Adnexal torsion: cystectomy and ovarian fixation are equally important in preventing recurrence

Objective

To report our clinical experience in adnexal torsion.

Study design

A retrospective case review of surgically proven adnexal torsion.

Results

216 cases were identified. Mean age was 29 ± 12. Twenty-two were premenarchal, 59 had ovarian stimulation, 48 were pregnant (with a median gestational age of 7 weeks) and 14 were post-menopausal. The most common risk factor was a previous history of adnexal torsion. The main clinical features were sudden, intermittent pain. Forty-five percent of Doppler examinations demonstrated normal flow: premenarchal and postmenopausal patients had higher rates of abnormal flow, compared to pregnant patients or after ovarian stimulation. Median time from admission to diagnosis was 6 h. Laparoscopy was conducted in 81.0% of the cases, and laparotomy in the rest. Twenty-three cases of recurrent torsion were documented. The majority of these events occurred following detorsion only. An enlarged ovary was found in 77 cases, dermoid cyst in 8 cases, and one case was malignant. Sixty eight-cases underwent detorsion, in 82 cases a combined detorsion and cystectomy or fenestration were performed and 43 patients underwent partial or total adnexectomy. Adnexal fixation was conducted in 21 cases. Cyst drainage or cystectomy significantly reduced the chance of retorsion by 50% and 75%, respectively, compared to detorsion only.

Conclusion

Ovarian stimulation and early pregnancy are predisposing factors for ovarian torsion. Doppler flow studies may be a helpful diagnostic tool among premenarchal and post-menopausal women. Cystectomy should be considered in order to reduce the risk of retorsion.