Corporeal fibrosis as a result of priapism prohibiting function of self-contained inflatable penile prosthesis.

Corporeal fibrosis and erectile impotence are known sequelae of priapism. Fibrosis following priapism may make subsequent placement of a penile prosthesis, especially inflatable devices, difficult or impossible. A case is described in which a self-contained inflatable prosthesis (Dynaflex) was successfully placed to treat impotence resulting from idiopathic priapism. However, fibrosis of the distal tunica albuginea of the corpora cavernosa rendered them noncompressible, and thus precluded inflation of the device with its distally placed pump mechanism. This anatomic problem is added to the list of potential contraindications to placement of self-contained inflatable penile prostheses, and the advisability of having patients who desire such a prosthesis also choose a secondary prosthesis type is emphasized.