What Causes Acute Scrotal Pain in Adults?
What Causes Acute Scrotal Pain in Adults?
The Big Picture
Acute scrotal pain can be alarming and requires immediate attention to identify the cause and appropriate treatment. This article explores the major causes and their implications.
Contents
- Understanding Acute Scrotal Pain
- Key Causes to Consider
- Diagnostic Approaches
- Management Strategies
Understanding Acute Scrotal Pain
Acute scrotal pain is sudden and severe pain that can develop over minutes to two days. It can stem from conditions like testicular torsion, perineal necrotizing fasciitis, or acute epididymitis. Identifying the cause quickly is crucial, as some conditions require immediate surgical intervention.
Key Causes to Consider
Testicular torsion involves the twisting of the spermatic cord, leading to reduced blood flow and potential testicular damage. Perineal necrotizing fasciitis, also known as Fournier's gangrene, is a severe infection that requires prompt surgical attention. Acute epididymitis, typically caused by infection, leads to inflammation and pain in the epididymis.
Diagnostic Approaches
Initial evaluation should focus on identifying urgent conditions like testicular torsion and necrotizing fasciitis. Ultrasound is a key diagnostic tool, especially for torsion, and should be done quickly to avoid complications. If ultrasound is not available, surgical exploration might be necessary.
Management Strategies
Management depends on the underlying cause. Testicular torsion requires immediate detorsion surgery, while necrotizing fasciitis needs surgical debridement and antibiotics. Acute epididymitis is typically managed with antibiotics and supportive care.
FAQs
What is acute scrotal pain?
It is sudden, severe pain in the scrotum developing over minutes to days.
What causes testicular torsion?
It's caused by the twisting of the spermatic cord, obstructing blood flow.
How is necrotizing fasciitis treated?
Treatment involves surgical debridement and broad-spectrum antibiotics.
What role does ultrasound play?
Ultrasound helps diagnose testicular torsion and assess other scrotal conditions.
When to seek emergency care?
Seek emergency care if sudden scrotal pain appears, especially with swelling or redness.
Wrapping Up
Identifying and treating the cause of acute scrotal pain swiftly can prevent serious complications.
Additional References
- Kühn AL, Scortegagna E, Nowitzki KM, Kim YH. Ultrasonography of the scrotum in adults. Ultrasonography 2016; 35:180.
- Davenport M. ABC of general surgery in children. Acute problems of the scrotum. BMJ 1996; 312:435.
- Mellick LB, Sinex JE, Gibson RW, Mears K. A Systematic Review of Testicle Survival Time After a Torsion Event. Pediatr Emerg Care 2019; 35:821.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.