Contralateral Orchidopexy Research Articles

A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY TO ASSESS CLINICO-EPIDEMIOLOGICAL FACTORS, DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT IN PATIENTS WITH ACUTE SCROTAL CONDITIONS

Background: Many acute scrotal conditions can present in similar way, Testicular torsion is a true surgical emergency because, the likelihood of testicular salvage decreases, as the duration of torsion increases. Other conditions that present in similar way to testicular torsion include, torsion of appendix testis, epididymo - orchitis, blunt trauma to testis, fournier's gangrene, haematocele, pyocele, etc. Aim: Assessment of clinico-epidemiological factors, diagnosis and management in patients with acute scrotal conditions. Methods: This observational, cross-sectional study was conducted on 75 patients which includes all cases of acute scrotal conditions within age group of 5 years to 70 years presenting to surgery OPD or casualty and getting admitted in a tertiary care centre in eastern part of Maharashtra during the period. Results: In our study acute epididymo-orchitis (46.7%) was the commonest cause of acute scrotal pathology followed by Fourneir's gangrene (24%).Incidence of scrotal cellulitis, pyocele, torsion testis, haematocele, were 9.3%,8%,6.7%, 2.7% respectively. One case each of testicular abscess(1.3%) and testicular tumour (1.3%) were also found. Out of 75 cases, 36 cases (48%) were managed conservatively. In Fournier's gangrene, only debridement was done in 8 cases, multiple debridement with secondary suturing was done in 5 cases, multiple debridement followed by skin grafting was done in 5 case. Scrotal exploration and drainage of testicular abscess was done in 1 case. Scrotal exploration with evacuation of hematoma was done in 2 cases of haematocele. Orchidectomy was done in total of 4 cases in which 3 cases have clinical diagnosis of testicular torsion and one case of testicular tumour. Also orchidectomy with contralateral orchidopexy was done in 2 cases of testicular torsion. Conclusion: The most common cause of acute scrotum was epididymo - orchitis which can be managed conservatively. Early exploration can salvage the testis in cases torsion of testis.

A case of intra-vaginal intrauterine testicular torsion

Abstract Objectives Intrauterine testicular torsion is extremely rare and the exact cause remains largely unknown. It is the result of an ischemic insult intrauterine, which presents as either extra-vaginal or intravaginal testicular torsion. Urgent surgical exploration and fixating the contralateral testis is key in the management of this condition. Case presentation We present here the case of a two-day old neonate with in-born right scrotal swelling admitted at Children’s hospital. The patient was born at term via cesarean section at a private hospital. Upon arrival in the emergency department, he was well hydrated, pink at room temperature with good perfusion. Upon examination, the right testis was found to be enlarged, tense, non-tender visibly reddish with overlying skin excoriation. Trans-illumination was negative in right but positive in the contralateral testis. Both hernial orifices were normal. Doppler ultrasound of the inguinoscrotal area found the right testis to be enlarged (15.6*9.4 mm) and showed heterogeneous hypoechoic texture with prominent rete testis and no flow on color doppler analysis. An urgent scrotal exploration was undertaken. Intra-operatively there was frank necrotic right testis with intravaginal torsion of the testis and minimal hydrocele. A right orchidectomy and contralateral orchidopexy were performed. Conclusions Intrauterine testicular torsion should be treated as a surgical emergency. We advocate early recognition of intrauterine testicular torsion, alongside surgical exploration and simultaneous contralateral orchidopexy.

Management of testicular torsion by a general surgeon isolated in Africa

RésuméL’apparition d’une douleur scrotale brutale et intense pose plusieurs problèmes quand elle survient chez un homme jeune en Afrique. Parmi les étiologies possibles, la torsion testiculaire est l’urgence chirurgicale à écarter, car au-delà de 6 heures d’évolution le pronostic fonctionnel du testicule est engagé. L’évolution septique vers une fonte purulente, en cas de torsion dépassée, est aussi possible. D’incidence légèrement inférieure à celle des pays occidentaux, la méconnaissance de cette pathologie par les acteurs de santé de proximité, la précarité ou l’isolement sanitaire de certaines populations dans certaines régions sous-médicalisées, contribuent aux retards diagnostique et thérapeutique. Cela conduit souvent à une évolution péjorative, la perte du testicule étant directement corrélée au délai de prise en charge. La torsion testiculaire a ainsi été identifiée comme l’une des principales causes d’infertilité masculine en Afrique. Pourtant, le diagnostic clinique et le traitement chirurgical nécessitent peu de moyens et restent accessibles dans un milieu à faibles ressources ou en conditions précaires. Cet article reprend le tableau clinique de torsion du cordon spermatique et la technique d’orchidopexie.

Is Routine Excision of Dysplastic Testicular Remnants/Nubbins Associated with Nonpalpable Testis Necessary? Is Routine Fixation of Contralateral Solitary Testis Indicated? A Survey on the Prevalent Practice among Indian Pediatric Surgeons.

Dysplastic nubbin also referred to as testicular regression syndrome (TRS) is found in 5% of cases of the Non palpable testis (NPT). There is no consensus on the excision of the above and fixation of the contralateral solitary testis. We aimed to survey the prevalent practice of the same among members of the Indian Association of Pediatric Surgeons (IAPS). A structured questionnaire was sent through group e-mail and social media platforms to IAPS members to identify their practices in management. A total of 132 surgeons responded to the questionnaire. Excision of intra-abdominal and inguinoscrotal TRS remnants was practiced by 84% (95% confidence interval [CI] 77%-89%) and 82% (95% CI 74%-87%). Fixation of contralateral solitary testis was practiced by 62% (95% CI 53%-70%) in the above scenario. Among the respondents, 30% reported encountering torsion of solitary testis during their career and this experience was a significant factor (P = 0.01) in deciding contralateral orchidopexy. Scrotal infection/necrosis was not encountered by a majority (72%) and it was not a deterrent factor in preventing contralateral orchidopexy (P = 0.68). The majority of pediatric surgeons favored the removal of intra-abdominal/inguinoscrotal TRS remnants identified during laparoscopy for NPT. A majority favored sutureless fixation of the contralateral solitary testis.

Malignancy in an Undescended Intra-abdominal Testis: a Single Institution Experience.

Cryptorchidism is one of the most common congenital anomalies of the genitourinary tract, encountered in 1% of men. The cancer risk in an ectopic testis is 40 times higher than a scrotal testis. However, not much literature is available on the management of this rare presentation of testicular cancer. A retrospective analysis was conducted at our institute of patients who were diagnosed with carcinoma in an undescended intra-abdominal testis between 2014 and 2019. Patients with an intra-abdominal mass with an empty hemiscrotum/scrotum were included in the study. In all 10 patients were identified with a mean age of 32years. Four patients were non-seminomatous germ cell tumors, and other 6 were seminomatous tumors. Five were in stage I, two in stage II, and three in stage III. Six patients received induction chemotherapy with bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin, and four had complete response. Five patients underwent laparoscopic excision, and five underwent open surgery. Two patients with bilateral (B/L) cryptorchidism underwent contralateral orchidopexy. Two patients with B/L intra-abdominal gonads and uterus underwent excision of the malignant testicular mass with removal of atrophic uterus and contralateral dysgenetic gonad. One patient developed peritoneal recurrence within 3months of completion of surgery. Both recurrence-free and overall survival were 90% after a median follow-up of 35months. Malignancy in an undescended intra-abdominal testis is a rare presentation of testicular cancer, diagnosis of which requires a sharp correlation between clinical and radiological findings. There management and prognosis remains similar to classical testicular cancer.

Heterogeneity in practice during negative scrotal exploration for clinically‐suspected testicular torsion

AimDiagnostic uncertainty, inadequate training and inexperience could lead to surgeons performing unnecessary orchidopexy during negative scrotal exploration for suspected testicular torsion. In the present study, we aimed to examine current practice, in order to highlight areas for improvement and focused guideline recommendations.Patients and MethodsPatients undergoing scrotal exploration for suspected torsion at a UK hospital from 1 August 2012 to 1 July 2013 were included. Urologists managed patients over 16 years of age, and general surgeons managed those 16 years and younger. Demographic and admission details, diagnosis, surgical technique and specialty of the surgeon were recorded. Diagnosis and management of torsion and nontorsion were examined. Negative scrotal exploration was defined as the absence of testicular torsion.ResultsThere were 73 emergency scrotal explorations. The median age was 17 years. Urologists operated on 52 per cent. A total of 34 per cent of adult and 26 per cent of paediatric patients had an intraoperatively‐confirmed diagnosis of torsion (P < 0.01). Fifty two of 73 (70 per cent) patients had negative scrotal exploration, of which 29 of 52 (56 per cent) underwent ipsilateral orchidopexy, and seven of 52 (13 per cent) underwent contralateral orchidopexy. General surgeons performed nonindicated orchidopexy more than urologists (P < 0.001).ConclusionVariations in practice exist between surgeons managing negative scrotal exploration. Although appropriate emphasis during training is placed on managing testicular torsion, attention must also be given to consensus management of negative scrotal exploration.

Neonatal testicular torsion: A survey of current practice amongst paediatric surgeons and urologists in the United Kingdom and Ireland

Purpose Management of neonatal testicular torsion (NTT) is controversial, with varied opinion regarding the merit(s) and role of “emergent” testicular exploration and/or contralateral orchidopexy of the healthy testis. Methods A survey of consultant paediatric surgeons and urologists working in the United Kingdom and Ireland was conducted to ascertain views to guide best practice. Results A total of 148 questionnaires were mailed, of which 110 were returned (74% response rate). Of these, 60 (54.5%) surgeons considered NTT secondary to torsion of the spermatic cord and 8 (7.2%) thought primary vascular infarction of the testis responsible. Twelve (10.9%) use Doppler ultrasound to guide management and exclude tumour. Eighty-two surgeons (74.5%) explore the scrotum, and 59 (71.9%) perform ipsilateral orchidectomy and contralateral orchidopexy of the “healthy” testis. Few surgeons undertake emergent exploration. Only 11 (10%) surgeons have ever found a viable testis. Seven (6.4%) cases of synchronous NTT were reported. Twenty-four (21.8%) surgeons do not perform contralateral orchidopexy with concerns of damaging a healthy testis. Orchidopexy is favoured by 89 surgeons, with 46 (52%) using nonabsorbable suture fixation and 28 (31.4%) creating a sutureless extradartos pouch. In boys later found to have a “solitary scrotal testis” and a contralateral testicular remnant, 38 (36.5%) of 104 would always “pex” the testis to avert anorchia. Conclusions Surgeons' opinions with NTT in the United Kingdom and Ireland remain diverse. Strong argument can be made for scrotal exploration with/without contralateral orchidopexy. Parents should be counselled on the merits of varied strategies to gain better understanding of the long-term outcomes for their male child.

Testicular torsion: a race against time

Torsion of the testis is a medical emergency that is most commonly encountered in adolescents. Patients usually present with sudden onset scrotal pain associated with nausea and vomiting. On physical examination the involved testis is tender, high riding and usually horizontal. The cremasteric reflex is usually absent. If left untreated irreversible ischaemia starts appearing in 6 h. Doppler ultrasound is the diagnostic imaging of choice. The ideal treatment is surgical exploration and orchidectomy with contralateral orchidopexy or bilateral orchidopexy depending on the condition of the affected testis. If surgical options are delayed then manual detorsion should be attempted.

Neonatal testicular torsion – a lost cause?

Twenty-four neonates presented with signs of testicular ischaemia over a 13-year period. They had a mean birth weight of 3.706 kg. The right testicle was affected in 13, the left in 9 and there was bilateral torsion in 2 babies. Two babies had no twist in the cord, but the testicles were nonviable macroscopically and microscopically. Twenty-one babies had primary exploration revealing necrotic testes in all patients and they underwent orchidectomies. The other three babies had conservative management and the affected testes had atrophied on follow-up. Sixteen babies had contralateral orchidopexy. Doppler ultrasound scans were reported as normal in 2 of 13 babies who had scans. No testes were salvaged following surgery. The incidence of testicular torsion in the neonatal period was calculated as 6.1 per 100,000 live births. No testis was salvaged following surgery in our series of 24 patients. This dismal outcome underlines that immediate surgical exploration, although commonly performed, rarely saves torted testes.

Torsion du cordon spermatique et des annexes testiculaires

Torsion of the spermatic cord is responsible for an ischemic necrosis of the testis in the absence of rapid resaturation of the perfusion. It is also responsible for contralateral parenchymal alterations resulting in subfertility. Torsion of the spermatic cord mostly occurs in newborns and adolescents. Its classical clinical pattern is that of an acute-onset ipsilateral scrotal pain. Its diagnosis is clinical and its suspicion must lead to an immediate surgical scrotal exploration. The surgical procedure may be preceded by an attempt of external detorsion, but never delayed by any para clinical exploration. If the diagnosis is confirmed at surgery, contra-lateral orchidopexy must be considered. Trophicity of the ischemic testicle and the fertility of the patient are uncertain. Improvement of the prognosis of patients with torsion of the spermatic cord needs an urgent surgical management of the patients. It also claims for the development of testicular parenchyma protective medical treatments. But the most important improvement should come from parental and teenagers educational information so that they urgently visit a practitioner in case of acute scrotal pain.

Intrauterine testicular torsion: a surgical emergency

Background Intrauterine torsion of testes (IUTT) is a very rare condition that is being recognized with increasing frequency. The exact cause of IUTT is not known, and controversies still continue regarding the need for urgent exploration as well as the necessity of contralateral orchidopexy. This is a review of our experience with 11 cases of IUTT, highlighting aspects of diagnosis and management. Patients and Methods From 1990 to 2005, we treated 11 newborns with IUTT. Their mean birth weight was 3.50 kg (range, 2.6-4.12 kg). Their age at presentation ranged from 2 hours to 10 days (mean, 45 hours). All underwent emergency exploration. There were 6 left-sided, 4 right-sided, and 1 bilateral torsion. Results In all, the affected testis was enlarged, tender, firm in consistency, and higher in position, and the overlying skin was dark red in color. Exploration revealed extravaginal torsion in all. In 1, there was partial torsion and the testis was enlarged, congested, but not gangrenous. Another child had complete torsion, but the testis was found enlarged, congested with hemorrhage, but not gangrenous. Both were treated with detorsion and preservation of testes and bilateral orchidopexy. On follow-up, both testes were viable, of good size, and in normal position. The patient with bilateral torsion had frankly necrotic left testis that was removed, but the right testis was smaller in size and ischemic but not frankly necrotic, so it was preserved, but on follow-up, it was found atrophic. One of our patients was evaluated few hours after delivery and found to have normal testes. On the second day, he was found to have enlarged, tender left testis. Emergency exploration revealed extravaginal torsion with slightly enlarged left testis that was ischemic but not frankly necrotic. This was preserved and bilateral orchidopexy was done. On follow-up, both testes were viable, of good size, and normal position. In the remaining 7 patients, the testes were frankly necrotic. They were treated with orchidectomy and contralateral orchidopexy. Histology of the removed testes was variable. In 6, the testes were totally necrotic without any viable testicular tissue, whereas in the remaining 2, there was preservation of some semineferous tubules and hemorrhage with ischemic infarction. Conclusion Intrauterine torsion of testes should be treated as an emergency. To obviate the risk of anorchia, we advocate early recognition of IUTT, expeditious exploration and simultaneous contralateral orchidopexy.

Urological Outcomes of 45xo/46xy Mixed Gonadal Dysgenesis

Purpose Mixed Gonadal Dysgenesis (MGD) is one of the more frequent intersex disorders. The most common genotype is 45XO/46XY mosaicism and these patients typically present with a streak gonad on one side and a palpable gonad on the other with hypospadias. Debate exists over the nomenclature and management of MGD. Many would advocate bilateral gonadectomy and a female sex of rearing. However little is known about the outcomes of these patients. Recent reports have demonstrated success with the male sex of rearing. Material and methods Retrospective analysis revealed 13 patients with MGD and a proven 45XO/46XY with complete records and documented follow-up. Case notes were evaluated for clinical presentation, investigation (biochemical, radiological, and histological) operative procedures and outcomes. Results Median age at presentation was 60 months (range; birth-11 years), and gender was assigned at a median of 2 days (range; 0-35 days). Nine cases presented with ambiguous genitalia at birth and referred for intersex evaluation. Four were initially assigned as males at birth but overall 9 were reared as males. Eight cases had unilateral palpable gonad and 4 had bilateral impalpable gonads. Three patients were gender reassigned to the female sex of rearing on the basis of an inadequate phallus. The median XO:XY ratio was 80:20 respectively. All patients had removal of streak gonads. Bilateral gonadectomy was performed in 5 cases and 8 had contralateral orchidopexy. The follow-up ranged from 10-144 months (median 63 months). Conclusions We are witnessing a paradigm shift in the management of children with MGD. Modern reconstructive surgical techniques are allowing more patients to be successfully reared as males.

Prenatal testicular torsion: Ultrasonographic features, management and histopathological findings

To highlight the ultrasonographic features of prenatal torsion of the testis in utero (IUTT) at presentation, the neonatal management and the histological findings postorchiectomy or biopsy. Seven newborns underwent emergency exploration for IUTT. All patients underwent a sonography and real-time color Doppler ultrasound study of the scrotum before any surgical procedure. A histological examination was performed in the removed specimens. Sonography of the scrotum revealed enlarged, heterogeneous testes. In all cases the color and power Doppler did not reveal any flow signal on the affected side. Four newborn with unilateral testicular torsion underwent orchiectomy and contralateral orchidopexy. In one neonate after detorsion and with the absence of gangrenous changes and a reassuring biopsy, a twisted testis could be treated conservatively with orchidopexy. In another case, the parents, acknowledging the inviability of the affected testis, gave consent only for a biopsy of the testis. In the neonate with bilateral IUTT, bilateral testicular biopsies were performed. Histology of the removed testes variably showed interstitial red cell extravasion and coagulation or hemorrhagic necrosis. Light microscopy of the preserved testis highlighted surviving seminiferous tubules, with gonocytes, spermatogonia and fetal Sertoli cells. An early diagnosis and treatment in IUTT is essential. Surgical exploration should be always performed through the inguinal route. In bilateral IUTT testes should be left to try to assure, as long as possible, a residual Leydig cell function.

Torsion of the testis in childhood.

Abstract Sixty cases of clinically diagnosed torsion of the testis have been admitted to a paediatric surgical unit over a period of 25 years. Of the 42 cases proved at operation to have torsion, 19 (46 per cent) underwent immediate orchidectomy, and a further 14 (33 per cent) showed partial or complete atrophy of the testis at follow-up at least 2 years postoperatively. The salvage rate was therefore only 21 per cent. Early diagnosis and immediate exploration may save a few cases from orchidectomy, but delay in referral remains the substantial factor determining viability. The importance of fixation of the surviving testis is stressed and contralateral orchidopexy at the time of the emergency procedure is recommended, Twelve cases of idiopathic scrotal oedema and 6 cases of proved torsion of the appendix testis were encountered over the same period and their clinical features are described. Symptomatology is milder in these two conditions and it is possible that a proportion of the 30 cases diagnosed as having epididymo-orchitis in fact suffered from torsion of the appendix testis.

Testicular Torsion: A Perspective from the Middle East

Objective: To report our experience in the management of testicular torsion with emphasis on seasonal variation, salvage rate and the status of the torted testis 3–6 months after orchidopexy. Subjects and Methods: Seventy-five patients with a presumptive diagnosis of testicular torsion, who presented to our hospital between January 1999 and December 2002, were included in the study. Following scrotal exploration, 63 patients were found to have testicular torsion. Of these, 11 with nonviable testes had orchiectomy while 52 with viable testes had orchidopexy. Both groups of patients had simultaneous contralateral orchidopexy. Patients who had orchidopexy were followed up 3-monthly by testicular ultrasound to assess the volume of the affected testis. Results: Sixty-three patients were confirmed to have testicular torsion. The average number of new cases in the winter was 6.7 compared to 4 in the summer. Fifty-two patients underwent orchidopexy to give an operative salvage rate of 82.5%. Of 51 patients in whom the duration of torsion was less than 24 h, 1 (2.0%) had a nonviable testis, whereas of 12 patients in whom the duration of torsion was more than 24 h, 10 (83.3%) had a nonviable testis. After a minimum follow-up of 3 months for patients who had orchidopexy, 7 (13.5%) developed testicular atrophy. The incidence rate was estimated to be 7.9 cases per 100,000 population. Conclusion: The highest incidence was during the cold season. The outcome of surgical management of testicular torsion was dependent on the duration of torsion.

Torsion du cordon spermatique et des annexes testiculaires

Torsion of the spermatic cord is responsible for an ischemic necrosis of the testis in the absence of rapid resaturation of the perfusion. It is also responsible for contra-lateral parenchymal alterations resulting in subfertility. Torsion of the spermatic cord mostly occurs in newborns and adolescents. Its classical clinical pattern is that of an acute-onset ipsilateral scrotal pain. Its diagnosis is clinical and its suspicion must lead to an immediate surgical scrotal exploration. The surgical procedure may be preceded by an attempt of external detorsion, but never delayed by any para clinical exploration. If the diagnosis is confirmed at surgery, contra-lateral orchidopexy must be considered. Trophicity of the ischemic testicle and the fertility of the patient are uncertain. Improvement of the prognosis of patients with torsion of the spermatic cord needs an urgent surgical management of the patients. It also claims for the development of testicular parenchyma protective medical treatments. But the most important improvement should come from parental and teenagers educational information so that they urgently visit a practitioner in case of acute scrotal pain.

The high intra-abdominal testis: technique and long-term success of laparoscopic testicular autotransplantation.

Treatment of the high intra-abdominal testis is often a challenging problem. We present our technique of and results with laparoscopically assisted testicular autotransplantation (LATA) for treatment of the high intra-abdominal testis. We reviewed the medical records of 15 patients with a high intra-abdominal testis who underwent procedures between 1993 and 1999 in which intra-abdominal dissection and testicular mobilization was performed laparoscopically. The LATA technique is described. The 15 patients underwent 17 LATA procedures. Age at surgery ranged from 6 months to 13 years (mean 3.6 years; median 2.5 years). Two of these patients had undergone failed contralateral orchidopexy for an intra-abdominal testis, and two patients underwent metachronous bilateral procedures. The laparoscopic dissection and microvascular anastomoses were successful in all patients. There were no postoperative complications. The involved testis remained viable with adequate growth in 15 of 17 procedures (88%) during a median 42-month (range 7-70 months) follow-up. Successful procedures included those in the two patients with contralateral atrophic testes and the two who underwent bilateral procedures. The LATA demonstrated a good long-term surgical outcome and may be the technique of choice in patients with bilateral intra-abdominal testes or patients who have contralateral testis atrophy following unsuccessful orchidopexy.

Intra-uterine testicular torsion: early diagnosis and treatment.

To review the incidence and treatment of intra-uterine torsion of the testis which although rare is being recognized with increasing frequency. From 1988 to 1997, five newborns (mean birth weight 3.62 kg, range 3.15-4.12) with unilateral torsion of the testis were treated; all underwent emergency exploration. The right testis was affected in three and the left in two boys. In all except one child, the affected testis was enlarged, firm to hard, tender, the overlying skin dark red and the affected testis higher than the contralateral testis. In one child the right testis was enlarged and higher, but soft to firm, and the overlying skin was oedematous and red. The exploration revealed extravaginal torsion of the testis which was gangrenous in four; in one after detorsion there was haemorrhage and haematoma of the cord and the tunica, and the testis was slightly congested but not gangrenous. This testis was preserved and bilateral orchidopexies performed; at 18 months both testes are palpable and of normal size. In the remaining four children the testes were frankly necrotic; they underwent orchidectomy and contralateral orchidopexy. Histology in all four revealed a totally infarcted testis with extensive haemorrhage and vascular congestion. The early diagnosis and treatment of intra-uterine torsion of the testis is essential.

An Experimental Model of Neonatal Testicular Torsion: Evidence Against an Exclusively Extravaginal Etiology

The present study was designed to determine whether extravaginal torsion of the spermatic cord (EVT) can be distinguished from intravaginal torsion (IVT) on the basis of gross and histologic examination of the testis. It is traditionally believed that EVT, postulated to occur only in neonates, can be grossly distinguished from IVT, which occurs in older patients, on the basis of adherence between testis and tunica vaginalis. Such adherence is felt to be present in EVT but not IVT. This concept that the two types of torsion can be distinguished in the operating room has important clinical ramifications. In cases of EVT, contralateral orchidopexy theoretically need not be performed, since adhesions develop between tunica vaginalis and dartos by a few weeks of age. This is in contrast to IVT, in which contralateral orchidopexy is necessary due to the bilateral nature of the bell clapper deformity.Using a rat model, we first demonstrated that IVT could produce adherence of the tunica vaginalis to testis. Then, eight rats were operated on, producing right IVT and left EVT. Animals were then sacrificed at intervals of up to one month. Gross and histologic examination showed involvement of the tunica vaginalis in an ischemic and inflammatory response in a majority of testes, regardless of the type of torsion. Attempts to distinguish EVT from IVT on the basis of grossly evident adhesions between tunica vaginalis and testis are of questionable validity. Early contralateral orchidopexy is therefore recommended in all cases of neonatal torsion.

Radionuclide evaluation of acute scrotal disease

Technetium-99m sodium pertechnetate scintigraphy is an established method for evaluating organ perfusion and can be applied to the investigation of suspected testicular ischaemia due to acute torsion. One hundred and six consecutive scrotal investigations have been analysed qualitatively and quantitatively using a computer-based comparison of the perfusion slopes over each testis. Decreased vascularity on the symptomatic side only occurs in torsion and quantitative analysis is needed to detect it reliably. Increased vascularity on the symptomatic side can usually be detected qualitatively and occurs in orchitis, tumours, trauma and resolved torsion. Distinction between the causes of increased vascularity is aided by the clinical data. A halo of increased activity surrounding a relatively cold centre was seen in chronic torsion, some tumours and hydrocoeles. The test is both sensitive and specific for acute torsion but its usefulness is limited if it is not available at all hours. The test is useful, also, in confirming a diagnosis that does not require emergency operation and in identifying chronic torsion which is an indication for contralateral orchidopexy.