Pediatric Scrotal Pathology

• Published in: Current treatment options in pediatrics Vol. 3; no. 2; pp. 163 - 174
• Main Authors: Emr, Bryanna, Stanger, Jennifer
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cham Springer International Publishing 01-06-2017; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Abdomen; Children & youth; Critical Care Medicine; Emergency medical care; Family Medicine; General anesthesia; General Practice; General Surgery (D Carney; Hernias; Intensive; Laparoscopy; Maternal and Child Health; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Pain; Pathology; Patients; Pediatrics; Premature babies; Premature birth; Section Editor; Surgeons; Surgery; Topical Collection on General Surgery; Ultrasonic imaging; Testicular torsion; Undescended testicle; Varicocele; Cryptorchidism; Hydrocele; Inguinal hernia
• ISSN: 2198-6088; 2198-6088
• DOI: 10.1007/s40746-017-0082-z

Opinion statement
The purpose of this article is to review the approach to pediatric patients with scrotal pathology and the associated causes including inguinal hernia, cryptorchidism, hydrocele, varicocele, testicular torsion, trauma, and tumors. The reader will understand the diagnostic and treatment options and need for urgent surgical referral. Research has demonstrated the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic hernia repair in pediatric patients. Studies have failed to clarify the optimal timing of neonatal hernia repair and indications for bilateral exploration. Current clinical practice guidelines for cryptorchidism recommend surgical referral by 6 months of age and discourage the use of ultrasound. Most scrotal complaints are managed with low morbidity and preservation of fertility. Scrotal complaints of pain, swelling, bulging, and masses are common in pediatric patients. Management should be done in conjunction with a pediatric surgeon or urologist. Research is required to facilitate practice guidelines for scrotal pathology and address the practice variation that still exists.