Experimental testicular torsion: time course of the effect on the contralateral testicular histology

Summary Since fertility is decreased in patients with unilateral torsion, a detrimental influence of the damaged tesis on the contralateral side has been postulated. In previous studies, we could not detect such an effect 2 months after the application of torsion. The present study was designed to search for an early defect that may be followed by regeneration as well as for a defect that appears only later. At 2 weeks, 4 months and 7 months after unilateral testicular torsion and sham operation, respectively, in rats, both testes were examined. By means of morphometry, the different testicular components of the contralateral testes were quantified, but neither early nor late damage could be detected. Therefore, despite some other conflicting studies, we do not believe that contralateral testicular damage necessarily occurs after torsion. The decreased fertility may be explained by an immunologic attack on the spermatozoa on their way out of the genital tract.