Intra-uterine testicular torsion: early diagnosis and treatment

To review the incidence and treatment of intra-uterine torsion of the testis which although rare is being recognized with increasing frequency.

From 1988 to 1997, five newborns (mean birth weight 3.62 kg, range 3.15-4.12) with unilateral torsion of the testis were treated; all underwent emergency exploration. The right testis was affected in three and the left in two boys.

In all except one child, the affected testis was enlarged, firm to hard, tender, the overlying skin dark red and the affected testis higher than the contralateral testis. In one child the right testis was enlarged and higher, but soft to firm, and the overlying skin was oedematous and red. The exploration revealed extravaginal torsion of the testis which was gangrenous in four; in one after detorsion there was haemorrhage and haematoma of the cord and the tunica, and the testis was slightly congested but not gangrenous. This testis was preserved and bilateral orchidopexies performed; at 18 months both testes are palpable and of normal size. In the remaining four children the testes were frankly necrotic; they underwent orchidectomy and contralateral orchidopexy. Histology in all four revealed a totally infarcted testis with extensive haemorrhage and vascular congestion.

The early diagnosis and treatment of intra-uterine torsion of the testis is essential.