Torsion of the spermatic cord after orchiopexy

The cases of spermatic cord torsion reported here show that this condition may occur even some time after fixation. Three men, aged 22, 30 and 35 years, visited the urologist with complaints of an acute scrotum following earlier orchiopexy for spermatic cord torsion. Different techniques are employed to fixate the testicles after spermatic cord torsion. These cases confirm that Jaboulay's bottleneck procedure is the method of choice for bilateral fixation in patients presenting with this condition.     

Spermatic cord torsion in the newborn: role of surgical exploration]

Torsion of the spermatic cord is frequent in neonates suffering from acute scrotal distress. A retrospective study was carried out to determine the viability and the outcome of testis treated by surgical exploration. PATIENTS AND RESULTS: Surgical exploration of 30 neonates presenting acute scrotal distress found: 18 torsions of the spermatic cord, six intrascrotal bleedings or hematoma due to delivery trauma, five tunica vaginalis inflammations and one ischemia without torsion. The torsion occurred in utero in 16 cases and after birth in two cases. The contralateral uninvolved testis was fixed to the scrotum in all cases. The torsion was extravaginal in 17 cases and intravaginal in one case. In all cases of prenatal torsion, there was total necrosis of the testis. One case of postnatal torsion operated on four hours after the beginning of the torsion was saved. CONCLUSION: Although the viability of the torsioned testis is compromised in cases of prenatal torsion, surgical exploration is necessary to confirm diagnosis and to avoid any contralateral torsion because bilateral torsion exists. Only emergency surgical exploration can save a testis that has undergone post-natal torsion as reported in others series.     

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     

Paratesticular metastasis from Wilms tumor: the possible routs of metastasis and literature review

Testicular or paratesticular metastasis from Wilms tumor (WT) is extremely rare. We report a 5-year-old boy with WT of right kidney presented with metastasis to the ipsilateral spermatic cord. The patient underwent a high inguinal right orchiectomy. Histopathological examination revealed infiltration of WT to spermatic cord but the testis and epididymis were not involved. The patient received the standard chemotherapy regimen but the response to treatment was poor with 2 tumor recurrences within the follow-up period. Among the mechanisms of metastasis to scrotal region, retrograde venous and the patent processus vaginalis seem to be more common and also preventable.     

The “atrophic” testicular remnant

Remnants of testicular tissue at the end of a diminutive spermatic cord are the end result of testicular infarction from torsion of the testis or spermatic cord, occurring either in utero or unrecognized in the neonatal period. Idiopathic testicular artery thrombosis is another possibility. The majority of 20 specimens examined microscopically showed fibrosis, hemosiderin deposits, and calcification. Fixation of the opposite testis is recommended for these patients.     

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.     

Acute scrotum in a neonate caused by renal vein thrombosis

The authors report on a rare case of neonatal scrotal oedema occurring concurrently with pain upon palpation of the spermatic cord on the first day of life. An ultrasound examination showed poor perfusion of the left testicle and a thrombosis of the left renal vein; intraoperative exploration indicated necrosis of the left testicle without signs of torsion. Gorged vessels with paravasal bleeding were found in the spermatic cord. The authors hypothesise that necrosis of the testicle may result from haemorrhagic infarction caused by renal venous thrombosis. Acute scrotal discolouration with pain upon palpation in neonates is usually attributed to testicular torsion. The authors report a case where these symptoms had a different cause.     

有腹股沟区手术史的隐睾患儿诊疗分析

目的探讨腹股沟区手术后隐睾的原因、预防措施及手术方法。方法回顾性分析2006年6月至2011年3月作者收治的13例（14侧）腹股沟区手术后再次行隐睾手术患儿的临床资料,其中隐睾手术后8例,腹股沟斜疝手术后4例,鞘膜积液手术后1例。均再次行睾丸下降固定术,手术前后超声测量睾丸容积。结果13例（14侧）患儿睾丸均降入阴囊内,术中见瘢痕粘连明显。术后12例（13侧）获随访2个月至4年,睾丸无回缩,彩超提示13侧睾丸位置、血流正常,睾丸容积4侧较术前缩小5％一15％,1侧与术前相当,8侧较术前增大。结论导致腹股沟区手术后隐睾的原因为隐睾合并斜疝或鞘膜积液时只处理了后者,或单纯行斜疝或鞘膜积液手术时操作不当使睾丸上移,或隐睾手术中未充分游离精索,未达到无张力下降,以致睾丸上缩。腹股沟区手术后隐睾应适时手术,再次手术要仔细分离腹股沟粘连,并注重腹膜后精索的游离。     

Right testicular necrosis and left vanishing testis in a neonate

We describe a rare case of right testicular necrosis and left vanishing testis in a neonate. The patient presented with a right swollen testis and left non-palpable testis at birth. Exploratory laparotomy was performed at 23 days after birth, and the right testis was extirpated because of extensive necrosis due to torsion of the spermatic cord. Histopathological examination revealed a massively necrotic testicular structure with hypertrophy of Leydig cells. Hypergonadotropinemia was also recognized before operation. On laparoscopy at the age of 5.3 years, a normal left vas deferens and spermatic vessels exiting through the internal inguinal ring were confirmed, although the patient's left testis was not found in the intraperitoneal cavity. An hCG test demonstrated no response of serum testosterone. These findings suggested a diagnosis of left vanishing testis due to testicular regression. We therefore speculated that bilateral asynchronous testicular torsion had occurred prenatally in this patient.     

Neonatal testicular torsion

Twenty-six cases of neonatal torsion of spermatic cord were studied and compared to 171 cases reported in the literature. In a few cases, the torsion was antenatal and this may explain some absent testes. Diagnosis is sometimes difficult to make; symptoms were comparable to those in other disorders: peritoneo-vaginal tunnel, testicular inflammation or testicular tumor. In these cases, surgery can make the exact diagnosis although it cannot save the testis even if it is performed early.     

Acute scrotum -etiology,clinical presentation and seasonal variation

Objective  The aim of the present study was to evaluate the etiology, history, physical examination findings, and seasonal variation of acute scrotal problems in children. Methods  A retrospective review of all boys, presenting with acute scrotum to the Pediatric Surgery Clinic of the University Hospital Heraklion between January 1989 and December 2006 was performed. Results  A total of 140 boys presented with scrotal pain were included. Overall the commonest cause of acute scrotum was epididymo-orchitis (35%, 95%CI: 27%–43%), followed by torsion of appendages. In contrast the most common cause in boys of preschool age was spermatic cord torsion (P<0.020). All cases of spermatic cord torsion were characterized by severe testicular pain and an absent cremasteric reflex. The interval between pain initiation and presentation to our clinic was 11.4 hours (SD:3.07) when the testis was salvaged by detorsion, and 19.0 hours (SD:6.32) when the testis was removed. The difference between means was statistical significant (p<0.001). The incidence of torsion of appendages (p<0.036) and/or spermatic cord (p<0.047) was increased in winter. Conclusion  The absence of cremasteric reflex in association with testicular tenderness strongly suggests testicular torsion. The low temperatures during winter may account for the increased incidence of the torsion of both the spermatic cord torsion and the appendages.     

Spermatic cord torsion: diagnostic limitations

To distinguish spermatic cord torsion from other intrascrotal pathology, scrotal ultrasound and radionuclide scanning have been highly recommended on the basis of both clinical and experimental studies. We review the data from six patients in whom ultrasound or nuclear medicine examination was misleading. We emphasize that history, physical examination, and urinalysis remain the cornerstones of the diagnosis of spermatic cord torsion. Scrotal ultrasound and nuclear medicine scans are useful adjuncts and are reassuring when in agreement with the clinical picture. However, they are not 100% sensitive or specific, and a negative study should not prevent emergency operative exploration of a clinically suspicious lesion.     

Epidermoid cyst of the spermatic cord

An epidermoid cyst in the spermatic cord of a child, which was found incidentally at operation for hydrocoele, is reported. Although well described in the testis, epidermoid cyst has not previously been reported as occuring in the spermatic cord. The possible pathological aetiology is discussed. Offprint requests to: A. C. Gordon     

腹腔镜睾丸下降固定术后睾丸萎缩的超声评估

目的 探讨超声检查对腹腔镜睾丸下降固定术后睾丸萎缩的评估价值,尝试建立睾丸萎缩的超声评分方法.方法 分别用腹腔镜行直接睾丸下降固定、Fowler-Stephen Ⅰ或Ⅱ期治疗不可触及隐睾,术后从不同时段对睾丸的体积(无改变、轻微缩小、明显缩小10%以上)、回声(均匀、不均匀)、边界(清晰、模糊、难确定)、实质内微结石(无、散在、弥漫)及血供(清晰、减少、无)等五方面的超声改变来评估睾丸萎缩情况,据此建立相对应超声评估方法,将术后睾丸萎缩进行分级:0级(无萎缩)、Ⅰ级(部分萎缩)、Ⅱ级(完全萎缩).结果 共施行43例(56侧)手术,超声检查能清晰反映睾丸内在情况,术后3～6个月睾丸的超声表现趋于稳定,睾丸萎缩0级42/56(75.0%)、Ⅰ级12/56(21.4%)、Ⅱ级2/56(3.6%).结论 超声检查可在术后3～6个月较为客观地评估腹腔镜睾丸下降固定术后睾丸萎缩情况;本文介绍的超声睾丸萎缩评分方法可应用于临床.     

Varicocele in children

Surgical treatment of varicocele is still not satisfactory: a high complication rate is associated with all the surgical techniques currently used. A weak fascio-motor spermatic cord pump has been described as contributing to the pathogenesis of varicocele. Using interrupted cord-tightening sutures reinforces the spermatic cord structure, and thus reduces the size of the varicocele and improves testicular venous drainage. It is an effective technique with a lower risk of damaging the cord structures, and thus a lower complication rate. We report our preliminary experience using this technique in nine children.     

Thrombosis of the umbilical cord: analysis of 52 cases and literature review

Fifty-two cases of umbilical cord thrombosis from 3 patients populations are analyzed and compared with 68 cases from the literature. The incidence of cord thrombosis is approximately 1/1300 deliveries, 1/1000 perinatal autopsies, and 1/250 high-risk gestations. There is a slight male predominance. Umbilical vein thrombosis occurs more frequently than thrombosis of one or both umbilical arteries, but poor fetal outcome is more likely with arterial thrombosis. The mechanism of fetal death when only one umbilical artery is thrombosed is illustrated and discussed. The strong association between cord thrombosis and perinatal morbidity and mortality is not noted among prospective cases but, when present, is related to additional umbilical cord abnormalities, obstetrical complications, or systemic fetal conditions that are the likely cause of both the thrombosis and the poor fetal outcome. The pathogenetic relationship between cord thrombosis and these associated conditions is discussed, and it is concluded that cord thrombosis is a marker of both the severity of these conditions and the likelihood of poor fetal outcome.     

Thrombosis of the Umbilical Cord: Analysis of 52 Cases and Literature Review

Fifty-two cases of umbilical cord thrombosis from 3 patient populations are analyzed and compared with 68 cases from the literature. The incidence of cord thrombosis is approximately 1/1300 deliveries, 1/1000 perinatal autopsies, and 1/250 high-risk gestations. There is a slight male predominance. Umbilical vein thrombosis occurs more frequently than thrombosis of one or both umbilical arteries, but poor fetal outcome is more likely with arterial thrombosis. The mechanism of fetal death when only one umbilical artery is thrombosed is illustrated and discussed. The strong association between cord thrombosis and perinatal morbidity and mortality is not noted among prospective cases but, when present, is related to additional umbilical cord abnormalities, obstetrical complications, or systemic fetal conditions that are the likely cause of both the thrombosis and the poor fetal outcome. The pathogenetic relationship between cord thrombosis and these associated conditions is discussed, and it is concluded that cord thrombosis is a marker of both the severity of these conditions and the likelihood of poor fetal outcome.     

Varicocele in the adolescent

Varicocele is a dilatation of the veins of the pampiniform plexus caused by reflux within the spermatic venous system. In the majority of cases it becomes apparent during pubertal development. The etiology of varicocele is likely multifactorial. The varicocele may have a negative effect on gonadal growth in the pediatric-adolescent age group and may be associated with a significant reduction in testicular volume and progressive decline in testicular function. The most likely mechanism is an elevation of testicular temperature due to an impaired counter-current heat exchange mechanism. Initial diagnosis is based on the clinical examination, which, in selected cases, may be followed by other non-invasive evaluations: Doppler, color Doppler ultrasound of the spermatic cord (the examination of choice), or ultrasound of the testis. The role of hormonal studies (gonadotropin, testosterone and inhibin B levels) is controversial and analysis of seminal fluid may be difficult to obtain in a minor. This statement offers recommendations regarding the best practice policies for evaluation and treatment of varicocele in adolescents.     

Tethered cord syndrome: an updated review

Tethered cord syndrome (TCS) is a diverse clinical entity characterized by symptoms and signs which are caused by excessive tension on the spinal cord. The majority of cases are related to spinal dysraphism. TCS can present in any age group, and presentations differ according to the underlying pathologic condition and age, with pain, cutaneous signs, orthopedic deformities and neurological deficits being the most common. Surgical untethering is indicated in patients with progressive or new onset symptomatology attributable to TCS. The surgical strategy aims to release the tethering structure and thus the chronic tension on the cord. Early operative intervention is associated with improved outcomes. Pain relief is accomplished in almost all cases. Realistic surgical goals include relief of pain and stabilization of neurological function, although improvement in function is often seen. Cord untethering can also halt the progression of scoliosis. The benefits of surgery are debated in asymptomatic patients and patients with normal imaging.     

Spermatic cord metastasis from a medulloblastoma

A 4-year-old boy presented with metastases in the spermatic cord and ribs 2 years after treatment for a primary medulloblastoma (MB). The testis was free of tumor. A MB presenting with a metastasis to the spermatic cord has not been reported to date. The role of a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt in promoting such spread should be considered in planning management. Accepted: 1 November 2000