scrotal_infusion
Table of Contents
scrotal infusion with saline
Introduction
- also called “saline ball injection”, it seems that the practice of infusing 500-1000mL of warmed normal saline into the scrotum usually using a 18G IV cannula (usually takes about 1hr per 500mL) is increasing despite it being a highly risky behavior with potential serious consequences
- these patients may present to the ED as an “acute scrotum ?testicular torsion” but once the history is attained it will be clear that torsion is not the issue
- THIS IS NOT AN ADVISABLE PRACTICE - there may be serious long term consequences or rarely, it may be fatal
Why is it done?
- some men wish to make their scrotums appear larger - even if only for 2-3 days when it returns to usual size if there are no complications
- sexual fetish
- may improve sexual stimulation
- may be used by a dominant party on a submissive
Complications
- ongoing pain and discomfort
- scrotal cellulitis
- sterile technique may not have been perfect
- scrotal abscess
- rupture of scrotum
- rupture of testicle or other testicular complications
- if they inject into the testicle instead of the scrotum
- Fournier's gangrene
- tissues become necrosed and may be fatal
- permanent infertility
- scrotal emphysema
- due to air being trapped
- air embolism
Mx in ED
- assess for possible cellulitis, sepsis or Fournier's gangrene and manage these on their merits
- consider emergent ultrasound
- consider empirical / prophylactic broad spectrum antibiotics
scrotal_infusion.txt · Last modified: 2024/10/31 05:56 by gary1