Acquired canalicular cryptorchidism mimicking testicular torsion following neonatal herniotomy: a rare cause of acute paediatric groin pain
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: We report a rare case of an 11-year-old boy presenting to a rural Australian hospital with acute left groin pain, a history of extreme prematurity, and bilateral inguinal herniotomies in infancy. Examination revealed a firm, tender, irreducible mass in the left inguinal canal and an empty left hemiscrotum. The right testis was retractile and non-tender. Doppler ultrasound showed absent blood flow to the left testis, prompting urgent surgical exploration. Intraoperatively, the testis was incarcerated within the left inguinal canal amid dense post-surgical adhesions. After adhesiolysis, the testis was viable and mobilized for tension-free orchidopexy via a subdartos pouch. The contralateral testis was also fixated. We hypothesize acquired canalicular cryptorchidism due to post-herniorrhaphy scarring causing vascular compromise from extrinsic compression. This rare mimic of torsion underscores the importance of recognizing atypical presentations of a threatened testis and demonstrates timely surgery is feasible in rural settings with remote specialist support.
Source: Journal of Surgical Case Reports
DOI: 10.1093/jscr/rjaf960
Authors: Christopher Bell, Cheng Ming Li, Raunakbir Bhatia, Robert George
Language: English
Subfield: Surgery
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,000
OpenAlex ID: W4417073765