Scrotal Exploration

What is Scrotal Exploration?

Scrotal is the loose skin or muscular sac portion in the male testicle organ (male reproductive system). The scrotum (or scrotal sac) is located under the penis. Its primary function is to protect testicles, blood vessels, and assist in sperm production (since it consists of spermatic cord). The spermatic cord contains lymphatic vessels, organ nerves, and excretory duct of the testicles. Scrotal or testicular exploration is examination of the testicle region. It is done to treat the condition of testicular torsion. When a testicle rotates, the spermatic cord is also twisted and interrupts the blood flow to the scrotum. The condition when blood supply cuts to the testicles is known as ischemia.


Under this condition, the patient will experience pain and swelling. Testicular torsion commonly occurs in young boys (12-16 years). It can even occur during birth. It is an emergency condition, which needs emergency care. Only quick treatment will save the testicles of the patient. If it is severely damaged, then testicles have to be removed.

Symptoms

Some of the common symptoms of the condition include:

  • Sudden testicular pain.
  • Scrotal swelling and abdominal pain.
  • Nausea.
  • Unusual positioning of the testicles.
  • Pain while urinating.
  • Fever.

 

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Causes

The primary reason for testicular torsion is still not known. However, the possible causes are:

  • Bell clapper deformity that occurs when tunica vaginalis (the pouch of serous membrane that covers the testes) gets attached to the spermatic cord, giving it free movement.
  • It is inherited.
  • Injury or high physical activity, exerting pressure on the testicles.
  • Fast growth after puberty.

 

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Risks

As the condition is inherent there are no risk factors involved, while there may be certain complications that may arise during the surgery. The risks include bleeding, infection, pain, and death of the testicles.

 

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Prevention

It is an inherent condition, and your only option is to get a treatment.

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How is it diagnosed?

A physical examination will be done by the doctor. The doctor will observe the testicles, abdomen, groin, and scrotum. There will be prominent swelling of the scrotum. The doctor will physically ob...

How is it treated?

Once the condition of testicular torsion is confirmed, our doctors at Medanta can employ the following methods:

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  • Surgery

    An immediate surgery is necessary to protect the patient’s testicles from any further damage. Immediate surgical exploration is indicated for patients with testicular torsion. There should be no delay in the treatment as the testicles can get badly damaged. The patient will be given general anesthesia, and put to sleep, to make it a painless procedure. A surgical cut will be made in the scrotum, and the spermatic cord will be untwisted. The patient may also require a surgical stitch, to attach testicles to the inside portion of the scrotum. The surgery will last for 2-4 hours.

     

  • Manual treatment

    Manual treatment can also be done, but it is an extremely delicate procedure. Manual manipulation of the twisted portion is difficult, as the patient is in acute pain. The doctor can manually attempt to untwist the testicle. The doctor will try and push the scrotum. However, a surgical fixation is still required to prevent recurrence in future.

When do I contact the doctor?

Testicular torsion is a medical emergency. You will get very little time to prepare for a surgery. It is advisable to consult a doctor, if you start experiencing symptoms of testicular or abdominal pain. The doctor will immediately proceed with a surgery. There should be no delay in the treatment as your testicles can get badly damaged.

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