[Torsion of the spermatic cord. A clinical material on 109 patients]

The authors review experiences from the operation of 109 patients for torsion of the spermatic cord at a single surgical clinic. The peak incidence was seen amongst adolescents. The patients reported the sudden onset of severe scrotal pain. Clinical examination showed a tender scrotal mass. About half of the patients showed testicular retraction or scrotal erythema. 22% underwent orchidectomy because of gangrene. All these patients had a history of more than 24 hours. On the other hand, 95% of patients with a vital testis had a history of less than 24 hours. Significant testicular injury will occur in a large share of these patients as well. The true urgency of this condition is emphasized.