Penile perfusion and functional scintigraphy: preliminary clinical results before and after microsurgical revascularization.

Objective: To determine the effect on penile haemodynamics of vascularization using the Hauri method for the treatment of erectile dysfunction of vascular aetiology, as assessed by penile perfusion and functional scintigraphy.

Patients and methods: Penile perfusion and functional scintigraphy were performed before and after penile revascularization by the Hauri method in 13 patients. The established method of scintigraphy was carried out using 10 MBq/kg body weight of 99m technetium pertechnetate for in vivo labelling of erythrocytes, modified by including an estimate of mean virtual blood inflow rate.

Results: In 10 of the 13 patients there was a significant increase in the mean virtual blood inflow rate after surgery (P < 0.01, Wilcoxon test). In three patients, the inflow rate was lower after surgery than before; Doppler ultrasonography showed an occluded anastomosis in these patients.

Conclusions: Penile vascularization using the Hauri method provides an objectively demonstrable improvement in penile haemodynamics in man. It is thus a sufficiently therapeutic procedure for treating erectile dysfunction of vascular aetiology and its effect greatly exceeds any 'psychological influence'.