Testicular Torsion

Key considerations

The lecture duration is 10min.

0.25 CPD Points, 0.25 CEUs, 0.25 CME credits approval pending.
Accredited by CPDUK, CBRN and Provider Pending.

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Ben Wachira
Emergency Physician and an Assistant Professor at the Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya, East Africa
Lecture Summary

Time is Testicle! Testicular torsion occurs when a testicle rotates, twisting the spermatic cord that brings blood to the scrotum, thus leading initially to ischaemia and, after 8 hours, infarction and infertility. Acute (< 12 hours) onset of severe testicular pain associated with nausea or vomiting, absent cremasteric reflex, testicular tenderness and swelling and high-riding or transverse position of the testes are specific clinical signs diagnostic of testicular torsion warranting an immediate surgical review. Manual detorsion may be attempted by medial to lateral "opening a book" rotation of the affected testis, but this should not delay or negate the need for the surgical consult even if successful. Salvage rates of the testis within 4-6 hours are at 97-100% but decline significantly after this. Time is Testicle!

Target Audience

Emergency Medicine Doctors
Emergency Medicine Nurses
Paramedics
Rural GP's

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of this activity, you should be able to:

  • Pathophysiology of testicular torsion
  • Clinical diagnosis of testicular torsion
  • Management of testicular torsion