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Ovarian torsion: 10-year perspective.
1Emergency Department, The Geelong Hospital, Geelong, Victoria, Australia. melissaw@barwonhealth.org.au
Emergency Medicine Australasia : EMA
|June 15, 2005
Summary
Ovarian torsion diagnosis is challenging, with symptoms lacking specificity and ultrasound not always definitive. However, this study shows relatively high ovarian salvage rates despite diagnostic delays.
Area of Science:
- Gynecology
- Surgical Case Reviews
Background:
- Ovarian torsion is a gynecological emergency requiring prompt diagnosis and treatment.
- Clinical presentation and diagnostic modalities for ovarian torsion can be challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define the presenting symptoms and clinical progress of surgically confirmed ovarian torsion cases.
- To evaluate diagnostic timelines and ovarian salvage rates in ovarian torsion.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case review of surgically proven ovarian torsion.
- Data collected from The Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne (1990-2000).
Main Results:
- 52 cases reviewed; median age 33.5 years.
- Key symptoms: sudden pain (87%), nausea/vomiting (59%), palpable mass (62.2%).
- Diagnosis often delayed (median 22h), frequently confirmed at surgery (69.2%); ovarian preservation in 30.8%.
Conclusions:
- Ovarian torsion diagnosis remains difficult, with non-specific clinical features and non-definitive ultrasound findings.
- Laparoscopy is the preferred diagnostic investigation.
- Despite diagnostic delays, ovarian salvage rates were relatively high in this cohort.