Cavernospongious shunts: Anatomical study of intrapenile vascular pathways

Objectives: The reality of cavernospongious shunts has never been confirmed and their role in penile erection remains undetermined. We aim to describe the intrapenile vascular anatomy as the precise nature of the connections between the corpus spongiosum, the glans and the corpora cavernosa remains unknown. Methods: Ten human penises were removed from adult male cadavers 8 days after arterial casting with latex. In four specimens coloured latex w as injected into the corpus spongiosum. Ex situ microdissection was perform ed to analyse the origin and distribution of the penile arteries. The anast omotic arterial pathways were dissected. Results: In all the specimens, 6-1 0 anastomoses were found between the cavernous arteries (a, profundae penis ) and the spongious arterial network. These arteries arose at regular inter vals from the cavernous arteries and perforated the tunica albuginea vertic ally to anastomose with urethral arteries (a. urethralis). No arteriovenous shunts were found between the corpus spongiosum and the corpora cavernosa, nor was there any venous drainage from the corpus spongiosum entering the corpora cavernosa. Conclusion: These shunts are arteries connecting the ure thral and cavernous arteries. Cavernospongious arterial anastomoses were fo und in all the cadavers dissected. Further studies are needed to determine their role in penile erection.