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Contents
  • Recognizing Testicular Torsion
  • Immediate Actions to Take
  • Understanding Surgical Intervention
  • Prognosis and Recovery

How to Handle Testicular Torsion Emergencies

How to Handle Testicular Torsion Emergencies

What's This About?

Testicular torsion is a medical emergency requiring swift action to save the testis. Here's a guide on what to do if you suspect torsion.
Contents
  • Recognizing Testicular Torsion
  • Immediate Actions to Take
  • Understanding Surgical Intervention
  • Prognosis and Recovery

Recognizing Testicular Torsion

Testicular torsion presents as sudden, severe scrotal pain often accompanied by nausea and vomiting. The affected testis may appear elevated or oriented horizontally, a key sign known as the 'bell clapper' deformity.

Immediate Actions to Take

If testicular torsion is suspected, immediate emergency care is critical. Ideally, testicular ultrasound should be performed within the first hour of presentation. If unavailable, exploratory surgery is recommended to prevent testicular loss.
Testicular torsion is a medical emergency characterized by sudden, severe scrotal pain, often with nausea and vomiting. Immediate action is required to save the affected testis.

Understanding Surgical Intervention

Surgical detorsion aims to untwist the spermatic cord and restore blood flow. Intraoperative fixation of both testes is performed to prevent future torsion, as this condition is often bilateral.

Prognosis and Recovery

Timely intervention is crucial for testicular viability. Surgery within six hours offers a high chance of saving the testis, while delays beyond 24 hours significantly decrease viability.

FAQs

What is testicular torsion?

It's when the spermatic cord twists, cutting off blood flow to the testis.

How quickly should torsion be treated?

Ideally within six hours to maximize testicular survival.

Can torsion occur again?

Yes, which is why surgical fixation is done on both testes.

What are torsion symptoms?

Symptoms include sudden scrotal pain, nausea, and vomiting.

The Bottom Line

Quick action in testicular torsion cases can mean the difference between saving or losing the testis.
If you suspect torsion, discuss immediate steps with Doctronic to ensure prompt care.
Additional References
  1. Wilbert DM, Schaerfe CW, Stern WD, et al. Evaluation of the acute scrotum by color-coded Doppler ultrasonography. J Urol 1993; 149:1475.
  2. Kapasi Z, Halliday S. Best evidence topic report. Ultrasound in the diagnosis of testicular torsion. Emerg Med J 2005; 22:559.
  3. Pepe P, Panella P, Pennisi M, Aragona F. Does color Doppler sonography improve the clinical assessment of patients with acute scrotum? Eur J Radiol 2006; 60:120.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.