Chronic scrotal content pain: the experiences of patients undergoing microsurgical spermatic cord denervation

Background: Chronic scrotal content pain, sometimes referred to as chronic orchialgia, is a common urological condition that gives rise to persistent and often severe painful stimuli to the scrotum and surrounding structures. Despite its relative commonality, accounting for over 2% of urological visits, chronic scrotal content pain is complex to manage and patients may be required to access multiple providers and undergo invasive procedures, including microsurgical spermatic cord denervation (MSCD) surgery.

Objective: The objective of this study was to understand the experiences and perspectives of persons with chronic scrotal content pain and accessing MSCD surgery.

Design: An exploratory qualitative design, guided by interpretive description and integrated knowledge translation, was adopted.

Methods: We conducted in-depth qualitative interviews with six patients with chronic scrotal content pain who underwent MSCD surgery in a surgical center in Western Canada. Data were analyzed thematically.

Results: Analysis of the study data resulted in three core themes: living with chronic scrotal content pain, quality of life, and MSCD procedure and outcomes. We highlight the debilitating nature of pain and the broad impacts upon health, quality of life, and social functioning. Participants described how MSCD surgery offered an effective solution for persistent and debilitating pain. For the participants, MSCD surgery offered hope and the chance to regain their normality.

Conclusion: For those with chronic scrotal content pain, access to a pain specialist, along with the adoption of a biopsychosocial approach to pain and early access to MSCD surgery, may improve patient experiences and outcomes. Considering the high prevalence of urological pain, greater interdisciplinary care is needed in order to support more effective and timely management.