Dorsal veins of penis !

The dorsal veins of the penis run along its top surface and drain its blood; in erection their outflow is squeezed, which helps keep the blood in.

Official name: Deep dorsal vein of penis; superficial dorsal veins of penis

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What it is

The superficial dorsal vein, under the skin, drains to the veins of the groin; the deep dorsal vein, in the midline under the deep fascia, passes under the pubic symphysis into the prostatic venous plexus.

What it does

Drain blood from the penis; in erection their outflow is compressed, which helps keep the blood in.

Key facts

Drains: Superficial dorsal vein: penile skin and prepuce; deep dorsal vein (under Buck fascia): glans and corpora through circumflex and emissary veins
Into: Superficial: external pudendal vein to the great saphenous vein; deep: under the pubic symphysis into the prostatic venous plexus (dorsal vein complex)

Relations

Lateral: Dorsal arteries and then dorsal nerves on each side of the deep dorsal vein
Superficial: Buck fascia over the deep vein; the superficial vein lies above it in the dartos, under the skin
Behind: Suspensory ligament of the penis and the pubic symphysis, under which the deep vein passes

How to find it

The superficial dorsal vein is often visible under the skin of the dorsum; the deep vein is found in the midline under Buck fascia at surgery or on Doppler ultrasound.

On imaging

Not seen on radiographs. Ultrasound shows the deep dorsal vein in the midline under Buck fascia, between the dorsal arteries; the superficial dorsal vein lies above that fascia. Classic finding: superficial dorsal vein thrombosis (penile Mondor disease), a firm, non-compressible cord with no Doppler flow. In erectile dysfunction, persistent diastolic flow on Doppler suggests venous leak.

Common problems

Erectile dysfunction, often linked to blood-vessel disease (diabetes, smoking, high blood pressure).
Penile fracture: a tear of the tough coat of an erect penis; an emergency.

How it is diagnosed

Examination; Doppler ultrasound when needed.

Treatment

The deep dorsal vein complex is controlled early in a radical prostatectomy to limit bleeding.

Clinical notes

Rupture of a dorsal vein can mimic penile fracture (sudden swelling and bruising) but the tunica albuginea is intact
Surgery to tie the deep dorsal vein for venous leak has largely been abandoned because results do not last

Test yourself

Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.

Where does the deep dorsal vein of the penis drain?

Under the pubic symphysis, above the perineal membrane, into the prostatic venous plexus (dorsal vein complex).

Where does the superficial dorsal vein of the penis drain?

Via the external pudendal vein to the great saphenous vein.

What is penile Mondor disease?

Superficial dorsal vein thrombosis: a tender cord along the dorsum, often after vigorous sex, usually settling by itself.

How can rupture of a dorsal vein of the penis be distinguished from penile fracture?

It mimics fracture with sudden swelling and bruising, but the tunica albuginea is intact.

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Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional.

Its names

Official Latin (TA2): vena dorsalis profunda penis; venae dorsales superficiales penis
Official Spanish (DeCS): Vena dorsal profunda del pene; venas dorsales superficiales del pene
English (TA2): Deep dorsal vein of penis; superficial dorsal veins of penis

Sources: Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis, Penis.

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Representative model, for educational purposes only.