Degloving Injury of the Groin in a Young Factory Worker: A Case Report

Genital degloving injuries are rare and mainly occur due to industrial machine accidents affecting workers at their places of employment. Most cases of genital degloving result in the loss of function—both urination and sexual capability—as well as the appearance of the genital organs. Immediate treatment is essential for minimising infection and necrosis, and it is also important for addressing potential psychological distress and preserving fertility. This case report presents an Indian factory worker, aged 24 years, who sustained severe penile and scrotal degloving injuries from a textile roller machine accident. Upon arrival, the patient exhibited no significant blood pressure disturbances but required urgent surgical intervention due to the exposure of his testicles and the complete separation of his penile skin from his body. The initial treatments included fluid resuscitation, broad-spectrum antibiotics, tetanus prophylaxis, analgesics, and surgical debridement. Reconstruction was carried out after serial debridement procedures resulted in a granulating wound surface. This allowed the surgeons to utilise a left gracilis muscle flap to cover the exposed testes. Vacuum-Assisted Closure (VAC) therapy promoted both wound healing and effective graft integration at the surgical site. The patient experienced a smooth postoperative recovery, as the skin flap survived without any complications, effectively preventing infection. Semen analysis conducted after the surgical intervention confirmed that spermatogenesis remained normal, indicating successful testicular recovery. This case highlights the necessity of strengthening workplace safety requirements to prevent accidents. It also demonstrates that gracilis flap surgery combined with VAC therapy yields positive outcomes in both health and aesthetic recovery. The preservation of fertility should be prioritised for all young adult males who sustain genital trauma.