Acute Ischemic Priapism

In this FOAMcast episode, Lauren Westifer discusses updates in the emergency department management of acute ischemic priapism, a condition she likens to compartment syndrome of the penis. She highlights key changes in treatment recommendations, emphasizing the ineffectiveness of conservative therapies like cold compresses or exercise as initial treatments. The focus is on prompt intervention with intracavernosal phenylephrine, potentially combined with corporal aspiration, as first-line therapy. She reviews medication considerations, provides guidance on phenylephrine dosing, and advises on when to consult urology, particularly in cases of prolonged erection or treatment failure, and also touches on the importance of managing patient expectations regarding potential erectile dysfunction.