Clinical Profile and Management of Acute Epididymo-orchitis in a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Prospective Observational Study.

INTRODUCTION

Acute epididymo-orchitis (EO) is a common inflammatory condition of the male genitourinary tract and a frequent cause of acute scrotal pain. Understanding its etiopathogenesis, clinical profile, and management outcomes is essential for preventing complications and ensuring optimal recovery.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to evaluate the etiopathogenesis, demographic profile, and management outcomes of acute EO in a tertiary care hospital.

METHODS

This prospective observational analytical study was conducted over 30 months at a tertiary care center. Seventy patients aged 18-70 years diagnosed with acute EO were enrolled. Demographic characteristics, risk factors, clinical features, laboratory findings, ultrasonographic findings, management approaches, and short-term outcomes were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

RESULTS

The mean age was 37.3 ± 13.03 years, with the highest incidence in the 31-40-year group (32.9%). Scrotal pain and tenderness were present in all patients (100%), followed by fever (87.1%) and swelling (82.9%). Left-sided involvement predominated (60.0%). Common predisposing factors included urinary tract infection (31.4%), obstructed uropathy or prior instrumentation (24.3%), trauma (21.4%), and diabetes mellitus (22.9%). Pyuria (50.0%), leukocytosis (51.4%), and positive urine cultures (38.6%) were frequent, with Escherichia coli being the predominant organism. Doppler ultrasonography confirmed inflammatory changes in all cases, with reactive hydrocele observed in 31.4%. Most patients (87.1%) had no complications. Conservative treatment was effective in 97.1% of cases, with a significant reduction in pain scores within 84 h and near-complete clinical recovery by 4-6 weeks.

CONCLUSION

Acute EO predominantly affects young to middle-aged men and responds well to early conservative management.