Testicular Torsion

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Testicular (tes-TIK-u-lar) torsion (TOR-shun) is a condition where the spermatic cord that holds the testicle gets twisted. Blood vessels inside the spermatic cord may get pinched and blood flow to the testicle may get blocked. When blood flow to the testicle stops, it may get an infection, get smaller, and die. This condition usually happens to only one testicle, but may also happen to both. It usually affects babies up to one year of age and children 12 to 18 years of age. The cause of this condition is not always known. It may be a birth defect, or appear when you exercise and play sports a lot. Living in a cold environment or having an injury to the groin may increase your risk for this condition.
  
  
• Signs and symptoms may include a sudden severe pain, redness, and swelling of your scrotum. You may also have a fever, nausea (feeling sick to your stomach), and vomiting (throwing up). Your caregiver may use scintigraphy or ultrasound to look for problems in your scrotum. Treatment aims to bring back the flow of blood to the affected testicle. You may get better on your own if the spermatic cord untwists by itself. If it does not improve, your caregiver will untwist the testicle and spermatic cord by hand or with surgery. Your caregiver may give you medicines for fever and pain, and antibiotics to treat infection. Diagnosing and treating this condition as soon as possible may relieve your symptoms and prevent further problems.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

RISKS:

• Treatment of testicular torsion may carry certain risks. Medicines for your condition may have some unwanted side effects. They may cause nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. During surgery, you may bleed more than the usual or get an infection. Even after treatment, your testicle may still get smaller or have decreased sperm and hormone production.
  
  
• If left untreated, the testicle without any flow of blood may get an infection, get smaller, and die. If there is already a lot of damage, the affected testicle may be removed completely. You may have some difficulty making a woman pregnant and your sex drive may decrease. If both testicles have to be removed, you will be sterile (unable to make babies). Call your caregiver if you have questions about your condition, treatment, or care.

WHILE YOU ARE HERE:

Informed consent:

A consent form is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that you may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done. Make sure all your questions are answered.

IV:

An IV (intravenous) is a small tube placed in your vein that is used to give you medicine or liquids.

Medicines:

• Antibiotics: This medicine is given to help treat or prevent an infection caused by bacteria.
  
  
• Antinausea medicine: This medicine may be given to calm your stomach and to help prevent vomiting.
  
  
• Medicines to treat pain, swelling, or fever: These medicines are safe for most people to use. However, they can cause serious problems when used by people with certain medical conditions. Tell caregivers if you have liver or kidney disease or a history of bleeding in your stomach.

Tests:

• Blood tests: You may need blood taken to give caregivers information about how your body is working. The blood may be taken from your hand, arm, or IV.
  
  
• Scintigraphy: This test uses radioactive dye to check blood flow in the spermatic cord. The dye helps the blood vessels show up better on the x-rays. People who are allergic to iodine or shellfish (lobster, crab, or shrimp) may be allergic to this dye. Tell your caregiver if you have any allergies.
  
  
• Ultrasound: An ultrasound is a simple test that looks inside your body. Sound waves are used to show pictures of your organs and tissues on a TV-like screen. Your caregiver checks for problems in your testicles and spermatic cord, including abnormal blood flow.
  
  
• Urine sample: For this test you need to urinate into a small container. You will be given instructions on how to clean your genital area before you urinate. Do not touch the inside of the cup. Follow instructions on where to place the cup of urine when you are done.

Treatment options:

• Surgery: Your caregiver may have to make an incision (cut) on your scrotum to reach and untwist the affected testicle. Your caregiver may then attach the affected testicle to the wall of your scrotum, to prevent it from twisting again. The unaffected testicle may also be attached to the scrotum to avoid testicular torsion.
  
  

Vital signs:

Caregivers will check your blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, and temperature. They will also ask about your pain. These vital signs give caregivers information about your current health.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Testicular Torsion (Inpatient Care)