Testicular Torsion
Overview
SymptomsandDiagnosis
Symptoms
A key sign is sudden, intense pain in the testicle or scrotum. The pain is often felt only on one side. Other problems may be:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Swelling, redness, and warmth of the scrotum
- A change in the position of the testicle
Diagnosis
You will be asked about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. This is often enough to make the diagnosis.
Images may be taken right away to confirm it. This can be done with Doppler ultrasound.
Emergency treatment may need to be started right away, before testing. The diagnosis will be confirmed during surgery.
Treatments
Treatment
This problem needs to be treated within 4 to 8 hours to prevent tissue death. The testicle may be untwisted by hand, but surgery will still be needed.
Surgery will restore blood flow, repair or remove any damaged tissue, and prevent further twisting. It may be done with either:
- Detorsion with orchiopexy to untwist the spermatic cord and secure each testicle to the wall of the scrotum to stop future twisting
- Orchiectomy with orchiopexy to remove a badly damaged testicle and secure the other testicle to the wall of the scrotum
This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.
Edits to original content made by Denver Health.
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