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Scrotal Abscess in a Patient With Chronic Kidney Disease and a Chronic Foley Catheter: A Case Report

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Chronic Foley catheter use significantly increases the risk of scrotal abscesses, particularly in patients with comorbidities that impair immune function, such as diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD). We report a case of a 56-year-old male with type II diabetes, CKD, and a chronic indwelling Foley catheter who presented with progressive scrotal swelling and pain. Cultures identified Escherichia coli and Serratia marcescens from both urine and abscess fluid, confirming a possible urinary tract infection (UTI) as the source of scrotal abscess. The patient was found to have an abscess approximately 5 cm in size with significant drainage of abscess fluid overlying necrotic tissue of the right hemiscrotum. The management involved surgical debridement and excision of all necrotic scrotal tissue down to viable tissue, along with abscess washout to reduce the risk of further infections, and culture-directed antibiotic therapy. Outpatient and inpatient physicians, as well as advanced care providers, should prioritize proactive measures that include regular catheter care protocols to reduce the likelihood of complications arising in this vulnerable population.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.78677

Authors: Chukwuemeka E Ogbu, Kevin Le, Stella C Ogbu, Toyin Ingram, Byron Ingram

Institutions: Cape Fear Valley Health System, Cape Fear Valley Medical Center

Language: English

Topic: Urinary Tract Infections Management

Subfield: Epidemiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4407243108