Inflammation

This section provides key knowledge on the pathogenesis and natural history of epididymitis and scrotal abscess, as well as providing a framework for the assessment, investigation, and management of patients presenting with these conditions. The information provided links to the knowledge and clinical skills requirement of Intermediate stage topics ‘Urinary Tract Infection’ and ‘Emergency Urology’, within the syllabus of the United Kingdom (UK) Intercollegiate Surgical Curriculum Project (ISCP) Urology Curriculum (https://www.iscp.ac.uk/). There is a lack of data concerning the incidence and prevalence of these conditions. Previous estimates from UK general practice suggested incidence rates of epididymo-orchitis of 38/10,000 male person-years. A recent study of first presentations of epididymo-orchitis in UK general practice has reported a lower incidence of 21/10,000 male person-years in 2007. However, the true figure is likely to be higher, given that many patients will present directly to urgent care facilities.