Testicular torsion: A surgical emergency

Journal Article · Sun Sep 01 04:00:00 EDT 1991 · American Family Physician; (United States)

OSTI ID:5161575

Prater, J M; Overdorf, B S ^[1]

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1. Surgical Residency Program at Yale University, New Haven, CT (USA)

Testicular torsion is caused by twisting of the spermatic cord, which results in compromised testicular blood flow. The degree of ischemic injury is determined by the severity of arterial compression and the interval between the onset of symptoms and surgical intervention. Torsion usually occurs at puberty, and an anatomic defect known as bell-clapper deformity is usually present. Typical symptoms include acute scrotal pain with associated nausea and vomiting. Up to one-half of patients report previous similar episodes. On examination, the testis is high-riding, tender, swollen and firm. Testicular scan or Doppler ultrasound examination can be helpful in distinguishing torsion from acute epididymitis. Prompt surgical treatment is indicated to reduce the torsion, and bilateral orchiopexy is performed to prevent recurrence. Exocrine function, as determined by semen analysis, is often abnormal after unilateral torsion. 25 references.

• OSTI ID: 5161575
• Journal Information: American Family Physician; (United States), Journal Name: American Family Physician; (United States) Vol. 44:3; ISSN AFPYA; ISSN 0002-838X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

550601* -- Medicine-- Unsealed Radionuclides in Diagnostics
62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE
BLOOD FLOW
BODY
COUNTING TECHNIQUES
DIAGNOSIS
DISEASES
GONADS
IMAGE PROCESSING
MALE GENITALS
ORGANS
PROCESSING
RADIOISOTOPE SCANNING
TESTES
ULTRASONOGRAPHY
UROGENITAL SYSTEM DISEASES