Testicular torsion is a medical emergency where a testicle becomes twisted, cutting off its blood supply and causing severe pain and swelling. It can occur at any age but is more likely in childhood or adolescence. Immediate treatment is necessary to prevent permanent damage or loss of function. Symptoms include swelling, pain, and tenderness. Diagnosis is usually made by physical examination and imaging tests, and surgery is necessary to correct the condition. Waiting too long for treatment can lead to permanent damage or the need for removal of the affected testicle.
Testicular torsion is an emergency medical condition in which a testicle becomes twisted inside the scrotum, thereby cutting off its blood supply. An affected testicle tends to swell and cause immediate and severe pain. The condition can potentially occur in a male of any age, but is more likely to occur in childhood or adolescence due to the high degree of developmental change within the reproductive system. A person experiencing testicular torsion should be evaluated and treated immediately by emergency room personnel to prevent permanent loss of testicular function.
A testicle receives blood and dispenses sperm through portions of a cord called the spermatic tube. When a testicle becomes twisted, it can cause the spermatic tube to become kinked and consequently cut off blood flow. Testicular torsion can sometimes occur due to an acute sports injury or other traumatic event, but most cases come on unexpectedly. Doctors have identified particular inherited genes that affect testicular stability, leaving some people more susceptible to testicular torsion than others.
The most common symptoms of testicular torsion include localized swelling on one side of the scrotum, sharp pains, and tenderness. A person may also feel dizzy and nauseous as the pain increases. It is essential to seek immediate care when sudden testicular pain occurs to find relief symptoms and get the appropriate treatment.
An emergency department urologist can usually diagnose testicular torsion by asking the patient about symptoms and physically examining the scrotum. Your doctor may decide to collect blood and urine samples and conduct imaging tests to rule out other causes of testicle pain, such as an infection or tumor. After confirming a diagnosis, the urologist usually arranges immediate surgery.
During a corrective procedure, a skilled surgeon cuts through the scrotum, identifies the area of twist, and manually unwinds the spermatic tube. Then he sews, or anchors, the testicle to the wall of the scrotum to reduce the likelihood of a recurring episode. The surgeon will usually anchor the healthy testicle during the procedure and as a preventative measure.
When the condition is treated within about six hours of symptom onset, the prognosis is usually very good. Waiting more than six hours to receive treatment can cause permanent tissue damage in the sperm tube, which can lead to infertility. An untreated case of testicular torsion can cause tissue death in and around the testicle, necessitating an operation to remove it completely. Patients are usually able to return to physical activities, including sex, within three months of successful procedures.
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