About the disease
Testicular torsion is a condition whereby the spermatic cord, which supplies blood to the scrotum, becomes twisted. This means the testicles do not get a sufficient amount of blood and the testicular tissue starts to die. Testicular torsion is a medical emergency which needs to be repaired surgically, to restore the normal blood flow to the testicles as soon as possible.
According to the American Urological Association, approximately 1 in 4000 men is affected by this condition, making it quite rare. Testicular torsion is most common in adolescents and middle-aged men, although there have also been rare cases of it occurring in children and older men.
Some males are born with weak connective tissue in the scrotum, which can sometimes lead to the testicular cord becoming twisted. It may also occur after an injury to the groin. Usually, only one testicle is affected.
Symptoms
- Pain in the testicles
- Swelling of the scrotum
- One testicle can become higher than the another
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Blood in the sperm
Diagnosis
- During a physical examination, the doctor will examine the testicles to check for swelling and to find out what kind of pain the patient is experiencing. The reflexes of the testicles will also be checked, to see if they function normally. If not, testicular torsion could be the reason.
- A urinary test can rule out the possibility of an infection, which would cause similar symptoms.
- An ultrasound is essential for a conclusive diagnosis of testicular torsion. It creates an image, making it clear to see whether the blood flow to the testicle is blocked or not.
Treatment
- Surgical repositioning of the testicle restores the flow of blood.
- During this procedure, small sutures can be used to prevent the cord from twisting again.
- It is imperative that this procedure be completed within 6 hours of the first signs of obstruction of blood to the testicles. Waiting longer can result in the testicle tissue dying, meaning it will need to be surgically removed.
Authors: Dr. Nadezhda Ivanisova, Dr. Sergey Pashchenko
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