Deep dorsal vein arterialization in vasculogenic impotence: our experience.

We describe our experience of surgical therapy for vasculogenic impotence, using a technique of arterialization of the deep dorsal vein. This technique was chosen because vascular anastomosis can easily be performed, and because of the possibility of inducing haemodynamic mechanisms which favour the maintenance of rigidity, using venous arterialization. The operation was performed on 22 selected subjects with positive results. 12 patients (55%) reported erections which enabled them to have satisfactory sexual relations one year after follow-up. From the data reported we can conclude that penile revascularization, using the technique of arterialization of the deep dorsal vein, in well selected cases of vasculogenic impotence, should be considered a valid alternative to a penile prosthesis implant.