Balakrishnan Subramani1, Veerappan Ramanathan2, Rasu Kuruji3, Lingesh Sairam Chelliah4
BACKGROUND
Acute scrotal swellings though commonly encountered, many a times an accurate diagnosis is not made and the precious testis is sacrificed. In this study we find out the incidence of etiological factors which cause acute scrotal swelling, correlation of clinical features with operative findings, distribution among different occupation and age groups, different modalities of management of different aetiologies.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Patients reporting to outpatient department of surgery with acute swelling and pain in scrotum, patients admitted as inpatient for same complaints or any other patients presenting with similar complaints during some other ailment from April, 2014 to September 2014. Age, occupation, clinical features, duration, investigations, different etiologies, operative findings, postoperative complications will be documented and analyse.
RESULTS
Epididymo-orchitis was found in 32 cases, followed by Epididymitis (10) and Pyocele (10). The maximum incidence occurred in the first 3 decades. Similar past complaints and urinary symptoms are predominant predisposing factors. The average duration of symptoms in case of epididymo-orchitis was 6.06 days, whereas in Fournier’s gangrene it was 3 days. Urine analysis and haemogram were inconclusive but supportive. Ultrasound of scrotum was diagnostic in most cases. The average period of hospitalisaton was found to be more in Fournier’s gangrene (21.75 days).
CONCLUSION
The commonest etiology leading to acute scrotal condition is epididymo-orchitis followed by epididymitis and pyocele. Similar past complaints and urinary symptoms are the predominant predisposing factors. Investigations are not conclusive but supportive. Acute scrotal swellings affect the whole life of the patient in the aspect of sterility. So, it needs meticulous examinations, proper evaluation and aggressive management.
