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Testicular torsion

Torsion of the testis; Testicular ischemia; Testicular twisting

 

Testicular torsion is the twisting of the spermatic cord, which supports the testes in the scrotum. When this occurs, blood supply is cut off to the testicles and nearby tissue in the scrotum .

Causes

 

Some men are more prone to this condition because of defects in the connective tissue within the scrotum. The problem may also occur after an injury to the scrotum that results in a lot of swelling, or following heavy exercise. In some cases, there is no clear cause.

The condition is more common during the first year of life and at the beginning of adolescence (puberty). However, it may happen in older men.

 

Symptoms

 

Symptoms include:

  • Sudden severe pain in one testicle. The pain may occur without a clear reason.
  • Swelling within one side of the scrotum ( scrotal swelling ).
  • Nausea or vomiting.
  • Lightheadedness .

Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:

  • Testicle lump
  • Blood in the semen
  • Testicle pulled to a higher position in scrotum than normal (high riding)

 

Exams and Tests

 

The health care provider will examine you. The exam may show:

  • You have extreme tenderness and swelling in the testicle area.
  • The testicle on the affected side is higher.

You may have a Doppler ultrasound of the testicle to check the blood flow. There will be no blood flowing through the area if you have complete torsion. Blood flow may be reduced if the cord is partly twisted.

 

Treatment

 

Most of the time, surgery is needed to correct the problem. Surgery should be done as soon as possible after symptoms begin. If it is performed within 6 hours, most testicles can be saved.

During surgery, the testicle on the other side is often secured into place as well. This is because the unaffected testicle is at risk of testicular torsion in the future.

 

Outlook (Prognosis)

 

The testicle may continue to function properly if the condition is found early and treated right away. The chances that the testicle will need to be removed increase if blood flow is reduced for more than 6 hours. However, the testicle may lose its ability to function if torsion has lasted fewer than 6 hours.

 

Possible Complications

 

The testicle may shrink if blood supply is cut off for an extended time. It may need to be surgically removed. Shrinkage of the testicle may occur days to months after the torsion has been corrected. Severe infection of the testicle and scrotum is also possible if the blood flow is restricted for an extended period.

 

When to Contact a Medical Professional

 

Get emergency medical attention if you have symptoms of testicular torsion.

 

Prevention

 

Take steps to avoid injury to the scrotum. Many cases cannot be prevented.

 

 

References

Ban KM, Easter JS. Selected urologic problems In: Marx JA, Hockberger RS, Walls RM, et al, eds. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice . 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Mosby; 2014:chap 99.

Barthold JS. Abnormalities of the testes and scrotum and their surgical management. In: Wein AJ, ed. Campbell-Walsh Urology . 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2012:chap 132.

Elder JS. Disorders and anomalies of the scrotal contents. In: Kliegman RM, Stanton BF, St Geme JW III, Schor NF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics . 20th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 545.

Wampler SM, Llanes M. Common scrotal and testicular problems. Prim Care . 2010;37:613-626. PMID: 20705202 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20705202 .

 
  • Male reproductive anatomy - illustration

    The male reproductive structures include the penis, the scrotum, the seminal vesicles and the prostate.

    Male reproductive anatomy

    illustration

  • Male reproductive system - illustration

    The male reproductive system, viewed from a sagittal section.

    Male reproductive system

    illustration

  • Testicular torsion repair - series

    Presentation

  •  
    • Male reproductive anatomy - illustration

      The male reproductive structures include the penis, the scrotum, the seminal vesicles and the prostate.

      Male reproductive anatomy

      illustration

    • Male reproductive system - illustration

      The male reproductive system, viewed from a sagittal section.

      Male reproductive system

      illustration

    • Testicular torsion repair - series

      Presentation

    •  

    Tests for Testicular torsion

     

     

    Review Date: 8/31/2015

    Reviewed By: Jennifer Sobol, DO, urologist at the Michigan Institute of Urology, West Bloomfield, MI. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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