New techniques in evaluation of impotence.

Two new methods of evaluating erectile function were compared and contrasted in a series of 41 patients complaining of impotence. The first method consisted of a single measurement of maximum rigidity at penile base and along the penile shaft utilizing Snap-Gauges. The second method consisted of simultaneous continuous monitoring of penile tumescence and rigidity of the penile base and shaft. The results demonstrated concurrence of interpretation of both techniques. However, whereas the results of Snap-Gauge testing clearly distinguished between organic and psychogenic impotence, continuous penile rigidity monitoring usually delineated the nature of the penile erectile abnormality.