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[Age for testicular torsion?].
F Sauvat1, S Hennequin, M Ait Ali Slimane
1Service de chirurgie pédiatrique, hôpital de Bicêtre, 78, rue du Général-Leclerc, 94275 Le Kremlin-Bicêtre cedex, France. fsauvat@club-internet.fr
Summary
Testicular torsion, or twisting of the spermatic cord, can occur outside of typical neonatal or pubertal periods. This condition is a surgical emergency requiring prompt intervention, even with normal Doppler ultrasound findings.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Pediatric Surgery
Context:
- Testicular torsion classically occurs in neonates or during puberty.
- The incidence of testicular torsion in children between these age groups is less understood.
Purpose:
- To investigate the occurrence and outcomes of testicular torsion in children outside the typical neonatal and pubertal age ranges.
Summary:
- A review of 86 pediatric patients (1 month to 11 years) with acute scrotum symptoms revealed 12 cases of true testicular torsion.
- Average age was five years, with delays in emergency room consultation (average 17 hours).
- Surgical outcomes included orchidectomy in 3 cases and testicular atrophy in one ischemic testis, highlighting the need for timely intervention.
Impact:
- This study emphasizes that testicular torsion is a surgical emergency at any age, irrespective of Doppler ultrasound results.
- Prompt surgical evaluation and management are crucial to preserve testicular function and prevent complications like atrophy.