[Clinical characteristics of acute scrotum: analysis of 316 cases].

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the differential diagnosis and treatment of acute scrotum.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical characteristics of 316 cases of acute scrotum and reviewed the related literature.

RESULTS

Among the total number, there were 117 cases of acute epididymitis (37.0%), 76 acute orchitis (24.1%), 39 acute periorchitis (12.3%), 23 acute scrotal infection (7.3%), 21 testicular trauma (6.6%), 17 idiopathic scrotal edema (5.4%), 16 testicular torsion (5.1%), and 7 scrotal gangrene (2.2%). Eighty-one of them underwent surgery and 235 received conservative treatment, of whom 1 with scrotal gangrene died of toxic shock for refusing surgical drainage. Those with testicular torsion all showed positive results in Prehn's test and responded well to surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Acute scrotum is detrimental to male health, for which early diagnosis and prompt treatment are essential.