MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Testicular torsion repair

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Testicular torsion repair

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Definition Description Indications	Risks Expectations after surgery Convalescence

Illustrations

Male reproductive anatomy

Normal anatomy

Testicular torsion repair - series

Definition Return to top

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

Description Return to top

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 Return to top

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.

Risks Return to top

Risks for any anesthesia are:

Reactions to medications
Problems breathing

Risks for any surgery are:

Bleeding
Infection

Call your doctor if excessive bleeding occurs at the surgical site, a general ill feeling occurs or signs of infection develop including fever, chills, muscle aches, and headache.

Expectations after surgery Return to top

If surgery is performed in time, complete recovery is expected. If one testicle has to be removed, the remaining healthy testicle should provide enough hormones for normal male maturation, sex life, and fertility.

Convalescence Return to top

After surgery, ice packs will relieve pain and swelling. A scrotal support may be worn for a week after surgery. Normal activity may be resumed gradually.

Update Date: 5/5/2004

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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