Encysted spermatic cord hydrocele: A case series.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Encysted spermatic cord hydrocele is a rare anomaly characterized by obstruction of processus vaginalis closure. Clinically, it presents as a swelling in the inguinal region extending to the upper scrotum and does not communicate with the peritoneal cavity. It is often mistaken for indirect inguinal hernias, inguinal lymphadenopathy, undescended testis, and primary tumors of the cord in infants and children, making the diagnosis challenging. CASE PRESENTATION: We report the cases of five male patients aged nine months to 12 years who presented with painless swelling on the right side of the scrotal region. Physical examination revealed firm masses in the right inguinal region with positive transillumination, negative cough impulse tests, and irreducibility. Inguinal and scrotal ultrasonography showed an anechoic cystic lesion with thin walls, without any signs suggestive of a hernia. Patients were diagnosed with encysted spermatic cord hydrocele and advised to undergo cyst excision. The postoperative periods were uneventful, and expected recovery was observed at one-week and one-month follow-ups. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Encysted spermatic cord hydroceles are rare causes of painless inguinal swelling. The medical history and clinical findings can be used to establish a diagnosis, which can be confirmed using ultrasonography. Management depends on differentiating between spermatic cord hydrocele and scrotal hydrocele and involves considering the type. Treatment options range from conservative measures to surgery, particularly for non-communicating hydroceles that persist beyond 12-18 months or enlarge in size. CONCLUSION: Encysted hydrocele of the cord is rare and is often mistaken for indirect inguinal hernias in infants and children. This similarity makes the diagnosis challenging and necessitates vigilance from clinicians. Surgical intervention results in optimal outcomes, especially in cases where the hydrocele persists beyond 12-18 months or with size progression.

Unusual Genital Wart Lesions: A Case Series on Angiokeratoma of Fordyce.

Angiokeratoma is a vascular cutaneous disorder that is generally asymptomatic and presents with multiple dark red to blue or black papules over the skin. The prevalence of angiokeratoma increases as the age increases and it is more common after third and fourth decades of life. There are different types of angiokeratoma which may be localized forms (angiokeratoma of Mibelli, angiokeratoma circumscriptum, solitary angiokeratoma, and angiokeratoma of the scrotum or vulva) or diffuse variant (angiokeratoma corporis diffusum). Here, we report a series of five rare cases of angiokeratoma of Fordyce, of which two cases had vulval involvement and one case showed lesions on unilateral scrotal wall which was unusual.

Use of thermography in the long-term evaluation of scrotal surface temperature and its impact on seminal quality in stallions.

Scrotal surface thermography is a non-invasive method for assessing testicular thermoregulation in stallions; however, few studies have explored the application of this technique concerning the thermal physiology of equine reproductive systems. This study aimed to evaluate the consistency of testicular thermoregulation in stallions over a year using thermography to measure the scrotal surface temperature (SST). Moreover, we assessed the best region for measuring the surface body temperature compared with the SST. Ten light-breed stallions were used in the experiment. Thermographic images of the scrotal and body surfaces (neck and abdomen) were captured. Fresh, cooled and frozen-thawed semen samples were evaluated to verify the impact of thermoregulation on semen quality. Testicular thermoregulation was maintained throughout the year in stallions amidst changes in the external temperature, as evidenced by the weak correlation between the SST and ambient temperature. A lower correlation was observed between the environmental temperature and body surface temperature (BTS) obtained from the abdomen (BTS-A; R = .4772; p < .0001) than with that obtained from the neck (BTS-N; R = .7259; p < .0001). Moreover, both BTS-A and SST were simultaneously captured in a single image. The consistent quality of the fresh, cooled and frozen semen suggests efficient thermoregulation in stallions throughout the year.

Semen parameter enhancement after varicocelectomy: Insights into varicose vein diameter and BMI influence: A cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Varicocele is a condition in which the veins in the spermatic cord become enlarged and twisted. Varicocele is widely recognized as the leading cause of male infertility due to its significant impact on reproductive health in men. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the diameter of the varicose vein and the recovery rate of the spermogram after varicocelectomy. Also, the effect of body mass index (BMI) on sperm parameters after varicocelectomy. METHODS: This descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in Valiasr Hospital's urology clinic in Qaemshahr, Iran from August 2018 to August 2019 and involved 27 men with unilateral left varicocele who met the inclusion criteria for surgical repair. Before the operation, we recorded demographic information, the maximum diameter of varicose veins in the pampiniform plexus, and spermogram results. We repeated semen analysis 3 months after the operation and analyzed the data using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 21 software. RESULTS: Our findings showed that the diameter of the varicose vein before varicocelectomy was not significantly associated with the improvement of main semen parameters after the operation. Furthermore, our study suggested that a lower body mass index might contribute to a greater improvement in sperm motility, as individuals with lower BMI showed more significant improvement. DISCUSSION: There is a significant inverse relationship between BMI and sperm motility improvement after surgery. Patients with a lower BMI showed greater improvement in sperm motility.

Acquired Lymphangioma Circumscriptum of the Scrotum: A Case Report.

Lymphangioma circumscriptum (LC) is an uncommon malformation affecting the skin and subcutaneous tissue. This report documents a case of LC that developed in the scrotum of a 35-year-old male. Upon examination, numerous clusters of clear vesicles were found on the scrotum's surface. The patient had no previous exposure to infections, trauma, surgery, or radiation treatment. A skin biopsy revealed enlarged lymphatic channels in the dermis, aligning with a diagnosis of LC. The patient was treated with cryotherapy using liquid nitrogen, specifically targeting the translucent yellowish vesicles. The cryotherapy was administered in a series of eight sessions, each involving double freeze-thaw cycles, spaced out at two-week intervals. Following treatment, the patient's lesions regressed, indicating a favorable therapeutic outcome. The patient was followed up for nearly one year, during which no new lesions developed, suggesting the treatment's effectiveness in preventing recurrence. The complete resolution of lesions and absence of recurrence during follow-up indicate a good prognosis and successful response to cryotherapy. Scrotal LC, particularly the acquired form in adults without any precipitating factors, is extremely rare. This case underlines the need to include acquired LC in the diagnostic considerations when adult patients present with vesicular lesions on the scrotum, to ensure accurate diagnosis and subsequent proper treatment.

Multiple Swellings Over the Scrotum: Epidermal Inclusion Cysts.

Epidermal inclusion cysts are lesions that are benign and commonly occur on the regions of the scalp, face, neck, and scrotum. It is usually a painless condition but may become painful if it gets infected. A rupture of the cyst wall can lead to an intensely painful inflammatory reaction, and it is a common presentation to a surgeon. In this case, the patient reported multiple painless swellings on the scrotum, which were excised under spinal anesthesia. It was initially thought to be trichilemmal cysts, but on histopathological examination (HPE), it was diagnosed as epidermal inclusion cysts.

Idiopathic scrotal calcinosis: Is the cause still unknown? A case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Idiopathic Scrotal Calcinosis (ISC) is a rare and benign dermatological condition, characterized by the formation of calcified nodules on the scrotal skin. CASE PRESENTATION: A 47-year-old man with a 15-year history of painless, chamois-colored nodules on his scrotum. Surgical excision of the affected skin was performed, followed by primary closure, with histopathological examination confirming ISC. The patient recovered well with no recurrence noted at a 14-month follow-up. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: The etiology of ISC remains uncertain, with theories ranging from dystrophic calcification of epidermal cysts to Dartos muscle degeneration. In this case, no signs of epithelial cells or anatomical structure degeneration were observed, supporting the idiopathic nature of ISC. Treatment is typically surgical and aimed at aesthetic or symptomatic relief. While surgery is generally effective, the literature indicates a variable risk of recurrence, underscoring the need for long-term follow-up. CONCLUSION: This report contributes to the understanding of ISC, highlighting its idiopathic nature and the diversity of its etiological theories. It reinforces the effectiveness of surgical treatment for symptomatic relief and underscores the importance of ongoing research to elucidate the condition's etiology and optimize patient care.

Qualitative and quantitative spermatic cord abnormalities at CT predict symptomatic scrotal pathology.

PURPOSE: To evaluate quantitative and qualitative spermatic cord CT abnormalities and presence of unilateral or bilateral symptomatic scrotal pathology (SSP) at ultrasound. METHODS: This retrospective study included 122 male patients (mean age 47.8 years) undergoing scrotal ultrasound within 24 h of contrast-enhanced CT (n = 85), non-contrast CT (NECT, n = 32) or CT-Urogram (n = 5). CECT quantitative analysis assessed differential cord enhancement using maximum Hounsfield unit measurements. Three fellowship trained body radiologists independently assessed qualitative cord abnormalities for both CECT and NECT. Qualitative and quantitative findings were compared with the presence of SSP. Reader performance, interobserver agreement and reader confidence were assessed for NECT and CECT. Quantitative cutoff points were identified which maximized accuracy, specificity, negative predictive value, and other measures. RESULTS: SSP was present in 36/122 patients (29.5%). Positive cases were unilateral in 30 (83.3%) and bilateral in 6 (16.6%). At quantitative assessment, 25% differential cord enhancement had the highest diagnostic accuracy (88.9%), with 90.5% positive predictive value, 88.4% negative predictive value, 96.8% specificity, and 70.4% sensitivity. At qualitative evaluation, CECT reader performance was excellent (aggregate AUC = 0.86; P < .001); NECT was poorly discriminatory, although remained significant (aggregate AUC = 0.67; P = .002). Readers had significantly higher confidence levels with CECT (P < .001). Qualitative inter-observer agreement was high for both CECT and NECT (ICC = 0.981 and 0.963, respectively). CONCLUSION: Simple quantitative assessment of differential cord enhancement is highly accurate and specific for SSP at CECT. Qualitative abnormalities at CECT and NECT are also both predictors of SSP, however, CECT significantly out-performs non-contrast exams.

Cosmetic male genital surgery: a narrative review.

Background and Objective: Through the centuries the appearance of the male genitalia has always been an important concern for men, symbolizing virility, potency and sexual contentment. Correction of perceived deficiencies and deformities of the male genitalia can be addressed by aesthetic surgery as well as the enhancement its external aspect. If the social acceptance of cosmetic surgery, particularly of women's breasts, dates from the early 1950s, male intimate cosmetic surgery emerged from the shadows about 10 years ago with a medical community still very suspicious and reproachful. The present paper aims to describe and discuss the current state of the art regarding male intimate cosmetic surgery. Methods: A narrative review of the literature was performed using publications from January 2000 to September 2022. The publications were retrieved from the PubMed database using Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms and keywords. The authors' goal is to narrate the aesthetic non-surgical and surgical enhancement procedures of the male apparatus. Key Content and Findings: This narrative review examines the diverse procedures associated with male genitalia aesthetics. Conclusions: Aesthetics of the male genitalia is now an unavoidable and important part of aesthetic surgery worldwide with an increasing demand. Nonsurgical and surgical techniques described in the literature should be reviewed.

Scrotal Pyocele Secondary to Perforated Appendicitis in Middle-Aged Man: A Case Report and Review of Literature.

A scrotal abscess following perforated appendicitis is a rare complication. This is mostly seen in children and usually occurs due to the presence of the patent processus vaginalis, which permits the passage of pus from the intra-abdominal cavity down to the scrotum, resulting in a scrotal pyocele. There are few reported cases of such complications in young adult patients. We report a case of a 50-year-old male with a scrotal pyocele following exploratory laparotomy for perforated appendicitis. Scrotal ultrasound (US) findings were suggestive of a right-sided scrotal abscess, and the CT scan showed prominent fat in the proximal part of the right inguinal canal, which suggested the presence of a partially patent processus vaginalis. Our case is the first reported in the middle-aged group, and our review of the literature is the first directed to the adult age group. This review emphasizes the importance of considering scrotal pyocele in any patient with acute scrotum post-appendectomy, regardless of the patient's age, the affected side, and the presence or absence of identifiable patent processus vaginalis, as it may be microscopically permeable. Treatment will entail urgent drainage of the abscess, together with a course of antibiotics.

Gabapentin for Postoperative Pain Control and Opioid Reduction in Scrotal Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

PURPOSE: To assess the safety and efficacy of gabapentin in reducing postoperative pain among patients undergoing scrotal surgery for male infertility by conducting a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, healthy men undergoing scrotal surgery with a single surgeon were randomized to receive either (1) gabapentin 600 mg given 2 hours preoperatively and 300 mg taken 3 times a day postoperatively for 3 days, or (2) inactive placebo. The primary outcome measure was difference in postoperative pain scores. Secondary outcomes included differences in opioid usage, patient satisfaction, and adverse events. RESULTS: Of 97 patients screened, 74 enrolled and underwent randomization. Of these, 4 men were lost to follow-up, and 70 were included in the final analysis (35 gabapentin, 35 placebo). Both differences in initial postoperative mean pain score (-1.14, 95% CI -2.21 to -0.08, P = .035) and final mean pain score differences (-1.27, 95% CI -2.23 to -0.32, P = .0097) indicated lower gabapentin pain compared to placebo. There were no statistically significant differences in opioid usage, patient satisfaction, or adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that perioperative gabapentin results in a statistically and clinically significant decrease in pain following scrotal surgery. While there was no evidence of an impact on opioid usage or patient satisfaction, given the low risk of adverse events, it may be considered as part of a multimodal pain management strategy.

A national survey of practice for the emergency fixation of testis.

INTRODUCTION: Scrotal exploration for suspected testicular torsion is a common emergency procedure in the United Kingdom (UK). There is no universally agreed practice for how the testis should be fixed, or whether a nontorted testis should receive fixation. This survey aims to describe the methods used for emergency scrotal exploration and testicular fixation in the UK. METHODS: An online survey was distributed to urologists, general surgeons and specialist paediatric surgeons in approved NHS trusts, and via the email lists of collaborating organisations. The survey questioned surgeons on their operative management of a variety of common diagnoses encountered during scrotal exploration using multiple choice and free-text answers. RESULTS: A total of 340 responses were received from 83 institutions. Respondents included urologists (consultants, 33%; trainees, 24%), paediatric surgeons (consultants, 12%; trainees, 16%) and general surgeons. In cases of torsion, respondents predominantly perform sutured fixation (74%); however, sutureless dartos pouch fixation was used frequently (37%) by paediatric surgeons. The finding of 'bell-clapper' anatomy without torsion prompts 69% of respondents to undertake sutured fixation, but alternative nontorsion diagnoses frequently prompt use of sutureless methods (53-66%). CONCLUSION: This study is the largest survey of methods for emergency scrotal exploration and describes current UK practice. The majority of surgeons prefer sutured fixation in cases of torsion and/or bell-clapper anomalies, and sutureless methods in the absence of it.

Neonatal pyocele originating from a urinary tract infection: a case report.

BACKGROUND: The origins of pyocele are primarily idiopathic, with reports suggesting the spread from intraperitoneal or hematogenous infection. However, we found no information in the literature regarding the pathogen's spread from the urinary tract. CASE PRESENTATION: We report here a case of a 23-day-old term Iranian boy (Fars ethnicity) with complaints of new-onset fever, irritability, poor feeding, right hemiscrotal erythema, and edema. Moreover, the physical examination revealed an enlarged, erythematous, tender right hemiscrotum and edematous scrotal walls. Along with leukocytosis and elevated C-reactive protein levels, the urine culture indicated an infection with Escherichia coli. However, as the color Doppler ultrasonographic examination was inconclusive, he underwent surgical exploration on which a hydrocele sac with reddish cloudy pus fluid was noted, with its culture indicating growth with the same mentioned pathogen. Therefore, an appropriate antibiotic regimen was administered, and the patient was discharged a few days later after achieving full recovery and demonstrating no urinary tract structural abnormalities. CONCLUSION: In neonatal pyocele, the spectrum of evaluating the source of the infection should also be extended to the urinary tract. Moreover, administering suitable antibiotics would produce favorable results in cases with no structural abnormalities.

Crafting Contours: A Comprehensive Guide to Scrotal Reconstruction.

This review delves into reconstructive methods for scrotal defects arising from conditions like Fournier's gangrene, cancer, trauma, or hidradenitis suppurativa. The unique anatomy of the scrotum, vital for thermoregulation and spermatogenic function, necessitates reconstruction with thin and pliable tissue. When the scrotal defect area is less than half the scrotal surface area, scrotal advancement flap can be performed. However, for larger defects, some type of transplantation surgery is required. Various options are explored, including testicular transposition, tissue expanders, split-thickness skin grafts, local flaps, and free flaps, each with merits and demerits based on factors like tissue availability, defect size, and patient specifics. Also, physicians should consider how testicular transposition, despite its simplicity, often yields unsatisfactory outcomes and impairs spermatogenesis. This review underscores the individuality of aesthetic standards for scrotal reconstruction, urging surgeons to tailor techniques to patient needs, health, and defect size. Detailed preoperative counseling is crucial to inform patients about outcomes and limitations. Ongoing research focuses on advancing techniques, not only anatomically but also in enhancing post-reconstruction quality of life, emphasizing the commitment to continuous improvement in scrotal reconstruction.

Scrotal flaps for skin deficit correction after failed hypospadias repair.

PURPOSE: To analyze the effectiveness of scrotal flaps' use for skin deficit correction in re-operative cases to improve hypospadias' treatment results in children. METHODS: In the Urology Department of the Russian Children's Clinical Hospital (from 2013 to 2019) 46 patients were treated with hypospadias who underwent 3 to 7 failed repairs before being admitted to the clinic. Patients were divided into two groups: Group I - 24 patients with ventral skin deficit and proximal hypospadias; Group II - 22 patients with circumferential skin deficit and mid-shaft hypospadias. Scrotal flaps were used in both groups to cover the skin defect. The results were analyzed in short- and long-term follow-up of 2-8 years. Cosmetic results according to Hypospadias Objective Penile Evaluation scale, as well as functional results (recovery of independent free urination, lack of complications) were assessed. RESULTS: In long term follow-up, there is no statistically significant difference between Group I and Group II in number of fistulas and cases of glans dehiscence. Total number of complications in Group I - 6 (25%) vs 6 (27.3%) in Group II. Good cosmetic results were obtained in most patients of both groups, and satisfactory cosmetic results in 1 patient (4.1%) from Group I, and 2 patients (9.1%) from Group II (Table). CONCLUSION: In re-operative cases of midshaft and proximal hypospadias repairs, scrotal flaps allow to obtain good cosmetic and functional results, correcting ventral and circumferential skin deficit.

Therian origin of INSL3/RXFP2-driven testicular descent in mammals.

Introduction: During early development in most male mammals the testes move from a position near the kidneys through the abdomen to eventually reside in the scrotum. The transabdominal phase of this migration is driven by insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3) which stimulates growth of the gubernaculum, a key ligament connecting the testes with the abdominal wall. While all marsupials, except the marsupial mole (Notoryctes typhlops), have a scrotum and fully descended testes, it is unclear if INSL3 drives this process in marsupials especially given that marsupials have a different mechanism of scrotum determination and position relative to the phallus compared to eutherian mammals. Methods: To understand if INSL3 plays a role in marsupial testicular descent we have sequenced and curated the INSL3 gene and its receptor (RXFP2) in a range of marsupials representing every order. Furthermore, we looked at single cell RNA-seq and qPCR analysis of INSL3 in the fat-tailed dunnart testis (Sminthopsis crassicaudata) to understand the location and timing of expression during development. Results: These data show a strong phylogenetic similarity between marsupial and eutherian orthologues, but not with monotreme INSL3s which were more similar to the ancestral RLN3 gene. We have also shown the genomic location of INSL3, and surrounding genes is conserved in a range of marsupials and eutherians. Single cell RNA-seq and qPCR data show that INSL3 mRNA is expressed specifically in Leydig cells and expressed at higher levels during the testicular descent phase in developing marsupials. Discussion: Together, these data argue strongly for a therian origin of INSL3 mediated testicular descent in mammals and suggests that a coordinated movement of the testes to the abdominal wall may have preceded externalization in marsupials and therian mammals.

A Giant Scrotal Neurofibroma in a Child Masquerading as Filariasis: Uncommon Presentation of a Common Disease.

Neurofibroma of the scrotum is a very uncommon benign neoplasm, specifically when it affects teenagers and is not associated with neurofibromatosis type I. To the best of our knowledge, only a couple of cases of neurofibroma in children have been documented. Here, we report a case study of a 17-year-old boy who had a giant scrotal lump for ten years masquerading clinically as filariasis. A provisional diagnosis of benign nerve sheath neoplasm was made based on cytology findings. The lump was surgically removed from the patient, and a histopathological and immunohistochemistry examination established the diagnosis of neurofibroma. The combined clinical, preoperative cytological, histological, and immunohistochemistry findings were not presented in the literature in any of the formerly documented cases of scrotal neurofibroma. The current case expands the spectrum of differential diagnoses for scrotal tumours that clinicians have previously observed.

Epididymectomy Is an Effective Treatment for Chronic Epididymal Pain.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic scrotal pain is difficult to manage, and epididymectomy is a treatment option for a subset of men with pain localized to the epididymis. We sought to evaluate the efficacy of epididymectomy at our institution. METHODS: Between 2000 and 2020, 225 men underwent epididymectomy at our institution for pain localized to the epididymis and not part of a greater constellation of pelvic pain or urinary symptoms. Our primary outcome measure was change in pain after epididymectomy, categorized as cured/improved or no change/worsened. Multivariable logistic regression compared the impact of pain duration, and surgical and psychiatric histories on postoperative pain. RESULTS: Patients in both outcome categories-cured/improved and no change/worsened-were similar in age and BMI. Overall, 162 patients (72%) reported cured/improved pain at the last documented follow-up visit. Median follow-up time was 12 (IQR 1-364) weeks. About half of the cohort (n = 117, 52%) had a prior vasectomy, and there was no difference in outcome based on vasectomy history on multivariate analysis (OR 0.625, P = .3). Men with pain duration > 1 year (OR 0.46, P = .03), diagnosed psychiatric conditions (OR 0.44, P = .04), or prior scrotal/inguinal/abdominal surgeries other than vasectomy (OR 0.47, P = .03) had decreased odds of pain relief after epididymectomy. CONCLUSIONS: This 20-year analysis is the largest review of postepididymectomy outcomes reported. Among carefully screened men, 72% had resolution or improvement of scrotal pain. Epididymectomy is most effective for men with < 1 year of focal epididymal pain, with no history of psychiatric conditions or scrotal/inguinal/abdominal surgery other than vasectomy.

Mullerian Serous Cystadenoma Occurring in the Scrotum Post-Orchidopexy: A Rarely Reported Yet Distinctive Entity.

Serous cystadenoma is a rare lesion in the para-testicular tissue, with even rarer reports of this entity occurring in the scrotum post-orchidopexy. We present such an occurrence, adding support for its existence as a distinct entity.