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Testicular Torsion

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Abstract

Testicular torsion is a relatively common condition. It accounts for approximately 90% of acute scrotal pathology in adolescents and 30–40% of cases in the pre-pubertal age group. The germ cell population of the testis is highly sensitive to both ischemic and reperfusion injury. Experimental evidence indicates that damage to seminiferous tissue ensues rapidly after the onset of complete ischemia. Urgent surgical exploration is mandatory unless there is compelling evidence of an alternative diagnosis. The evidence of experimental and clinical studies indicates that it is preferable to perform orchidectomy rather than conserve a testis of doubtful viability. Although follow-up studies have consistently demonstrated normal endocrine function, men with a history of unilateral torsion are at significant risk of impaired semen quality.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Paediatric Surgery and Urology, Queens Medical Centre, Derby Road, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK

    Daniel W. Colliver

  2. Department of Paediatric Urology, Leeds Teaching Hospitals, University of Leeds, Leeds General Infirmary, Great George Street, Leeds, LS1 3EX, UK

    David F. M. Thomas

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  1. Daniel W. Colliver
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Correspondence to David F. M. Thomas .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Seattle Children’s Hospital, Seattle, Washington, USA

    Daniel J. Ledbetter

  2. Academic Pediatric Surgery Unit, Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom

    Paul R.V. Johnson

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Colliver, D.W., Thomas, D.F.M. (2018). Testicular Torsion. In: Ledbetter, D., Johnson, P. (eds) Endocrine Surgery in Children. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-54256-9_21

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-54256-9_21

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