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Torsion of an indirect hernia sac causing acute scrotal swelling in a child

Jong Kil Nam1, Jae Hyun Ahn, Hyeon Woo Kim

  • 1Department of Urology, Research Institute for Convergence of Biomedical Science and Technology, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Yangsan, Korea.

The World Journal of Men'S Health
|April 19, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Torsion of a hernia sac, a rare cause of acute scrotum in children, was observed in a 6-year-old boy. Surgical exploration revealed a twisted, necrotic cyst within a communicating hydrocele, highlighting this condition for urologists.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Urology
  • Emergency Medicine

Background:

  • Acute scrotum in children is a common surgical emergency.
  • Torsion of the spermatic cord is the most frequent cause of acute scrotum.
  • Torsion of a hernia sac is an extremely rare etiology.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report a unique case of torsion of an indirect hernia sac presenting as acute scrotum.
  • To emphasize the importance of considering this rare condition in the differential diagnosis of acute scrotum in pediatric patients.

Main Methods:

  • Case report of a 6-year-old boy with acute scrotum.
  • Surgical exploration and intraoperative findings.
  • Histopathological examination of the cyst.

Main Results:

  • A 6-year-old boy presented with acute scrotum.
  • Surgical exploration revealed torsion of an indirect hernia sac with a necrotic cyst within a communicating hydrocele.
  • The cyst was twisted approximately 360 degrees.

Conclusions:

  • Torsion of a hernia sac is a rare but important cause of acute scrotum in children.
  • Awareness of this condition is crucial for accurate diagnosis and timely surgical intervention.
  • Prompt surgical exploration is necessary for all cases of acute scrotum to rule out emergent conditions.

Keywords:
Hernia, inguinalScrotumTorsion abnormality

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