Testicular torsion occurs when the testicle rotates, twisting the cord that brings blood to the scrotum. The reduced blood flow causes sudden and severe pain and swelling. However, additional symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, a testicle that is higher than normal or at an unusual angle, frequent urination, and fever may be seen. Although testicular torsion is most common between the ages of 12 and 18, it can occur at any age. They typically wake up in the middle of the night or early in the morning with testicular pain.

It usually requires emergent surgery. If treated quickly, the testicle can usually be saved. But when blood flow is cut off for too long, the testicle can be so badly damaged that it needs to be removed. The success of the surgery can be high if treated in 4-8 hours after the onset of symptoms, but will decrease to 50% at 12 hours and only 10% after 1 day. Delay can be fatal and result in impaired fertility and testis loss.

By making a small incision in the scrotum, we open the sprain in the spermatic cord and suture the testicles into the scrotum to prevent future sprains. This surgery takes about 45-60 minutes. There may be some pain, but the pain is much better than torsion pain.

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