Testicular Torsion in the Emergency Room: A Review of Detection and Management Strategies

Abstract

Abdullah Laher,1 Shavania Ragavan,2 Puja Mehta,2 Ahmed Adam2 1Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; 2Division of Urology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South AfricaCorrespondence: Abdullah LaherDepartment of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 Jubilee Road, Parktown, Johannesburg 2193, South AfricaTel [phone]Email [email protected]: Testicular torsion is a challenging and time-sensitive diagnosis that is encountered frequently in daily practice, especially in the emergency room. A thorough history, the presence of a painful and swollen testis and testicular ultrasonography plays a vital role in the prompt diagnosis of testicular torsion. Prompt diagnosis is essential to prevent complications of testicular torsion which include testicular infarction, necrosis, and sub/infertility. This can be challenging as there are various other conditions that may mimic the presentation of testicular torsion. Since testicular torsion is an extremely time-sensitive diagnosis, it may also be a subject of many medicolegal challenges. This review article serves as a guide for clinicians involved with the diagnosis and management of testicular torsion. We review and discuss detection and management strategies based on their validity, statistical significance, and effectiveness in enabling prompt diagnosis and management of testicular torsion. Medicolegal implications of testicular torsion are also highlighted.Keywords: testis torsion, scrotal pain, acute scrotum, emergency room, orchidectomy

Keywords

• testis torsion
• scrotal pain
• acute scrotum
• emergency room
• orchidectomy