A Case of Scrotal Swelling Induced by Tunica Vaginalis Abscess

ABSTRACT

Scrotal swelling may be acute or chronic, painful or painless. Common causes of scrotal swelling in newborns are hydrocele, inguinal hernia, testicular torsion, testicular tumor, scrotal hematoma, meconium peritonitis and epididymitis. Abrupt onset of a painful scrotal swelling necessitates prompt evaluation. Testicular torsion and incarcerated inguinal hernia require urgent surgical management. We report a case of scrotal swelling caused by a tunica vaginalis abscess in a 20-days-old boy. He was admitted to the hospital due to fever, irritability and left scrotal swelling with local heat, tenderness and redness. Exploratory laparotomy was performed to rule out testicular torsion. On the operative field, congestive erythematous inflammation on the left tunica vaginalis was noted and it was filled with a pus like discharge. The cultured organism was Streptococcus agalactiae(group B). He recovered quickly after debridement and administration of empirical antibiotics.