It is the rotation of the testis around itself ( torsion ) and the veins becoming unable to provide blood circulation to the testis.

How is the disease diagnosed?

Diagnosis is made by examination and Doppler Ultrasonography. Diagnosis of delayed cases may be difficult and testicular scintigraphy may be required.

At what age does it occur in children?

It is most commonly seen in puberty (adolescence), and secondly in the neonatal period. In particular, the risk of testicular torsion is higher in children diagnosed with undescended testis or retractile testis. However, there is a risk of torsion in the descended testis.

What diseases can be confused with testicular torsion?

There is a risk of confusion with the following diseases:

• Orchitis (infection of the testicles),
• Epididymitis (infection of the sperm duct closest to the testis, called the Epididymis),
• Appendix testicular torsion
• Appendix epididymis torsion

There is no need for surgical intervention for these four problems, antibiotic treatment and anti-inflammatory treatment are sufficient. Testicular torsion is treated only with emergency surgery. Differential diagnosis is important.

What suggestions should parents have?

• Always be a good observer when changing your baby’s diaper!
• If your baby has a discomfort that you cannot explain, be sure to open the diaper and look at the appearance of his testicles and bag, whether there is swelling or redness!
• If you notice redness, swelling or tenderness in your baby’s testicles or bag, consult a doctor as soon as possible!
• Take the pain that your child feels in the groin or bag seriously and consult a doctor as soon as possible considering the possibility of TORSION!

What are the risks if testicular torsion is not treated?

If the diagnosis is not made and surgical treatment is not performed in the first 8 hours, necrosis (decay) occurs because the testis cannot be bled. It presents with sudden swelling of the scrotum (the bag in which the egg is located), tenderness, pain, and redness that develops over time.

How is testicular torsion treated?

Emergency surgery is used for treatment. With early admission and emergency surgery within the first 8 hours, this condition, which disrupts the blood circulation of the testis, can be treated before the vitality of the testis is lost and the relevant testis function continues. The testis is surgically detorsioned (returned to its normal position), the testis is fixed to the bag with stitches in its normal position. Simultaneously, in order to eliminate the risk of torsion, the testis on the opposite side is also fixed to the bag with stitches. However, if emergency surgical intervention is not performed in the first 8 hours with a delay in admission or diagnosis, the testicle with impaired circulation loses its vitality, when surgical intervention is performed, the testicle that has lost its vitality is seen, this rotten testis must be removed.