Urologic emergencies. Trauma injuries and conditions affecting the penis, scrotum, and testicles

Urologic emergencies involving the penis, scrotum, and testicles include priapism, paraphimosis, testicular torsion, and Fournier's gangrene. Familiarity with the signs and symptoms of these conditions can lead to prompt diagnosis. Special care is needed in differentiating testicular torsion from the more common condition of epididymitis. Evaluation of trauma injuries of the genito-urinary tract includes classification (blunt or penetrating), assessment of the extent of injury, and urologic consultation if appropriate.