Testicular Torsion

Condition

• Testicular Torsion

History

• sudden onset, severe scrotal pain
• Swollen and painful scrotum
• Vomiting and abdominal pain 
• Can occur at any age but more common in neonates and children between the age of 12 - 14

Examination 

• Red, tender, swollen scrotum
• Loss of cremasteric reflex
• High lying testes secondary to twisting of the spermatic cord
• Horizontal lie of the contralateral testes 

Investigation

• Do not order ultrasound to confirm diagnosis in paediatric cases 

Management 

• Urgent referral to hospital for operation 
• Torsion must be corrected within 4-6 hours to prevent gangrene of the testis

References

- DCH:  common surgical problems South