Embolization for Erectile Dysfunction

Context and indications

Venous erectile dysfunction (venous leak) occurs when blood does not stay sufficiently in the penile corpora cavernosa to maintain an erection. Embolization is offered when medications (PDE5 inhibitors) are insufficient and a venous leak is documented.

Benefits

Minimally invasive alternative to surgical vein ligation, outpatient procedure, anatomy preservation, significant improvement in erectile rigidity in well-selected cases.

Procedure

Under local anesthesia, a catheter is inserted through the femoral vein and guided to the pelvic veins responsible for the leak. Embolization agents (coils, sclerosing agents) are used to occlude the leaking veins. The procedure takes approximately 1 to 2 hours, preceded by diagnostic cavernosography.

Risks

Puncture site hematoma, transient penile pain, venous leak recurrence, embolization material migration (rare).

Follow-up

Same-day discharge. Follow-up consultation at 1-3 months with clinical assessment. Improvement is progressive over 4 to 8 weeks.

Practical information

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia on an outpatient basis (same-day discharge).