Testicular Torsion

What Is Testicular Torsion?

The spermatic cord is set of blood vessels, nerves, muscles and ducts that connects each testicle to the internal reproductive organ. When this cord gets twisted, it cuts off the blood supply to the testicle. Without blood, the cells in the testicle will begin to die. It can take as little as 6 – 8 hours for the testicle to be destroyed if testicular torsion is left untreated.

Causes of Testicular Torsion

While testicular torsion can occur at any time, it most commonly occurs in children either at birth or during puberty. In newborns, torsion can happen when the sac around the testicles doesn’t attach to the scrotum. In older children and teens, it can happen when the testicles are not completely attached in the scrotum, which allows them to move more freely. This can lead to twisting during physical activity.

Testicular Torsion Symptoms

Symptoms of testicular torsion can range in severity, depending on whether the testicle is partly or fully twisted. They can include a scrotum that is:

• Severely painful
• Red
• Swollen
• Firm
• Bruised

Additional symptoms may include:

• Abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Testicular pain
• Vomiting

Testicular torsion is a medical emergency. If you think your child may have testicular torsion, you should take them to an emergency room for immediate evaluation. The longer it’s left untreated, the greater the possibility of losing the testicle.

Testicular Torsion Diagnosis

To diagnose testicular torsion, your child’s healthcare provide will discuss symptoms and medical history and perform a physical exam. They may also do an imaging test such as an ultrasound to view the scrotum and testicles and assess blood flow.

Testicular Torsion Treatment

Treating testicular torsion involves surgery. Being treated quickly offers the best chance of saving the testicle. Your child’s pediatric urologist will perform an exploratory surgery to determine the extent of damage to the testicle. If the testicle can be saved, the surgeon will untwist the testicle and spermatic cord. If the testicle can’t be saved, it will be removed.

Your child’s surgeon will fix one or both testicles in place to prevent another torsion episode. This can prevent future problems with fertility and sexual function.