Urogenital Flashcards
What is an epididymal cyst/spermatocele?
- Cyst in the epididymis containing fluid.
What are the key diagnostic procedures for an epididymal cyst/spermatocele?
- Usually just clinical examination.
- Transillumination to show the cyst contains fluid.
- USS can be used to rule out tumour if unsure.
What is the treatment for an epididymal cyst/spermatocele?
- Usually none as it is harmless.
What is a hydrocele?
- Fluid collection between the membranous layers that surround the testes (tunica vaginalis).
What are the two types of hydrocele?
- Communicating hydrocele. Connection between the abdomen and the tunica vaginalis, which allows peritoneal fluid into the scrotal membrane.
- Non-communicating hydrocele. No connection between the abdomen and the tunica vaginalis. Caused by more fluid being produced than is being absorbed within the tunica vaginalis.
How is hydrocele diagnosed?
- Physical examination (swollen testes).
- Transillumination shows the swelling is fluid-filled.
- USS is gold standard but rarely used.
What is the treatment for hydrocele?
- Observation if asymptomatic.
- Surgery if symptomatic.
What is a varicocele?
- Dilation of the internal spermatic veins.
Which testicle does varicocele normally occur in?
- 90% are left sided.
How is varicocele diagnosed?
- Physical examination.
- USS if needed.
What is the treatment for varicocele?
- Surgical correction.
What is the main complication of varicocele?
- Potential infertility.
What is testicular torsion?
Twisting of the testicle on the spermatic cord, leading to occlusion of blood flow, ischaemia and potentially necrosis of testicular tissue.
MEDICAL EMERGENCY.
What is the clinical presentation of testicular torsion?
- Severe, acute onset testicular pain.
- Nausea/vomiting.
- Pain is not relieved by scrotal elevation (this would be indicative of epididymitis).
What is the treatment for testicular torsion?
- Urgent corrective surgery (detorsion).
- Sometimes testicle will be lost. Here, consider a prosthetic device.