Pediatric chronic orchalgia

Abstract Introduction Chronic orchalgia, defined as testicular pain lasting > 3 months and interfering with normal activities, is neglected in the pediatric literature. We describe our experience with the evaluation and treatment of pediatric chronic orchalgia patients. Materials and methods Charts were screened to identify patients meeting the criteria for chronic orchalgia. Charts were further reviewed to record the history and physical exam, diagnostic tests, treatment and outcomes. Results 65/982 patients met the criteria for chronic orchalgia. Mean age was 13 and mean duration of pain was 8.6 months. Physical exam findings were normal in 46 patients (70%). 59 patients were managed conservatively with resolution (10/59, 17%) or a single visit (36/59, 61%) in 78%. 13/59 (22%) patients showed either minor improvement or no change in symptoms. 5 non-responding patients were managed by the anesthesia pain service; 4 received epidurals with or without additional oral pain medications with 3 experiencing significant pain improvement. Conclusion Conservative management of chronic orchalgia allowed symptoms to subside in the majority of cases. We recommend patients be treated with conservative measures for 1–2 months. If this fails, early involvement of the anesthesia pain service can offer treatment modalities such as epidural analgesia. Surgical management in the face of a normal physical exam does not seem to have a role.