Nocturnal tumescence measurement by electrobioimpedance volumetric assessment in cases of erectile dysfunction

Purpose: Since the introduction of intracavernosal injection of prostavasin , measurement of nocturnal tumescence has no longer been an integral part o f the diagnostic procedure in patients with erectile dysfunction. A new tec hnique for nocturnal tumescence measurement was tested to determine its val ue for the diagnosis of erectile dysfunction. Material and Method: The NEVA system consists of three measuring electrodes which are affixed at the thigh, the base of the penis and at the sulcus co ronarius. The system measures changes in conducting ability and calculates alterations in penis length, diameter, blood flow and duration of erection. We examined 8 patients between the ages of 31 and 75, who consulted us for the first time between September 6th and 8th, 1999 because of erection dis turbances. Results: The nightly measurements yielded protocols over a period of betwee n 5 and 7.4 hours. A maximum of 4 erections with a duration of 4-55 minutes were measured. Peripheral blood Flow varied from 1.33 to 181.5. The change in penile volume ranged between 0% and 316%. Erectile dysfunction after pe lvic trauma claimed by two patients could not be confirmed. One patient sho wed vascular causes, five patients showed differing degrees of erectile dys function that suggested psychogenic causes. Conclusions: The NEVA system permits valid measurement of nocturnal erectio ns that can be represented graphically and in tabular form. It is noninvasi ve, simple to use both for patients and doctors, and provides results that facilitate the distinction between organic and psychogenic causes of erecti le dysfunction as well as normal erectile function.