Methylene blue as a means of treatment for priapism caused by intracavernous injection to combat erectile dysfunction

OBJECTIVE: The authors observed priapism as a side effect occuring during the intracavernous treatment of erectile dysfunction. Earlier priapism had been treated with an intracavernous injection of sympatomimetics; unfortunately several complications and contraindications were found. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Methylene blue was applied in the treatment of five patients. First a corpus cavernosum punction was performed and some blood was aspirated from the penis. Finally 100 mg of Methylthionin Chlorati was injected into the corpus cavernosum. RESULTS: A sufficient detumescence was observed in all of these cases. There were no complications. The method was applied effectively in two cases after an unsuccessful punction. CONCLUSION: The autors recommend intravenous methylene blue for the treatment of priapism. According to their experience this method is free of complications and as effective as a sympathomimetics treatment. As they think, it can be recommended in any manifestations of priapism because its force of action appears to be both chemically and biologically clear.