Testicular Torsion Repair

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Overview & Description

Testicular torsion is a problem most often encountered by boys at early puberty or just after birth, but it can occur at any age. Torsion occurs when the testicle turns or spins on the axis of its blood supply, blocking the flow of blood into the testicle.

If prolonged, this causes tissue death in the testicle, resulting in pain, swelling, and possible testicular damage. Approximately 1 in 4,000 males are affected.

General anesthesia is generally used in testicular torsion repair. An incision is made in the scrotum, the testicle is uncoiled, and sutures are placed to secure the testis from rotating again. The other unaffected testicle is also secured because the unaffected side is at increased risk for torsion at a later date.