Priapism in adult Nigerians

Objectives To review the presentation and treatment of adult Nigerians with priapism, Patients and methods Thirty-five men (mean age 35 years, range 20-54) were seen over a 12-year period. All patients underwent an immediate modified or conventional cavernospongiosus shunt and were assessed at 2, 6 and 12 weeks after discharge for erection, orgasm and fibrosis of corpora cavernosa. Results Ten patients initially presented to traditional healers and 13 presented early to qualified medical practitioners, and were managed conservatively. As a result, 21 of the 35 patients presented to the author's hospital 6-10 days after the onset of erection. Many did not realise that priapism was abnormal, or had no money to attend hospital. After surgical treatment detumescence was obtained in all patients and maintained. At 12 weeks, 14 patients had normal erections, 13 reduced erections and eight no erections. A local aphrodisiac was identified as the commonest predisposing factor, followed by sickle-cell disease. Conclusion This study shows clearly that even if a patient with priapism presents late, vigorous treatment in the form of an adequate shunt should be undertaken as soon as possible, as this is the only chance the patient has to regain potency.