Testicular torsion repair

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Male reproductive anatomy

Testicular torsion repair - series

Overview

Recovery

Risks

Testicular torsion repair

Definition:

Testicular torsion repair is surgery to untangle the twisted spermatic cord that is causing testicular torsion.

Description:

Testicular torsion is a problem most often encountered by boys at early puberty or just after birth, but it can occur at any age. Torsion occurs when the testicle turns or spins on the axis of its blood supply, blocking the flow of blood into the testicle.

If prolonged, this causes tissue death in the testicle, resulting in pain, swelling, and possible testicular damage. Approximately 1 in 4,000 males are affected.

General anesthesia is generally used in testicular torsion repair. An incision is made in the scrotum, the testicle is uncoiled, and sutures are placed to keep the testis from rotating again. The other unaffected testicle is also secured because the unaffected side is at increased risk for torsion at a later date.

Indications:

Testicular torsion is considered an emergency. Surgery is usually required, and it should be performed within 4 to 6 hours of onset of symptoms to save the testicle.

Review Date: 5/5/2004
Reviewed By: Scott M. Gilbert, M.D., Department of Urology, Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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