A Case of Functional Testicular Torsion Caused by Incarcerated Inguinal Hernia in a Newborn

Abstract

Testicular torsion in neonates is a urologic emergency with an incidence of 6.1 per 100,000 live births. Incarcerated inguinal hernia is also an emergency with an incidence of approximately 6% to 31% in children with inguinal hernia. Functional testicular torsion from an incarcerated inguinal hernia is a rare event in children, often not considered in the initial evaluation. A 19-day-old newborn boy was admitted to our neonatal intensive care unit after visiting a primary clinic. He presented with inconsolable crying and right scrotal swelling. Upon initial physical examination, a hard palpable mass and swelling was found in the inguinoscrotal region, accompanied with redness and warmth of the scrotum. Scrotal ultrasound with color Doppler showed inguinal hernia with strangulation and scanty blood flow to the testis. The patient underwent a right orchiectomy and partial resection of the affected small bowel. Surgical findings confirmed a testicular torsion and incarcerated inguinal hernia with testis with small bowel necrosis. Here, we report a rare case of a newborn with functional testicular torsion as a result of prolonged spermatic cord compression due to incarcerated inguinal hernia.

Keywords

• infant, newborn
• functional testicular torsion
• incarcerated inguinal hernia