Testicular torsion is a serious condition that can lead to testicular loss. Therefore, if you suspect a torsion of the testicle, you should go to the emergency room as soon as possible. What are the causes and symptoms of testicular torsion? What is the treatment? What are the complications?

Testicular torsionis actually a sharp twist of the seminal cord (the thing that suspends the testicle in the scrotum) with the rotation of the testicle around its axis. The seminal cord consists of: the vas deferens that go from the testicle to the abdominal cavity, blood and lymph vessels, nerves and muscle fibers. If the spermatic cord and the testicle are twisted, their ischemia and then necrosis occur. If the correct treatment is not taken in time, the torsion of the testicle may result in the loss of the testicle.

Testicular torsion - causes

The causes of testicular torsion are most often excessive length of the spermatic cord and excessive mobility of the testicle. Rapid movement is the most common factor leading to the torsion of the testicle. Testicular torsion often occurs during sports.

Testicular torsion is most common in boys between the ages of 10 and 18.

Testicular tumor, epididymal cyst and testicular injuries are also risk factors.

Testicular torsion most often affects teenage boys, although it can also occur in men. There are also known cases oftesticular torsion in a newborn .

Testicular torsion - symptoms

  • one-sided, sudden, very severe pain in the testicle which may radiate to the groin and lower abdomen. Characteristically, it intensifies when the testicle is lifted. Pain is most often preceded by exercise, but it may also appear during sleep
  • rapidly increasing swelling of the scrotum
  • scrotal redness
  • nausea and vomiting
  • fever

The torsion of the testis constitutes the so-calledacute scrotal syndrome , a set of symptoms such as severe, often violent pain and swelling of the scrotum or its components. Its cause - apart from the torsion of the testicle - may also be, among others, torsion of the testicle or epididymis, epididymitis and testicular inflammation, hernia incarceration or testicular trauma.

Important

Testicular torsion and fertility

The loss of one testicle does not threaten fertility, but for manymen, his amputation is treated as a diminution of manhood. It is worth knowing that you can always choose to implant a Teflon testicle prosthesis.

Testicular torsion - diagnostics

If there is a suspicion of testicular torsion, ultrasound and Doppler ultrasound of the testes are performed.

Testicular torsion - treatment

In the event of a torsion of the testicle, an operation should be performed as soon as possible to unscrew the spermatic cord and testicle. Then, with special sutures, the testicle is attached to the scrotal wall. Due to the risk of torsion of the second testicle, it is also prophylactically attached to the scrotum.

The chances of saving a twisted testicle depend on the duration of its ischemia.

The torsion of the testicle leads to a break in the blood circulation, which may result in ischemia ( infarction )testicleand its necrosis. Then it may be necessarytesticle amputation . Accordingly, the most important role is played by the time it takes from twisting the testicle to providing help. The operation performed within 4-6 hours from the onset of the first symptoms gives a chance to preserve the testicle.

Category:

Male diseases