Treating a twisted testicle, medically known as testicular torsion, is an immediate medical emergency that always requires surgery. The primary goal of treatment is to untwist the spermatic cord, restore blood flow to the testicle, and prevent permanent damage.
Understanding Testicular Torsion Treatment
Testicular torsion occurs when the spermatic cord, which provides blood flow to the testicle, twists. This cuts off the blood supply and can lead to the loss of the testicle if not treated promptly.
Key Aspects of Treatment
The treatment for a twisted testicle is predominantly surgical, though initial stabilization might occur in the emergency room.
1. Immediate Medical Attention is Crucial
If you suspect a twisted testicle, seek emergency medical care immediately. Time is critical, as the viability of the testicle decreases significantly with each passing hour without blood flow.
2. The Role of the Urologist
Ideally, you should be seen by a urologist for treatment. A urologist is a medical specialist trained in conditions of the urinary tract and male reproductive system. Their expertise is vital for proper diagnosis and management of testicular torsion.
3. Surgical Intervention is Always Required
According to medical guidelines, all patients with torsion will need surgery. Even if initial untwisting is performed, surgery is essential to ensure the testicle is properly secured and to prevent future occurrences.
- What Happens During Surgery: During the surgical procedure, the urologist will:
- Untwist the Testicle: The twisted spermatic cord is carefully untwisted, restoring blood flow to the affected testicle.
- Perform Orchiopexy: The testicle is then sewn with stitches to the inside wall of the scrotum. This procedure, called orchiopexy, prevents the testicle from twisting again in the future. Often, the unaffected testicle is also secured to prevent torsion on that side, as it may be predisposed to the same issue.
4. Emergency Room Intervention (Manual Detorsion)
In some cases, especially if a urologist is not immediately available for surgery, it is possible to untwist the cord in the emergency room manually. A healthcare professional might attempt to physically untwist the testicle by rotating it from the outside. However, even if successful, surgery is still needed afterward to confirm complete untwisting, assess the testicle's health, and perform the necessary stitches to prevent recurrence. Manual detorsion is a temporary measure to buy time and save the testicle until definitive surgical treatment can be performed.
Summary of Treatment Steps
The table below outlines the critical steps involved in treating a twisted testicle:
| Aspect of Treatment | Detail |
|---|---|
| Urgency | Medical emergency requiring immediate evaluation and intervention to prevent irreversible damage and potential loss of the testicle. |
| Specialist | Ideally, a urologist should provide treatment due to their specialized knowledge of the male reproductive system. |
| Initial Steps | Emergency room visit for diagnosis and potential manual untwisting of the testicle (detorsion). |
| Definitive Care | Surgery is always required, even after successful manual detorsion, to ensure complete untwisting and prevent future episodes. |
| Surgical Procedure | The urologist will untwist the testicle and sew stitches to prevent future torsion (orchiopexy), typically securing both testicles. |
