MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Testicular torsion

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Testicular torsion

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative names Definition Causes, incidence, and risk factors Symptoms Signs and tests	Treatment Expectations (prognosis) Complications Calling your health care provider Prevention

Illustrations

Male reproductive anatomy

Testicular torsion repair - series

Male reproductive system

Alternative names Return to top

Torsion of the testis; Testicular ischemia; Testicular twisting

Definition Return to top

Testicular torsion is the twisting of the spermatic cord, which cuts off the blood supply to the testicle and surrounding structures within the scrotum.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top

Some men may be predisposed to testicular torsion as a result of inadequate connective tissue within the scrotum. However, the condition can result from trauma to the scrotum, particularly if significant swelling occurs. It may also occur after strenuous exercise or may not have an obvious cause.

The condition is more common during infancy (first year of life) and at the beginning of adolescence (puberty).

Symptoms Return to top

Sudden onset of severe pain in one testicle, with or without a previous predisposing event
Swelling within one side of the scrotum (scrotal swelling)
Nausea or vomiting
Light headedness

Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:

Signs and tests Return to top

Extremely tender and enlarged testicular region -- more common on the right
The testicle on the affected side is higher

Treatment Return to top

Surgery is usually required and should be performed as soon as possible after symptoms begin. If surgery is performed within 6 hours, most testicles can be saved.

During surgery, the testicle on the other (non-affected) side is usually also anchored as a preventive measure. This is because the non-affected testicle is at risk of testicular torsion in the future.

Expectations (prognosis) Return to top

If the condition is diagnosed quickly and immediately corrected, the testicle may continue to function properly. After 6 hours of torsion (impaired blood flow), the likelihood that the testicle will need to be removed increases. However, even with less than 6 hours of torsion, the testicle may lose it's ability to function.

Complications Return to top

If the blood supply is cut off to the testicle for a prolonged period of time, it may atrophy (shrink) and need to be surgically removed. Atrophy of the testicle may occur days to months after the torsion has been corrected. Severe infection of the testicle and scrotum is another potential complication if the blood flow is restricted for a prolonged period.

Calling your health care provider Return to top

Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if testicular torsion symptoms occur.

Prevention Return to top

Use precautions to avoid trauma to the scrotum. Many cases are not preventable.

Update Date: 11/12/2003

Updated 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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