Sonographic diagnosis of acute spermatic cord torsion. Rotation of the cord: a key to the diagnosis

BACKGROUND: Although the primary abnormality in testicular torsion is at the spermatic cord, imaging studies up to now have mostly been oriented to evaluation of the testicle itself, with emphasis on color Doppler ultrasonography (US). However, findings can be inaccurate when there is incomplete interruption of testicular flow. Indirect findings, such as morphological changes in the testis alone, are not reliable for the diagnosis since they become evident late in the disease. OBJECTIVE: To call to attention to the fact that sonographic visualization of the spermatic cord can be the key for diagnosis in those patients with acute scrotal pain as a result of testicular torsion, particularly when color Doppler US shows that intratesticular flow is present within the affected testis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Six patients who presented clinically with acute scrotal pain and had spermatic cord torsion, proven at surgery. All patients were initially studied with color Doppler US, and intratesticular flow was detected in all of them. Patients who showed structural abnormalities on gray-scale US and/or absence of intratesticular vascular flow in the affected testis were not included. In addition to a conventional study, the spermatic cord was examined. RESULTS: The spermatic cord was shown to be rotated on the symptomatic side in all patients. Local morphological and vascular flow changes, distal and at the site of the torsion, were found and registered. CONCLUSIONS: The finding of a rotated spermatic cord could be a highly reliable and direct sign for the diagnosis of a testicular torsion, and this is especially important when vascular flow is present within the affected testis on color Doppler US examination. Examination of the spermatic cord should be added to evaluation of the testis in patients with suspected testicular torsion to enhance sensitivity of the examination.     

新生儿睾丸扭转临床特点探讨

目的 探讨新生儿睾丸扭转发生的特点及治疗时机选择.方法 回顾性分析近10年新生儿睾丸扭转患儿可能的致病危险因素、临床特点、超声检查结果、治疗策略、病理结果及术后随访情况.结果 新生儿睾丸扭转共17例,左侧7例,右侧10例;其中剖腹产11例(65%),第二产程延长5例(29%),羊水过少2例(12%);术前体检均发现睾丸增大,多伴有阴囊色泽改变(94%).超声检查均发现患睾体积增大、回声不均或增强、血流信号减小或消失.术中探查打开肉膜组织后均发现精索睾丸扭转并已坏死而行患睾切除,其中14例行对侧睾丸固定术.所有患睾病理活检均提示睾丸坏死,7例(41%)可见钙化灶.所有随诊病例超声检查未发现对侧睾丸异常.结论 新生儿睾丸扭转失睾率极高;当发现阴囊色泽改变、睾丸增大等改变,即应考虑睾丸扭转可能;超声检查敏感性高,可作为首选检查方法;患儿出生过程出现异常可能是新生儿睾丸扭转的诱因.

Abstract：

Objective To investigate the clinical characteristics and management of neonatal testicular torsion. Methods Neonatal testicular torsion were reviewed focusing on the possible risk factors, clinical features, ultrasonic characteristics, management, pathological outcome and follow-up results. Results A total of 17 neonatal testicular torsion (left side 7, right side 10) was diagnosed. 11cases of them were cesarean delivery (65 %). 5 cases were found a prolonged second stage of labor (29%), and 2 cases with oligohydramnios (12%) before birth. All patients presented an enlarged testes. Most of them presented with scrotal discoloration (94%). Ultrasound examination showed enlargment of testicular volum, heterogeneity and lacked of blood flow. The twisted testes and spermatic cord showed necrosis intra-operatively. Orchiectomy was carried out. Orchidopexy on contralateral testis was performed in 14 cases. Pathology of ipsilateral testes showed necrosis, and calcification occurred in 7 cases(41 %). All contralateral testes presented normal Ultrasound image during the followup. Conclusions The rate of testicular necreosis was high in neonatal testicular torsion. Testicular torsion should be suspected when neonatal testis presents scrotal discoloration and enlarged testicular mass. Ultrasound inspection is a sensitive method in diagnosing neonatal testis torsion, and should be recommended. Abnormal labor may lead to the neonatal testis torsion.     

The return of the solitary testis

Purpose

To assess what is done and what is recommended concerning fixation of the solitary testis.

Material and method

We conducted an e-mail survey of current practices in 28 pediatric surgery departments in 28 university or general hospitals in France. We then reviewed what evidence could be found in the literature.

Results

All surgeons fix the contralateral solitary testis following intravaginal torsion. Sixteen out of 28 fix the contralateral solitary testis following extravaginal torsion, 13/28 in cases of monorchia, and 8/28 following orchiectomy for trauma or tumour. Five surgeons have observed one case each of torsion of a solitary testis, and three have witnessed testicular necrosis following orchiopexy.

Conclusion

There is no consensus regarding fixation of the remaining testis in the literature. Scientific evidence does not show clearly whether fixation is necessary, regardless of the clinical situation. However, if fixation is performed it should be done using the dartos pouch sutureless technique.     

Testicular torsion versus epididymitis: a diagnostic challenge.

Unlike the patient who presents with a potentially acute abdomen, the child or adolescent with a potentially acute scrotum cannot simply be observed. If testicular torsion is present, the testicle must be detorted and orchiopexy performed as soon as possible for fertility to be maintained. Torsion of the appendix testis, however, can usually be managed without surgery. Since the presentations of epididymitis and testicular torsion overlap, it is sometimes difficult to rapidly make the correct diagnosis. Early genitourinary consultation is appropriate in this setting. Any patient in whom testicular torsion is strongly considered should undergo immediate exploratory surgery without diagnostic studies. If the findings overlap, immediate testicular radionuclide scanning should be arranged; alternatively, with experience, Doppler sonography can be carried out. If these radiographic studies cannot be arranged and interpreted within one to two hours, scrotal exploration should be performed. Any patient with an acute scrotal complaint and a negative scan should receive daily follow-up until the symptoms subside. Although our adolescent patient did well, his acute presentation and findings should have warranted immediate exploration. It is only through this aggressive approach that we can continue to increase testicular salvage rates.     

Testicular tumors in children and adolescents

ObjectiveTo analyze the spectrum of testicular tumors in children in an unselected population-based series, as well as the results of testis-preserving surgery.Patients and methodsOur hospital database was analyzed for operations for testicular tumors from 1981 to 2006. The clinical data and findings during follow up (4.7 years) were recorded.ResultsThirty-four patients were operated on because of testicular tumors. In 23 (68%) the tumor was benign: benign teratoma (16), Leydig-cell tumor (2), epidermoid cyst (2), Sertoli-cell tumor (1), cystic dyplasia (1), intratesticular focal fibrosis (1). Eleven patients (32%) had a malignant tumor: yolk-sac tumor (6), embryonal carcinoma (5). Twenty out of the 26 (77%) prepubertal boys had a benign tumor in contrast to only three of the eight (38%) adolescent males (P = 0.079). Testis-preserving surgery was performed in 10 patients. In eight, the tumor was curatively excised and remaining testis preserved. Two patients with benign teratoma had a recurrence due to incomplete primary resection. In one patient who underwent orchiectomy for benign teratoma, two metachronous teratomas were detected in the contralateral testis 6 years after primary surgery.ConclusionsIn children, most testicular tumors are benign, especially before puberty. If testis-preserving surgery is contemplated, complete excision of the tumor should be ascertained. The possibility of metachronous bilateral tumors should be considered in the follow up of testicular teratomas.     

Intermittent testicular torsion

Testicular torsion is the most common cause of acute scrotal pain in prepubertal and adolescent boys and should be foremost in the minds of primary care physicians evaluating these children. Intermittent testicular torsion is a separate entity that should be considered in all young males with a history of scrotal pain and swelling. Acute and intermittent sharp testicular pain and scrotal swelling, interspersed with long intervals without symptoms, are characteristic. Physical findings may include horizontal or very mobile testes, an anteriorly located epididymis, or bulkiness of the spermatic cord from partial twisting. Awareness of this entity and early elective orchiopexy will improve testicular salvage in patients with intermittent testicular torsion.     

别嘌呤醇对睾丸扭转的治疗作用

目的 研究睾丸扭转以后组织的受损情况，观察别嘌呤醇药物对睾丸扭转的治疗意义。方法 以大鼠为研究对象，测定一侧睾丸扭转后两侧睾丸组织的脂质过氧化物含量。按扭转时间分组，分析睾丸扭转、复位、药物应用以后局部的损伤变化情况。结果 单侧睾丸扭转以后，两侧组织的脂质过氧化物含量都明显上升。脂质过氧化物的含量与扭转时间有关。别嘌呤醇应用后，能降低扭转2h以内的两侧睾丸脂质过氧化物产量，以及扭转6h以内的对侧睾丸脂质过氧化物含量。结论 别嘌呤醇对改善睾丸扭转损伤有治疗意义，临床上应提倡早期用药。     

Testicular torsion following orchiopexy

A case of testicular torsion one year after orchiopexy is presented. The occurrence of testicular torsion following surgery is a rare event which has the potential for diagnostic misadventures. To better delineate this condition, we performed a literature review of all reported cases of recurrent testicular torsion. Thirteen reported patients with testicular torsion following orchiopexy are presented and discussed.     

Division of the genitofemoral nerve and late orchiectomy: effects on the contralateral testis in ipsilateral testicular torsion

Unilateral torsion of the spermatic cord has been demonstrated to damage the contralateral testis; however, the pathogenesis has not yet been examined in detail. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of unilateral torsion on the contralateral testis in rats by performing ipsilateral division of the genitofemoral nerve (GFN) and/or late orchiectomy. Male 25-day-old, prepubertal Wistar albino rats were divided into five groups: (1) sham operation; (2) unilateral testicular torsion; (3) simultaneous unilateral testicular torsion and ipsilateral GFN division; (4) unilateral testicular torsion and orchiectomy on the 4th day after torsion; and (5) simultaneous unilateral testicular torsion and GFN ipsilateral division, and orchiectomy on the 4th day after torsion. Torsions performed were 720°, all on the right testes. On day 55 after torsion, which represents the early postpubertal period of the rat, the contralateral testes were removed. Tubular biopsy score (TBS) was calculated, and seminiferous tubular diameters (STD) were measured. Student's t-test was used for statistical analysis. There was no contralateral testicular damage in the control group, but in all of the study groups destructive changes were found in the left gonad after torsion of the right testicle. The mean TBS of the study groups was higher than that of the control group. STD values were lower in the study groups, but the differences were not statistically significant between groups. In prepubertal rats, unilateral torsion causes histologically measurable changes in the contralateral testis. Ipsilateral division of the GFN and late orchiectomy did not cause any significant alterations in terms of contralateral damage. Further investigations are needed to determine the role of the GFN in testicular torsion.     

Acute epididymitis in Greek children: a 3-year retrospective study

The aim of the study was to compare historical features, physical examination findings, and testicular color Doppler ultrasound in pediatric patients with epididymitis compared to testicular torsion and torsion of the appendix testes. A retrospective review of the medical records of 66 boys presenting with clinical aspects of acute scrotum over a 3-year period was performed. Sixty-six patients were included in the study (29 with epididymitis, 8 with testicular torsion and 12 with torsion of the appendix testis, 4 with scrotal abscesses, 5 with scrotal swelling, and 1 with inflamed epididymal cyst). The duration of symptoms ranged from 6 h to 4 days with a peak on the second day. Urine cultures and viral testes were negative in all patients. Color Doppler ultrasound was diagnostic for epididymitis in 28 patients (96.6%). Systemic intravenous antibiotics were given in all 29 patients with epididymitis. No patient showed signs of testicular atrophy in the follow-up. The increasing incidence of epididymitis should question the policy of routine exploration of the acute scrotum in children. The history and physical examination cannot reliably identify those boys who can be managed conservatively. Color Doppler ultrasound is a useful adjunct in the evaluation of the acute scrotum when physical findings are equivocal but it can also be misleading.     

小儿睾丸扭转的诊断与治疗

目的提高对小儿睾丸扭转的临床诊断和治疗水平。方法回顾性分析42例睾丸扭转的临床资料,年龄4～15岁,平均8.5岁。左睾丸27个,右睾丸15个。初诊时间<6h10例,6～24h26例,6例超过24h。初诊确诊为睾丸扭转24例,延误诊断18例(本院7例,外院11例)。结果8例发病后6h就诊者,给予手法复位成功;34例发病时间>6h者手术探查,18例手术探查睾丸已坏死,而行睾丸切除。结论彩色多普勒超声是首选辅助检查方法。提高首诊诊断正确率将有助于扭转睾丸的获救。主张尽早手术及预防性对侧睾丸固定。     

Spiral twist of the spermatic cord: a reliable sign of testicular torsion

Background. Colour Doppler sonography (CDS) has become the procedure of choice in evaluating testicular perfusion but false negative findings have been reported. Objective. To determine if direct visualisation of the twisted spermatic cord using high resolution US is a reliable sign to assess testicular torsion. Material and methods. Thirty patients (aged 2–26 years) with equivocal diagnosis of testicular torsion prospectively underwent high resolution and CDS. The results were correlated with surgical findings. Serial transverse and longitudinal scans were performed to compare the scrotal contents on each side and study the complete spermatic cord course, from inguinal canal to testis, to detect a spiral twist. Results. In 14 of the 23 cases of torsion, the diagnosis was based on the colour Doppler findings in the scrotum because blood flow was absent in the symptomatic testis and detectable without difficulty on the normal side. In nine cases, CDS was unreliable; in six cases intratesticular perfusion was present in a twisted testis and in three small boys, no colour signal was obtained in either testis. In all cases of torsion, the spiral twist of spermatic cord was detected at the external inguinal ring. The twist induced an abrupt change in spermatic cord course, size and shape below the point of torsion. It appeared in the scrotum as a round or oval, homogeneous or heterogeneous extratesticular mass with or without blood flow, that could be connected cephalad with the normal inguinal cord. In the other seven cases (three late torsions of the appendix testis, one epididymo-orchitis and three torsions with spontaneous reduction), no spiral twist was detectable. Conclusion. The detection of spermatic cord spiral twist appears a reliable US sign of torsion whatever the testicular consequences. Received: 1 December 1997 Accepted: 17 June 1998     

The current state of surgical practice for neonatal torsion: A survey of pediatric urologists

ObjectiveThe evaluation and treatment of perinatal testicular torsion is controversial. We performed a survey to assess practice patterns among pediatric urologists regarding treatment of perinatal torsion.MethodsAn internet survey was administered to members of two pediatric urology societies. Cases of prenatal, postnatal and bilateral prenatal torsion were outlined. Respondents were asked about use of ultrasound, timing of surgery, incision, and management of the contralateral testicle. A case with a non-palpable testicle and blind ending vessels was also presented.ResultsWe had 121 respondents. In a neonate with prenatal torsion, 34% percent would operate immediately, 26% urgently within 72 h, 28% electively and 12% would not explore; 93% would perform a contralateral orchiopexy. In a neonate with postnatal torsion, 93% would operate immediately, 5% urgently, 1% electively and 1% would not explore; 96% would perform a contralateral orchiopexy. In both cases, 75% would use a scrotal incision and 25% would use an inguinal incision. When presented with bilateral prenatal torsion, 90% would operate immediately, 1% urgently, 2% electively and 7% would not operate. In the case of a non-palpable testicle with blind ending vessels 28% would perform a contralateral orchiopexy, 12% would explore the ipsilateral canal for a “nubbin”, 56% would perform no intervention and 4% would perform some other form of management.ConclusionWe documented variability of timing for intervention of prenatal torsion and confirmed that most view postnatal torsion as a surgical emergency. Most perform a contralateral orchiopexy for prenatal torsion despite the fact that most cases are extravaginal. The surgical approach via a scrotal incision appears to be preferred at this time.     

Age for testicular torsion?]

Classically, testicular torsion occurs in neonates or during puberty. Between these two ages, is it really an exception? METHOD AND PATIENTS: In order to answer the question, we reviewed the charts of the patients referred to the department of pediatric surgery of Bicêtre hospital between 1992 and 2001. We studied the preoperative examinations, the operative data and the long term evolution. Cases of torsion occurring during neonatal or pubertal periods were excluded. RESULTS: During nine years, 86 patients with "acute scrotum symptoms" underwent surgery. The ages of patients ranged from one month to 11 years (average age: five years) in 26 patients, among which 12 had true testicular torsion. Consultation at the emergency room occurred after one to 72 hours (average of 17). The localization of the pain was on the left in eight cases and on ectopic testicle in two. The testicular volume was increased in 11 cases. Cremasteric reflex was absent in four cases. The doppler flow was normal in four cases and absent in four. During surgery, the testis appearance was considered as normal in six testicles, as necrotized in three (and an orchidectomy was performed) and as ischemic in three. In seven cases, a peroperative contralateral testicle fixation was performed and later one in two. The postoperative course was simple, without infection and with a normal testicular volume in eight cases, increased in one ischemic testis. Testicular atrophy was noted in an ischemic testis, after several months. CONCLUSION: Whatever the age, testicular torsion remains a surgical emergency even with a normal doppler flow.     

Unsuspected urological anomalies in asymptomatic cryptorchild boys

In a period of 6 years 144 asymptomatic boys with cryptorchidism, of mean age 7±SD 3.5 years, underwent orchiopexy. None of these boys referred to a history of a known urological anomaly, urinary tract infection, haematuria, palpable mass in the renal region, bladder extrophy, epispadias, hypospadias or anorectal malformation. On the third day after orchiopexy an intravenous pyelography was done in every boy following testicular protection against irradiation. Ultrasonic investigation was not available at that time. There were minor urological abnormalities in 36 (25%) boys and major ones in 8 (5.5%) boys. A major anomaly is defined as one resulting in significant loss of renal substance (one case of single kidney and three cases of unilateral renal hypoplasia), or requiring surgical correction for conservation of the renal substance (one case of ureterocele, two cases of pelviureteric stenosis and one case of vesicoureteric stenosis with ipsilateral hydronephrosis). The unsuspected major urological abnormalities are usually ipsilateral to the more undescended testis. They may be associated with a hernia and are more frequent in bilateral cryptorchidism. In conclusion we encourage the routine use of IVP, or ultrasonic investigation or dynamic renal scanning (99^mTc-DTPA), if it is possible, in all patients undergoing orchiopexy for the detection of an unsuspected major renal anomaly. Presented at the VIIIth Meeting of the Hungarian Association of Paediatric Surgeons, Miskolc, 22–24 July 1985     

Perinatal testicular torsion in siblings

The management of perinatal torsion remains a controversial topic in pediatric urology. We present two cases of brothers diagnosed with perinatal torsion during the postnatal period. The first brother experienced bilateral torsion, with both testes found to be unsalvageable during emergent surgery on day 4 of life. Two years later the second brother was found on his newborn exam to have findings consistent with unilateral left testicular torsion. Emergent exploration was undertaken that confirmed the left testis to be necrotic. The contralateral testis was found to be normal and a fixation procedure was undertaken.     

小儿隐睾扭转的诊治体会

目的：探讨小儿隐睾合并扭转的临床诊治经验。方法回顾性分析2008年7月至2013年12月我们收治的14例小儿隐睾合并睾丸扭转病例的临床资料,其中左侧9例,右侧5例;左侧9例中,2例为双侧隐睾;右侧5例中,1例术中及术后病理检查证实为隐睾合并睾丸成熟畸胎瘤。14例均为单侧隐睾扭转。患儿年龄4岁至11岁5个月,平均3．1岁。结果14例患儿中,11例行扭转坏死睾丸切除术,3例行扭转睾丸复位＋下降固定术,患儿均同期行健侧睾丸固定术或健侧睾丸下降固定术。术后经2个月至5年随访,11例睾丸切除患儿健侧睾丸发育良好,血清睾酮水平正常;3例睾丸下降固定术患儿中,2例睾丸发育良好,1例合并睾丸畸胎瘤患儿经保睾手术后患侧睾丸发育较小,无肿瘤复发。结论早期诊断和及时手术治疗是提高隐睾并扭转患儿睾丸存活率的关键。     

The testes after unilateral incarcerated inguinal hernia in prepubertal rats

The ipsilateral and contralateral testes after unilateral incarcerated inguinal hernia were evaluated, and compared to the contralateral testis after unilateral testicular torsion in 30 prepubertal rats. Control, torsion and detorsion at 24 hours, and incarcerated inguinal hernia and reduction in the 24 hour groups, each consisting of ten rats were established. The testes were harvested after 15 days. Mean seminiferous tubular diameters (MSTD) and mean testicular biopsy scores (MTBS) were determined and compared. A decrease in MSTD and depression in MTBS, which was more prominent in the ipsilateral testes, were found in both ipsilateral and contralateral testes following unilateral incarcerated inguinal hernia. The testicular damage encountered after unilateral incarcerated inguinal hernia was similar to the contralateral testicular damage following unilateral testicular torsion with the utilized parameters.     

腹腔镜治疗不可触及型隐睾222例

目的探讨腹腔镜在未触及睾丸的隐睾患儿中的诊治作用。方法对2005年8月-2011年1月在本科诊治的222例未触及睾丸的隐睾患儿行腹腔镜探查(229个睾丸)。年龄12个月～16岁(平均56个月)。术前常规行阴囊腹股沟和盆腔超声检查。术后随访2～72个月(平均32个月)。随访内容包括触诊睾丸位置,判断是否有回缩,超声测量睾丸大小,判断睾丸是否有萎缩。结果经腹腔镜、腹股沟探查及术后病理证实睾丸缺如158个;睾丸残余11个;腹股沟型高位隐睾5个;睾丸位于腹腔55个。其中低位型隐睾20个,高位型隐睾35个。并卵黄管退化不全4例;真两性畸形1例,条索状性腺1例。行常规腹股沟开放手术15个睾丸,腹腔镜辅助下一次性睾丸固定术10个睾丸,Fowler-Stephens(F-S)分期睾丸固定术25个睾丸,F-S一期睾丸固定术8个睾丸,2个发育不良睾丸行腹腔镜下睾丸切除术。卵黄管退化不全者行始基子宫切除,条索状性腺行性腺切除术,两性畸形性腺活检一侧为睾丸,一侧为卵巢。术后随访患侧睾丸萎缩4个,包括行F-S一期睾丸固定术2个睾丸,腹股沟切口睾丸一次固定术1个睾丸,F-S分期固定术1个睾丸;睾丸回缩2个,均为腹股沟切口睾丸一次固定术。结论腹腔镜能够准确诊断未触及睾丸并进行相应治疗。对于腹腔内低位隐睾,腹腔镜辅助下一次性睾丸固定术效果好,明显优于常规手术。腹腔内高位隐睾适合行F-S分期手术。