Early treatment of cavernositis resulted in erectile function preservation

Abstract

Introduction: Some of the more common complications of intracavernous injection (ICI) therapy include pain and prolonged erections. Rare reported complications include intracorporeal needle breakage and postinjection cavernositis.

Aim: We report a case of early management of postinjection cavernositis resulting in preservation of erectile function with no angulation.

Methods: A 53-year-old male with no history of diabetes mellitus presented to our department with a small painful penile swelling 36 hours after ICI of 15 microg prostaglandin E1. Clinical, laboratory, and ultrasound assessments suggested the occurrence of cavernositis. Surgical debridement, abscess drainage, and antibiotics resulted in marked improvement. Follow-up showed normal erectile function with minimal scarring.

Conclusions: Timely management of cavernositis can help prevent loss of erectile function. Stringent supervision of patients, after adequate ICI training, together with drug prescription, is essential.