Our Summary

This research paper discusses a rare case of a 14-month old boy born with an ectopic scrotum, a condition where the scrotum is not located in its usual place. The boy also had an undescended testicle and extra scrotal skin on the left side. To correct this, the surgeons performed a single-stage rotational flap scrotoplasty, which involves rotating the scrotal skin, and an orchiopexy, a surgery to move an undescended testicle into the scrotum. They also made a modification to the technique by removing the extra longitudinal skin. Eight months after the procedure, the appearance of the repositioned scrotum improved, and the size of the affected testicle was similar to the other one. The researchers suggest that this modified surgical method might provide better cosmetic results compared to other methods.

FAQs

  1. What is an ectopic scrotum and how common is it?
  2. What is a single-stage rotational flap scrotoplasty and an orchiopexy, and how do they help in treating an undescended testicle?
  3. What was the outcome of the modified surgical method used on the 14-month old boy, and how does it compare to other methods?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about undescended testicle surgery is to follow post-operative care instructions closely, including keeping the surgical area clean and dry, avoiding strenuous activities for a period of time, and taking any prescribed medications as directed. It is also important to attend follow-up appointments with the doctor to monitor healing and ensure proper recovery. Additionally, the patient should be aware of any signs of infection or complications and seek medical attention if they occur.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended undescended testicle surgery are infants, children, and adolescents who have a testicle that has not descended into the scrotum by the age of one year. In some cases, the undescended testicle may descend on its own within the first year of life, but if it does not, surgery is usually recommended to prevent potential complications such as infertility, testicular cancer, and inguinal hernia. Additionally, patients with conditions such as ectopic scrotum, as discussed in the research paper, may also require surgical intervention to correct abnormalities in the scrotal area. It is important for patients with undescended testicles to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment plan based on their individual circumstances.

Timeline

Before undescended testicle surgery:

  • The patient may notice that one or both testicles have not descended into the scrotum.
  • The patient may experience discomfort or pain in the groin area.
  • The patient may undergo diagnostic tests such as ultrasound to confirm the undescended testicle.
  • The patient may consult with a urologist to discuss treatment options and the possibility of surgery.

After undescended testicle surgery:

  • The patient undergoes the surgical procedure to reposition the undescended testicle into the scrotum.
  • The patient may experience some pain, swelling, and discomfort in the surgical area following the procedure.
  • The patient will be advised to rest and avoid strenuous activities for a certain period of time to allow for proper healing.
  • Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor the patient’s recovery and ensure that the testicle has descended properly.
  • Over time, the patient will notice improvements in the appearance and function of the repositioned testicle.
  • The patient may require regular check-ups with a urologist to monitor the health of the testicle and ensure that there are no complications.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the risks and potential complications associated with undescended testicle surgery?
  2. How long will the recovery process take, and what can I expect during the recovery period?
  3. Will there be any long-term effects or complications from the surgery?
  4. How successful is the surgery in moving the undescended testicle into the scrotum?
  5. Are there any alternative treatment options available for an undescended testicle?
  6. What is the follow-up care required after the surgery?
  7. Will the surgery affect my fertility or sexual function in the future?
  8. What is the experience and success rate of the surgical team in performing undescended testicle surgery?
  9. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I need to take post-surgery?
  10. Will there be any scarring or visible changes to the appearance of the scrotum after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Wang H, Tang D, Yan X. Journal: Urol Int. 2023;107(5):539-542. doi: 10.1159/000529809. Epub 2023 Apr 4. PMID: 37015202