Testicular torsion

Definition

Testicular torsion is a medical emergency that occurs when the spermatic cord twists and cuts off the blood supply to a testicle. This condition typically affects males during puberty, but it can occur at any age. It can lead to severe pain and, if not treated quickly, may result in loss of the affected testicle due to tissue damage from lack of blood flow.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Testicular torsion often presents with sudden onset of severe unilateral scrotal pain, which may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
2. The condition is most common in adolescent males but can also occur in newborns and older men.
3. Immediate surgical intervention is crucial; if treated within 6 hours, there is a high chance of saving the testicle, but after 12 hours, the chances of saving it decrease significantly.
4. Physical examination may reveal a high-riding testicle or an absent cremasteric reflex on the affected side.
5. Doppler ultrasound may be used to assess blood flow to the testicle and aid in diagnosis.

Review Questions

• What are the primary symptoms of testicular torsion, and how do they differ from other scrotal conditions?
  • The primary symptoms of testicular torsion include sudden and severe pain in one side of the scrotum, swelling, nausea, and sometimes vomiting. Unlike other scrotal conditions such as epididymitis or orchitis, which tend to develop gradually and may have associated fever, torsion presents abruptly. This distinction is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment since prompt intervention can preserve testicular viability.
• Discuss the importance of timely surgical intervention in the treatment of testicular torsion and potential outcomes based on delay.
  • Timely surgical intervention in testicular torsion is critical because it can determine whether the affected testicle can be saved. If surgery occurs within 6 hours of symptom onset, there is a high probability of salvaging the testicle; however, this probability decreases significantly after 12 hours due to irreversible tissue damage from ischemia. The longer blood supply is cut off, the greater the risk of losing the testicle permanently.
• Evaluate how recognizing the signs of testicular torsion can impact patient outcomes and discuss strategies for education among young males.
  • Recognizing the signs of testicular torsion can significantly improve patient outcomes by ensuring timely medical attention. Education strategies for young males should focus on understanding scrotal pain's urgency and symptoms that require immediate care. Programs in schools or sports teams emphasizing awareness about potential reproductive health issues could empower individuals to seek help promptly, potentially reducing complications from delayed treatment.

Related terms

spermatic cord: A bundle of fibrous tissue containing blood vessels, nerves, and the vas deferens that supports the testicles and connects them to the abdominal cavity.

orchitis: An inflammation of one or both testicles, often caused by infection or trauma, which can lead to pain and swelling.

epididymitis: An inflammation of the epididymis, a tube located at the back of the testicle that stores and carries sperm, usually due to infection.