Pediatric Torsion of the Testicle

Torsion of the testicle is the most common pediatric urologic emergency. Torsion means that the testicle (testis) itself has been twisted or torsed. The twisting or torsion blocks the blood vessels, which supply the testicle with oxygen and other nutrients. When torsion has occurred and is unrelieved the testicle can die.

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In the fetus the testicle develops within the abdomen and migrates down into the scrotum, trailing its blood supply behind it like a leash. In the scrotum the testicle resides within a smooth sack called the tunica vaginalis. The testicle can spin and move about within the sack. As males grow and age the testicle develops connections with the sack making it harder for the testicle to spin or twist. This is why torsion is usually seen in younger men, adolescents, and children.

Sudden scrotal pain is the most common symptom. The pain is usually on one side, but it can spread and be felt in the groin, abdomen, and flank. Some patients may have nausea and vomiting or difficulty urinating. The pain can come during activity, such as sports, or after minor accidents. It can come on at rest or even during sleep. Children, particularly teenage boys, are often reluctant to report testicular or scrotal pain. Hours and sometimes days can pass before they see a physician. The diagnosis of torsion can be difficult to make. Other illnesses can appear like torsion, but because torsion, if left untreated, will lead to the loss of the testicle, any acute scrotal pain is treated as torsion until proven otherwise.

When testicles have been torsed they can sustain injury. The key factor is the length of time that the blood supply is occluded. Torsion relieved within six hours or less usually results in no lasting effects, but after six hours there is an increasing risk of damage (decreased sperm production and fertility) or death of the testicle. The only treatment of testicular torsion is immediate detorsion and fixation of the testicle to the scrotal wall. The child is put under general anesthesia and a small incision is made through the scrotum. If the testicle has already died it is removed. If the testicle is twisted, it is untwisted and sewn to the scrotal wall to prevent any further twisting. When torsion is found on one side the other testicle is also sewn to the scrotal wall because experience has shown that if one testicle can twist the other one can as well.

This information, although based on a thorough knowledge and careful review of current medical literature, is the opinion of doctors at The University of Texas Medical School and is presented to inform you about surgical conditions. It is not meant to contradict any information you may receive from your personal physician and should not be used to make decisions about surgical treatment. If you have any questions about the information above or your child's care, please contact our doctors.

UT Pediatric Urology
UT Physicians Professional Building
6410 Fannin St. Suite 950
Houston, Texas 77030
Phone: (832) 325-7234