83. Testicular/scrotal swellings Flashcards
History taking testicular/scrotal swelling
PC:
Pain - describe pain - A dragging sensation? Throbbing,aching? Severe? worse on standing? does elevating the testicles improve the pain? What were you doing when the pain started? Had you been doing nay sport or exercise before/at the time??
Lump - painful? Tried pressing it in? Constipation? Flatus present? Vomiting?
Have you noticed any breast tissue development?
SHx:
Sexual history
Examination scrotal swellings
Inspection:
General inspection
Cough
Palpation:
Light palpation at first → any tenderness
Deeper - Reducible? Can you get above the lump? Can you separate the lump from the testicle?
Features of the lump - hard/soft? Round? regualr/irregualr? size?
Special tests:
Transillumination - hydrocele and large epididymal cyst
Elevation of the testes
Cremasteric reflex
lump/swelling superior and medial to the pubic tubercle, reducible, non-painful
inguinal hernia
swollen, tender testis retracted upwards. The skin may be reddened. cremasteric reflex is lost. elevation of the testis does not ease the pain (Prehn’s sign)
torsion
soft, non-tender swelling of the hemi-scrotum. Usually anterior to and below the testicle, confined to the scrotum, you can get ‘above’ the mass on examination, transilluminates with a pen torch, the testis may be difficult to palpate
hydrocele
A scrotal mass that feels like a “bag of worms” More prominent on standing. Disappears when lying down. Asymmetry in testicular size
varicocele
Soft round lump separate from the body of the testicle, found posterior to the testicle at the top, May be able to transilluminate
epididymal cyst
painless (usually) lump Non-tender (or even reduced sensation) Arising from testicle, Hard, Irregular, Not fluctuant , No transillumination
testicular cancer
Investigation testicular swelling
- If torsion suspected - immediate surgical exploration
- USS to confirm hydrocele/epididymal cyst/to investigate and rule out testicular cancer
- Doppler for ?varicocele
what is testicular torsion
twist of the spermatic cord resulting in testicular ischaemia and necrosis
most common age range and peak incidence torsion
peak incidence 13-15 years
most common in males aged between 10 and 30
trigger testicualr torsion
triggered by activity, such as playing sports
features testicular torsion
pain is usually severe and of sudden onset
the pain may be referred to the lower abdomen
nausea and vomiting may be present
on examination, there is usually a swollen, tender testis retracted upwards. The skin may be reddened
cremasteric reflex is lost
elevation of the testis does not ease the pain (Prehn’s sign)
testicular torsion o/e
swollen, tender testis retracted upwards. The skin may be reddened. cremasteric reflex is lost. elevation of the testis does not ease the pain (Prehn’s sign)
plan ?torsion
immediate surgical exploration
- if torsion found = bilateral fixation (bialteral orchidoplexy (as ?bellclapper)
USS is useful but dont delay
what type of inguinal hernia is common congenital
indirect
what is an indirect inguinal hernia
where the peritoneal sac enters the inguinal canal through the deep inguinal ring. (can be congenital)
what type of inguinal hernia is caused by heavy lifting/straining
direct inguinal hernia
what is a direct inguinal hernia
the peritoneal sac enters the inguinal canal through the posterior wall of the inguinal canal. (acquired due to weakening of musculature)
Management inguinal hernia
Treat even if asymptomatic
- surgical eg mesh repair
complications inguinal hernia repair
early: bruising, wound infection
late: chronic pain, recurrence
management paediatric inguinal hernia
Under 1 year of age = repair urgently - most risk of strangulation
Over 1 year = elective repair
complications of inguinal hernias
Incarceration
Obstruction
Strangulation
what is hernia incarceration
Incarceration is where the hernia cannot be reduced back into the proper position (it is irreducible). The bowel is trapped in the herniated position.
Incarceration can lead to obstruction and strangulation of the hernia.
what is hernia obstruction
Obstruction is where a hernia causes a blockage in the passage of faeces through the bowel. Obstruction presents with vomiting, generalised abdominal pain and absolute constipation (not passing faeces or flatus).
what is hernia strangulation
Strangulation is where a hernia is non-reducible (it is trapped with the bowel protruding) and the base of the hernia becomes so tight that it cuts off the blood supply, causing ischaemia. This will present with significant pain and tenderness at the hernia site. Strangulation is a surgical emergency. The bowel will die quickly (within hours) if not corrected with surgery. There will also be a mechanical obstruction when this occurs.
o/e what is a big part of the risk assessment hernias
size of the neck/defect (narrow or wide)
Hernias that have a wide neck are at lower risk of complications
indictaion that a hernia is at risk of strangualtion
Episodes of pain in a hernia that was previously asymptomatic
Irreducible hernias
symptoms of strangulated hernias
Pain
Fever
Increase in the size of a hernia or erythema of the overlying skin
Peritonitic features such as guarding and localised tenderness
Bowel obstruction e.g. distension, nausea, vomiting
Bowel ischemia e.g. bloody stools