SEVERE PENILE EROSION AFTER USE OF A VACUUM SUCTION DEVICE FOR MANAGEMENT OF ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION IN A SPINAL-CORD INJURED PATIENT - CASE-REPORT

We report a case of severe erosion and cellulitis at the base of the p enis as a result of vacuum suction device constriction bands left on f or 4 hours in a spinal cord injured patient with paraplegia and hypest hesia of the genital area. All patients using vacuum suction devices n eed to be properly educated regarding usage and risks with adequate fo llow up; patients with hypesthesias and spinal cord injuries need info rmation specifically related to their decreased or absent level of sen sation. Only two out of seven vacuum suction device brochures reviewed warn of the risk to patients with decreased sensation in the penis, b ut none specifically address usage or risks to men with spinal cord in juries.