Clinical study on acute scrotum]

Between April 1986 and July 1990, we experienced 13 cases of acute scrotum with surgical exploration. Six of the patients had torsion of the spermatic cord; three had torsion of an appendix of the epididymis, one had torsion of a testicular appendix, one had testicular rupture, one had acute epididymitis and one was normal. Their ages ranged from 3 months to 55 years (mean: 17.7 years), and the patients with torsion of the spermatic cord ranged from 5 to 25 years in age (mean: 16.3 years). No specific symptoms, signs, or laboratory findings were noted in patients with torsion of the spermatic cord. In the majority of cases, scrotal swelling and redness of the scrotal skin were present, and we could not distinguish parts of the scrotal contents. From 2 to 92 hours had passed before the patients presented, and patients who first attended other clinics tended to be treated in an inappropriate manner. Orchidopexy was performed in all patients with torsion of the spermatic cord. At present, only one testis which was treated after a delay of 92 hours has proven to be atrophic. Early consultation of a urological clinic and early surgical exploration are important in the treatment of the acute scrotum.