Treatment of impotence caused by veno-occlusive dysfunction with detachable balloons and coils in combination with resection of the deep dorsal vein: comparison with resection of the deep dorsal vein only

A total of 21 patients presenting with impotence due to venous leakage were treated with occlusion of the proximal part of the deep dorsal penile vein and the distal part of the prostatic plexus by way of a radiological intervention technique, i.e. occlusion with detachable balloons and coils. The distal part of the deep dorsal vein was also resected. The follow-up period ranged from 1 to 27 months (mean, 15.3 months). The results of this treatment were compared with the results of resection of the deep dorsal vein alone in 29 patients. Better results were obtained in the balloon-occlusion group, although the differences between the two groups did not reach statistical significance. When the results obtained in the two groups were considered in relation to the amount of leakage, we found no statistically significant difference. The long-term results of venous surgery for veno-occlusive dysfunction are not encouraging, even when more extensive procedures for the prevention of venous outflow are used.