Contemporary review of testicular torsion: new concepts, emerging technologies and potential therapeutics

Abstract

Testicular torsion is one of the few emergencies in pediatric urology which requires an accurate and timely diagnosis in order to avoid testis loss. It is not an uncommon event affecting a young male population. In fact, testicular torsion is more common than testicular tumors for this same age group, yet testicular torsion has not been given the public attention it deserves as a male health risk. In this review we highlight the new information published over the past four years regarding testicular torsion. We will discuss a variety of topics associated with torsion including: medical legal issues, etiology and genetics, imaging diagnostics, innovative surgical techniques, management controversies, fertility, and new drug therapies.

Keywords: Fertility; Orchiectomy; Orchiopexy; Testicular torsion.

Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest: None

Copyright © 2012 Journal of Pediatric Urology Company. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Figures

FIGURE 1

Whirlpool sign seen by Doppler ultrasound indicating the presence of the supercoiled spermatic cord involved in testicular torsion. (Photo from S. Boopathy Vijayaraghavan, MD)