Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science

Yeungnam University College of Medicine, Yeungnam University Institute Medical Science (영남대 의대 학술지 편집위원회)
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Scrotal pyocele secondary to gastrointestinal perforation in infants: a case series

  • Soo-Hong Kim (Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital and Pusan National University Children's Hospital) ;
  • Yong-Hoon Cho (Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital and Pusan National University Children's Hospital) ;
  • Hae-Young Kim (Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Pusan National University School of Medicine) ;
  • Narae Lee (Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Pusan National University Children's Hospital) ;
  • Young Mi Han (Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Pusan National University Children's Hospital) ;
  • Shin Yun Byun (Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Pusan National University Children's Hospital)
  • Received : 2021.09.23
  • Accepted : 2021.11.12
  • Published : 2023.01.31
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Abstract

Pyocele in infants is rarely described in the literature, but it is an emergent condition that requires rapid recognition and treatment to prevent testicular loss. If peritonitis due to gastrointestinal perforation occurs, abdominal contamination may spread through a patent processus vaginalis in an infant, which may lead to pyocele. We report the cases of three infants with scrotal pyocele due to the spread of infection or inflammatory material from the intraperitoneal cavity through a patent processus vaginalis. Two infants were surgically treated, while the other was treated with percutaneous aspiration and intravenous antibiotic administration. Although rare, pyocele should be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute scrotum in infants, especially in infants who previously had peritonitis due to gastrointestinal perforation.

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Acknowledgement

This work was supported by a clinical research grant from Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital in 2021.

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