Techniques for performing cavernosometry and cavernosography

Abstract

We have performed cavernosography and cavernosometry in more than 400 impotent patients and in 10 normal volunteers. In patients without abnormal venous leakage, intracavernosal infusion at a flow rate of 80-140 ml/min produces a complete rigid erection with an intracavernous pressure greater than 90 mm Hg; 25-50 ml/min is necessary to maintain the erection. Abnormal venous leakage is characterized by the absence of erection without a significant increase in intracavernous pressure under the maximum standardized perfusion rate of 140 ml/min. Cavernosography provides good morphologic studies of the cavernous bodies and the penile venous network, but must always be associated with flow rate measurement and intracavernous pressure monitoring for reliable assessment of venous leakage.