Scrotal abscess

Scrotal abscess is called the presence of abscess cavity either in scrotal skin (superficial abscess) or therein (intra-scrotal abscess). It usually occurs in immunocompromised patients and in those with chronic urinary problems, such as chronic catheters after transurethral surgery, chronic epididymitis, patients with neurogenic bladder undergoing self-catheter and in men who are infected by AIDS.

Diagnosis is based on clinical signs, palpation and ultrasound of the scrotum, which highlights the presence of abscess.

Treatment is surgical and requires incision and drainage of abscess with concomitant administration of broad spectrum antibiotics along with treatment of any condition that may have led to the creation abscess. In some cases where the condition is severe enough, orchiectomy may even be required, especially when the patient is liable to septic shock.