorithm of impotent patients to reveal an excessive adrenergic tone, such as, for example, psychological tests, study of cavernous potential, or intracavernous catecholamine dosage.

[Italian centers that deliver treatment for male sexual dysfunction]. / Indagine sui Centri Italiani che si occupano della Terapia delle disfunzioni sessuali maschili.

In agree with President and Committee of Andrological Italian Society (S.I.A.), authors have carried on a research to know: 1) main features of Italian Structures interested in male sexual dysfunction 2) actual trend in diagnosis and therapies of male sexual dysfunction, Authors report results and data about this research, particularly regarding new trends in therapia (therapy).

[Anatomo-functional changes in the cavernous body in the elderly]. / Modificazioni anatomo-funzionali dei corpi cavernosi nell'anziano.

The main histological alteration that happens to the structure of the corpora cavernosa as years go by, is the progressive increase of collagen fibers compared to the decrease of both smooth muscle and elastic fibers. This phenomenon is held responsible of consequences on the hemodynamic events occurring during the erection.

[False penile shortness]. / La falsa brevità del pene.

The rising interest on male genital aesthetics increased the number of patients complaining of short penis. therefore, the andrologist must be able to perform a correct diagnostic assessment and to make the correct therapeutical choice as well, even if there's no standard yet. The aim of this paper is to discuss some diagnostic troubles about penile shortness and, in particular, to explain the basic surgical strategies suitable for the treatment of "hidden penis".

[Penile prosthesis]. / Gli impianti protesici.

In this article the Authors, after describing the history of the penile prosthesis surgery and analyzing the technical progresses made in the last twenty years, offer their personal experience and data from the most recent literature about treatment of erectile dysfunction through the application af penile prosthesis, about the indications for the operation and the choice of the type of prosthesis. They also explain all the possible complications and eventual mechanical failures, which have considerably decreased in the last few years.