USE OF VACUUM TUMESCENCE DEVICE FOR IMPOTENCE SECONDARY TO VENOUS LEAKAGE

The causes and treatment of venogenic impotence are still controversia l. From September 1989 to April 1991, 317 men complaining of impotence were evaluated in our Erectile Dysfunction Clinic. Seventy patients w ere suspected of having venous leakage, and all men had dynamic cavern osography performed. Forty-seven of these 70 men (67%) had venous leak age, and a vacuum tumescence device was recommended as initial treatme nt for all of them. A questionnaire was later mailed to all 47 patient s. A response to the questionnaire was obtained from 45 men (96%). Twe nty-nine patients had purchased a vacuum tumescence device (Osbon Erec Aid). A satisfactory result was obtained in 20 patients (69%) with ven ous leakage. Since the use of the vacuum tumescence device is relative ly safe and noninvasive, and the results are as good as or better than venous ligation, we recommend its use as the initial treatment of ven ogenic impotence until a consistently reliable treatment for this cond ition is found.