Management of testicular rupture after blunt trauma in children

Abstract

Testicular rupture is a very rare entity in children and adolescents. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of surgical repair after testicular rupture in children. Between January 2000 and January 2010 seven patients were operated on because of testicular rupture. Mean age at the time of the accident was 15 years. In all patients, an emergency scrotal ultrasonography showed a rupture of the testicular capsule with a surrounding hematocele. Surgical exploration was performed to evacuate the hematocele and repair the ruptured testis. Mean follow-up was 4.9 years. Average hospital stay was 2 days. Mean time between surgery and the initial trauma was 35 h. There were no major complications. Control ultrasound imaging showed that the tunica was repaired and Doppler signal confirmed vascularity in all patients. There were no significant differences in size between the right and left testes. There were no recorded cases of testicular atrophy. Semen analysis showed normospermia 6 months after surgery and anti-sperm antibodies count was within normal limits in all patients. Prompt surgical intervention is crucial. Ruptured testis can be salvaged, with a high success rate, if surgical repair is performed within 72 h of testicular injury.