Testicular Torsion

This is a condition that results when testicle rotates leading to twisting of spermatic cord, occluding the blood supply to scrotum. This occlusion of blood flow leads to sudden and severe pain and swelling. This condition occur most commonly between 12 to 18 years of age but it can even occur before birth.

Symptoms

Patient with testicular torsion presents with following signs and symptoms:

Acute, intense pain in the scrotum
Scrotal swelling
Pain in abdomen
Increase urination
Vomiting and nausea
Fever
Young boys usually wake up due to scrotal pain in the middle of night or early in morning
Higher positioned testicle or testicle at abnormal position

Causes

Testicular torsion results when there’s rotation of testicle on spermatic cord. This leads to occlusion of blood from the abdomen into the testicle. Sometimes, testicle rotates several times leading to complete blood block causing quick damage. In some cases, testicular torsion occur after vigorous exercise, in sleeping or after minor injury to testicle. Some factors which play role in the testicular torsion are cold temperatures and rapid growth of the testicle during puberty.

Complications

Death of testicle
Infertility

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of this condition depends upon detailed medical history and complete general physical examination of the patient. Other tests include:

Reflex test by lightly rubbing or pinching the inside of thigh on the affected side.
Urine test
Scrotal ultrasound
Sometimes surgery is needed to rule out the cause of scrotal pain

Treatment

Treatment options for testicular torsion include:

Manual detorsion
Surgery under general anesthesia as soon as possible

Testicular Torsion