Surgical treatment of scrotal lymphedema

Abstract

Scrotal elephantiasis is defined as an increase in the scrotal volume which can reach a very large size. This study involved O.H, a married man aged 70 years, father of 4 children, farmer, native of and resident in Agadir (south of Morocco). Symptoms start ed 7 years before when scrotal edema and then an edema in both feet and legs gradually increasing in volume occurred. Physical examination showed scrotal elephant iasis with a circumference measured 80 cm and elephantiasis in both legs and feet. Locoregional assessment was based on pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The patient was scheduled for monoblock scrotal resection under spinal anesthesia with removal of all of the tissue affected by the lymphedema around the testicle which were covered using the remaining skin and of the penis which was skin grafted using thin skin. The treatment aimed to ensure penis function and to manage the disfiguration. Conservative treatment based on lymphovenous bypass surgery or on the dilation of lymph vessels is no longer performed. Treatment is based on surgery. Surgery is avoided when there are absolute contraindications.