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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staff
Testicular torsion occurs when a testicle rotates on the spermatic cord, which provides blood flow to the testicle. This rotation cuts off the flow of blood and causes sudden, often severe pain and swelling. Testicular torsion is most common in males 10 to 25 years old, but it can occur at any age.
Testicular torsion generally requires emergency surgery. If testicular torsion is treated within a few hours, the testicle can usually be saved. But waiting longer to treat testicular torsion can cause permanent damage and may affect the ability to father children. When blood flow has been cut off for too long, a testicle may become so badly damaged it has to be removed.
- Tiemstra JD. Evaluation of scrotal masses. American Family Physician. 2008;78:1165.
- Leslie JA, et al. Pediatric urologic emergencies and urgencies. Pediatric Clinics of North America. 2006;53:513.
- Schneck FX, et al. Abnormalities of the testes and scrotum and their surgical management. In: Wein AJ, et al. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/171051125-2/913428548/1445/130.html?printi. Accessed Nov. 6, 2009.
- Testicular torsion. American Urological Association Foundation. http://www.urologyhealth.org/search/index.cfm?topic=134&search=men&searchtype=and. Accessed Nov. 13, 2009.
- Hittelman A. Neonatal testicular torsion. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 3, 2009.
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