Testicular disorders: Often perceived to be a young man’s disease, has a high recovery rate if detected early. Causes of testicular could be undescended testicle, abnormal development of testicle, family history.

 

Testicular disorders include

Epididymo orchitis

It is the infection of the testis and the epididymis which is associated with painful swelling of the testis. Patient usually has fever and looks quite toxic. This condition can be diagnosed clinically and can be supported by urine analysis and culture, scrotal scan.

The treatment involves antibiotics, analgesics and treatment of the underlying cause. The conditions can mimic torsion and can be confusing in certain cases. However in such situations the clinical judgement is very crucial and better to explore surgically.

 

Testicular torsion

This is an acute emergency and needs to be treated with utmost priority. Testicles are usually well secured within the scrotum. Occasionally the testicles twist on its own axes thereby occluding the blood supply and causing ischeamia. Patient may have sudden onset of testicular pain and swelling. This condition is generally seen in 2nd decade but may affect any age group.

The diagnosis can be clinical in many cases, but if the facilities are available then a Doppler study of the testicles will help the diagnosis. Treatment will include emergency exploration and untwist the torsion followed by fixation of both testis.

 

Hydrocele

Most common cause of painless testicular swelling which wll be there for a long time. This condition is basically fluid (lymph) collection around the testicle. A simple test like scrotal scan will clinch the diagnosis.

Treatment is a simple daycare surgery which can cure the condition.