[Scrotoscopy in the diagnosis and treatment of testicular and epididymal diseases: Analysis of 39 cases].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficiency, safety and clinical application value of scrotoscopy in the diagnosis and treatment of testicular and epididymal diseases.

METHODS: A total of 39 patients with testicular or epididymal diseases underwent scrotoscopic surgery in our hospital from February 2015 to February 2018. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data, results of surgery, and postoperative scrotal pain scores, complications and recurrence.

RESULTS: Scrotoscopic surgery was successfully performed in all the 39 cases, without such severe complications as testis rupture and scrotal hematoma. Thirteen cases of epididymal tumor were treated by total excision of the tumors by laser ablation; 10 of the 12 patients complaining of chronic testicular pain were diagnosed with incomplete torsion of testicular or epididymal appendages and treated by holmium laser ablation; of the 11 cases of suspected testicular torsion, 8 were confirmed as testicular torsion and the other 3 as acute epididymitis; and 3 cases of scrotal trauma-induced old hematoma underwent surgical removal under the scrotoscope. No infection of scrotal incision occurred postoperatively. The visual analog pain scores of the patients averaged 3.4 ± 1.2 (2－5) and their hospital stay 3.2 ± 0.8 (3－6) days. Scrotal ultrasonography at 1 month after surgery revealed no abnormality in the testis, epididymis or spermatic cord.

CONCLUSIONS: Scrotoscopy is safe and effective for the diagnosis and treatment of testicular and epididymal diseases and deserves a wide clinical application.