Updated diagnosis and management of chronic orchialgia / 中华男科学杂志

ABSTRACT

Chronic orchialgia (CO) is a common complaint in urology or andrology. Due to its complicated pathogenesis, the diagnosis and treatment of CO are quite challenging. Based on different etiologies, CO can be idiopathic or secondary. Idiopathic CO accounts for approximately 50% of the cases and is probably associated with Wallerian degeneration in the spermatic cord nerves and peripheral sensitization. Secondary CO can be attributed to direct causes and its treatment focuses on the pathologic condition identified. The main methods for the treatment of CO include conservative and surgical strategies, among which microsurgical spermatic cord denervation ( MSCD) is an effective and minimally invasive option, while orchiectomy is but the last alternative when no other means is left.