Is an empty left hemiscrotum and hypertrophied right descended testis predictive of perinatal torsion?

We determine whether the finding of a nonpalpable left testis and hypertrophied(2 cc or greater) right testis is predictive of an atrophic (perinatal torsion) left testis.

Prospectively, all boys with a nonpalpable left testis and hypertrophied right testis seen between May 2000 and May 2002 were included in the study. Testicular measurement was performed preoperatively with an orchidometer. In 19 of 22 boys size was also confirmed intraoperatively. Surgical exploration was done initially through a scrotal incision. Diagnostic laparoscopy was performed in boys in whom intrascrotal tissue that was consistent with a "nubbin" was not found. All tissue removed was submitted for histological evaluation.

In 19 of 22 boys tissue was found in the left hemiscrotum that was clinically consistent with a scrotal nubbin, and histological confirmation was absolute in 18. In 1 patient a hollow oval mass attached to a cord extending to the external inguinal ring was found without the other classic histological features of torsion. In 3 cases scrotal exploration was negative and diagnostic laparoscopy was performed. Of this group the pathognomonic findings of a closed internal ring with hypoplastic vas and vessels were noted in 2 cases, and normal vas and vessels were seen to exit an open internal inguinal ring in 1. Inguinal exploration demonstrated an enlarged intracanalicular testis measuring 3 cc in volume, comparable in size to the descended right testicle.

The combination of a nonpalpable left testis and an enlarged right testis is highly predictive of perinatal testicular torsion. When both criteria were met 20 of 22 (91%) consecutive patients had histological or laparoscopically confirmed perinatal torsion and 1 had only clinical features. This finding supports the concept of scrotal exploration as the initial procedure in the child who has an empty left hemiscrotum and hypertrophied descended right testis. Laparoscopy should be reserved for boys in whom a distinct remnant is not found on scrotal exploration.