Abstract
Aim: Selective scrotal exploration of only those boys believed to have testicular torsion
(TT), relying on history and clinical examination for diagnosis, can result in a missed
or delayed diagnosis of TT. To minimise testicular loss we propose early scrotal exploration
in all boys with acute scrotum (AS). To validate our approach we investigated the
accuracy of clinical diagnoses of all boys with AS admitted to our unit. Clinical
features and diagnoses were correlated with operative findings.
Methods: A retrospective review of the records of all boys (1–16 years of age) presenting
with AS between 2003 and 2007 was done. Overall, 138 boys were seen during this period.
Three boys were treated conservatively. The 135 boys who underwent scrotal exploration
were divided into three groups: Group A (47 boys) with a history and clinical features
considered preoperatively to be consistent with torsion of appendix of testis (TAT);
Group B (46 boys) whose characteristics were thought to be more consistent with TT;
and finally Group C (42 boys) in whom a preoperative definitive diagnosis could not
be made. The preoperative clinical features and diagnoses of the 135 boys were correlated
with the operative findings.
Results: In Group A, exploration confirmed TAT in 37 (78%) boys, but in 7 (15%) boys it revealed
TT. In Group B, exploration confirmed torsion in 31 (68%) boys, but 13 (28%) had TAT.
In Group C, exploration revealed 39 (93%) cases of TAT and 3 (7%) cases of TT.
Conclusion: Surgical exploration in all cases of paediatric AS offers an accurate diagnosis and
treatment, thus minimising the risk of testicular loss.
Key words
acute scrotum - testicular torsion - diagnosis
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Correspondence
Giampiero Soccorso
University Hospitals of Leicester
Paediatric Surgery
Infirmary Square
LE1 5WW Leicester
United Kingdom
Telefon: +44 116 254 1414
Fax: +44 116 258 5886
eMail: giampsoccorso@doctors.org.uk
