Testicular Torsion
In testicular torsion the spermatic cord that provides the blood supply to a testicleis twisted, cutting off the blood supply, often causing orchalgia. Prolonged testicular torsion will result in the death of the testicle and surrounding tissues.
Testicular torsion is a medical emergency that needs immediate treatment. Death of the testicle can occur in a few hours. Once the testicle is dead it must be removed to prevent gangrenous infection. Emergency testing for torsion may be indicated when the onset of pain is sudden and/or severe, or the test results available during the initial examination do not enable a diagnosis of urethritisor urinary tract infectionto be made. A doppler ultrasound scanof the scrotum, if available, is of immense help in the diagnosis by showing the presence or absence of blood flow to the testicle. Dizziness and nausea are often present when there is an absence of blood supply to the testicle. If the diagnosis is questionable, an expert should be consulted immediately, because testicular viability may be compromised. If physical examination suggests a compromised blood supply and the patient has had such symptoms for a significant period of time, medical personnel may choose to bring the patient directly to surgery without an ultrasound since the time required for ultrasound testing could affect testicular viability. With prompt diagnosis and treatment the testicle can be saved in a high number of cases (see references below).
A simple surgery will correct and prevent testicular torsion. It can be done in an emergency situation after determination that the testicle is cut off from blood supply or as an outpatient procedure for patients who have experienced frequent episodes with testicular torsion. If necessary, the surgeon will first untwist the testicle(s). The surgeon will then permanently suture the testicles to the inner lining of the scrotum. If only one testicle has been problematic, the surgeon will still suture both testicles as a preventative effort.
Testicular Torsion
OTHER RELATED INFORMATION
In testicular torsion the spermatic cord that provides the blood supply to a testicleis twisted, cutting off the blood supply, often causing orchalgia. Prolonged testicular torsion will result in the death of the testicle and surrounding tissues.
Testicular torsion is a medical emergency that needs immediate treatment. Death of the testicle can occur in a few hours. Once the testicle is dead it must be removed to prevent gangrenous infection. Emergency testing for torsion may be indicated when the onset of pain is sudden and/or severe, or the test results available during the initial examination do not enable a diagnosis of urethritisor urinary tract infectionto be made. A doppler ultrasound scanof the scrotum, if available, is of immense help in the diagnosis by showing the presence or absence of blood flow to the testicle. Dizziness and nausea are often present when there is an absence of blood supply to the testicle. If the diagnosis is questionable, an expert should be consulted immediately, because testicular viability may be compromised. If physical examination suggests a compromised blood supply and the patient has had such symptoms for a significant period of time, medical personnel may choose to bring the patient directly to surgery without an ultrasound since the time required for ultrasound testing could affect testicular viability. With prompt diagnosis and treatment the testicle can be saved in a high number of cases (see references below).
A simple surgery will correct and prevent testicular torsion. It can be done in an emergency situation after determination that the testicle is cut off from blood supply or as an outpatient procedure for patients who have experienced frequent episodes with testicular torsion. If necessary, the surgeon will first untwist the testicle(s). The surgeon will then permanently suture the testicles to the inner lining of the scrotum. If only one testicle has been problematic, the surgeon will still suture both testicles as a preventative effort.
Testicular Torsion
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