Male genital injury: diagnostics and treatment

Abstract

This article reviews the current status of information on external male genital injuries, focusing on cause, diagnostic and therapeutic management of this uncommon entity. Because of the high risk of infection and the major importance of preserving fertility, male genital injuries represent a serious urological disorder that demands immediate urological treatment. The diagnostic procedure classically consists of taking a history and inspecting the wound; this provides enough diagnostic information for the correct choice of conservative or surgical treatment. In most cases open injuries of the genitalia require surgical exploration to determine the extent of possible scrotal, testicular, epididymal, cavernosal or urethral damage, to debride nonviable superficial or deep tissue, to drain existing haematomas or to control active bleeding. Furthermore, the correct therapeutic approach is crucial for preserving fertility and penile erection. In cases where bilateral ablation is necessary, measures to preserve sperm, e.g. testicular or microsurgical sperm extraction, or squeezing the ductus during orchidectomy, must be considered.

Clinical outcome analysis of male and female genital burn injuries: A 15‐year experience at a Level‐1 Burn Center

“…6 A number of studies have reported on the morbidity of burns to the perineum, as well as the optimal treatment method. 2,[7][8][9] The vasculature of the perineum, the surrounding skin and genitourinary function might be compromised after a genital burn. 7 Wessells and Long noted the potential for vascular damage to the genitalia with thermal insult as a result of superficial to deep spreading of the burn leading to destruction of the vascular supply of the genitalia.…”

“…9 Furthermore, these infections might destroy surviving epithelial cells and convert partial-thickness burns into full-thickness defects, complicating the "take" of skin grafting. 9 Van der Horst Outcomes of male and female genital burns © 2012 The Japanese Urological Association et al 8 reviewed male genital burns and reported that treating the injury within the first 6 h reduced the risk of infection by implementing wound disinfection and removal of necrotic tissue. Genital burns often lead to genitourinary complications, extended hospital stays and long-term functional complications, such as decreased potency and long-term sexual and urinary dysfunction.…”

Clinical study and analysis of orchidectomies done at Basaveshwara Teaching and General Hospital, Kalaburagi, Karnataka, India

“…Injuries to the external genitalia, in particular to the scrotum, following dog bites are rare when compared to the total number of dog bites. 22,23 In our study dog bite involving the scrotum was extensive and the testis was unsalvageable and the patient ended up with orchidectomy.…”

Male External Genital Injuries; Pattern of Presentation and Management at the Jos University Teaching Hospital

“…Generally, severe injuries of the external male genitalia are rare because of the location and mobility of the penis and scrotum [1]. Although injuries to the external genitalia are typically not in and of themselves life threatening, they are commonly associated with other potentially life-threatening injuries (for example, to abdomen, pelvis or groin) [2].…”