1097 GALEN OF PERGAMUM(129-216 AD) ON ERECTION AND PRIAPISM: (PATHO-) PHYSIOLOGY AND CASE REPORTS

Abstract

You have accessJournal of UrologyHistory of Urology Forum1 Apr 20131097 GALEN OF PERGAMUM(129-216 AD) ON ERECTION AND PRIAPISM: (PATHO-) PHYSIOLOGY AND CASE REPORTS Franz Marx Franz MarxFranz Marx Cologne, Germany More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2013.02.689AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES In the work of Galen (“corpus galenicum”) comprising more than 170 writings, about 340 short case reports can be found. 33 of these reports are connected with urologic organs or symptoms, seven are dealing with priapism. METHODS Galen's perception of physiology and pathophysiology of erection and his case histories connected to priapism are analyzed on the basis of the original Greek texts. RESULTS In his work “On the Affected Parts” Galen treats quite extensively the physiology of erection as well as the pathophysiology of priapism founded on his concept of Hippocratic humoral pathology and own anatomical research. In his view the primary cause for erection is the specific quality of the cavernous bodies to attract the expanding pneuma (the “vital spirit”) from the penile arteries. Following Galen's theory priapism is the consequence of a non-natural condition of the arteries presenting “pathological” widening of vascular openings and excessive generation of gaseous pneuma. The clinical presentation of Galen's cases is not different from the modern definition of the disorder. One of the cases displaying continuous palpitations of the persistently erected but not aching penis reminds of the actual “high-flow” variation of priapism defined by unbridled arterial inflow. Galen's therapeutic approach includes local cooling measures, herbal infusions and phlebotomy. CONCLUSIONS Galen's reports on priapism are the first clinical casuistics on this topic - associated with pathogenetic discussion - in the history of urology. They attest the analytic and conceptual ingenuity of this great ancient physician and scientist. © 2013 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 189Issue 4SApril 2013Page: e450 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2013 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Franz Marx Cologne, Germany More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...