Testicular rupture successfully treated with a tunica vaginalis flap

Abstract

Introduction Testicular injury with a tunica albuginea tear is typically reconstructed by primary closure. We herein describe the successful use of a tunica vaginalis flap for reconstruction of a ruptured testis for which primary closure was not possible. Case presentation A 21‐year‐old man visited our hospital with scrotal swelling after a baseball struck his left testis. Magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasonography indicated a left tunica albuginea tear, and emergency surgery was performed. Primary closure of the tunica albuginea was impossible since a tight closure could cause secondary damage. A vascular pedicle flap was prepared by shaping the tunica vaginalis to replace the tunica albuginea. He was discharged 2 days postoperatively. Ultrasonography showed normal size and blood flow in the ruptured testis at the 2‐week and 3‐month follow‐up. Conclusion A testicular vaginalis flap should be considered when primary closure is difficult in cases of testicular rupture with tunica albuginea damage.

Keywords

• rupture
• scrotum
• surgical flaps
• surgical procedures
• testis