A Human Bite on the Scrotum: Case Report and Review of Management in the Emergency Department

Abstract

Background: Human bites involving the genitalia rarely present to the emergency department (ED). They have the potential to cause life-threatening secondary infections as well as serious physical and functional damage.

Case report: We report a case of an adult male who sustained a human bite to the scrotum, resulting in a ragged laceration on the anterior scrotum, with a devascularized flap and necrotic edges overlying the wound. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Human bites to the scrotum are rare and, hence, the experience of emergency physicians treating patients presenting with these injuries may be minimal. This puts patients at risk of underevaluation or suboptimal treatment. The rapid initiation of antibiotics in the ED and thorough wound debridement will prevent infections, aid healing, and lead to improved outcomes by preserving organ function and integrity. We therefore present a systematic approach to the management of patients with human bite to the scrotum in the ED.

Keywords: antibiotics; human bite; scrotum; wound debridement.