Jul 10, 2008

Torsion of the testis

Introduction: Rotation of the testis on the spermatic cord causing interference with the blood supply is called torsion of the testis. It is an acute surgical emergency. If not operated within 6 hours, there can be irreversible damage to the testis.

Clinical presentation:
1. Painful swelling of the scrotum with redness
2. Onset is sudden
3. Lower abdominal pain
4. reflex vomiting

Diagnosis:
1. Clinically scrotum is red, tender
2. Doppler of testis reveal decreased blood supply in the affected testis

Treatment: Emergency surgery with derotation of testis and orchiopexy. At the same time other testis is also fixed (orchiopexy) as chances of torsion is high in contra lateral testis.

Differential diagnosis:
1. Epididymo-orchitis
2. Idiopathic scrotal edema