A corpora cavernosa-glans penis shunt was carried out to control priapism in eight patients in the past two years. Four of the five patients treated by sertion of a biopsy needle through the glans into the corpora and three patients treated by creation of a window in the tunica albugenia of the corpora through a glans penis incision experienced prompt detumescence and maintained potency. These observations support the efficacy of a venous shunt to achieve rapid detumescence and support the concept that potency is likely to be preserved if venous stasis is relieved promptly and its recurrence prevented. Surgical incision of the glans penis to permit creation of a shunt from each corpora cavernosum under direct vision is simple, safe and effective. This procedure warrants primary consideration as the initial treatment of priapism.