$Unique_ID{PAR00164}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Medical Advice:  Testis, Torsion of}
$Subtitle{}
$Author{
Editors of Consumer Guide
Chasnoff, Ira J}
$Subject{Testis Torsion pain swell swells swelling scrotum skin Discoloration
Nausea Vomiting Lower abdominal pain Fever discolored groin injury injuries
bruise bruises bruising twist twists twisted undescended testes testicle
nauseated vomit orchitis strangulated hernia groin lymph nodes testicular
appendix}
$Log{}

Your Child:  A Medical Guide


Testis, Torsion of


     Quick Reference

     SYMPTOMS
     - Increasing pain and swelling of the testis
     - Discoloration of the skin of the scrotum
     - Nausea
     - Vomiting
     - Lower abdominal pain
     - Fever

     HOME CARE
     - None.  Torsion of the testis is an emergency and requires immediate
       professional care.

     PRECAUTIONS
     - Do not attempt to treat this condition at home.  The child must see a
       doctor immediately.
     - If pain near a testis increases and the testis is swollen, tender, or
       discolored, take the child to a doctor at once.
     - Lower abdominal pain or pain in the groin may indicate torsion in a boy
       who has an undescended testis that has not been corrected.
     - If pain increases following an injury or bruise to the testis, suspect
       torsion.
     - Never delay treatment of torsion of the testis.  Hours count.


     For unknown reasons, a testis (one of the male sex glands) may become
twisted, shutting off its blood supply.  Although the condition is more apt to
affect boys who have an undescended testis, it also occurs in boys whose
testes are in the normal position in the scrotum (the pouch of skin behind the
penis).  The condition may also follow a minor injury.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

     A testis that is twisted first becomes slightly swollen and tender.
Within a few hours it is intensely painful and very tender and swollen.  The
testis and the surrounding skin become discolored (red or blue), and the boy
may be nauseated or vomit and have lower abdominal pain and a fever.
     Torsion (twisting) of a testis that has descended into the scrotum may be
confused with orchitis (inflammation of one or both testes), a strangulated
hernia, or a bruise of the scrotum.  Torsion of a testis that has not
descended and lies in the groin may be confused with a strangulated hernia, an
injury, or infected lymph nodes in the groin.  Torsion of an undescended
testis that lies within the abdominal cavity is difficult to diagnose but may
be suspected whenever abdominal pain occurs.  This is an emergency situation
and requires immediate medical treatment.  Torsion of a part of a testis
called the appendix of the testis causes similar, although less intense,
symptoms.  Nevertheless, this too is considered an emergency.

HOME CARE

     Do not attempt home treatment.  Torsion of the testis is an emergency
that requires immediate surgical correction.

PRECAUTIONS

  -  Take your child to a doctor immediately if pain near a testis increases
     and the testis is tender, swollen, or discolored.  Do not delay; hours
     count.
  -  Suspect torsion of the testis in a boy with an uncorrected undescended
     testis if he has lower abdominal pain or groin pain.
  -  An injury or a bruise of the scrotum and testes is not uncommon and
     will cause instant pain that gradually subsides.  If pain increases
     following an injury or a bruise, it may be caused by torsion of a testis.

MEDICAL TREATMENT

     Your doctor will arrange immediate surgery to untwist the testis and to
anchor it in the scrotum in order to prevent further episodes.  If surgery is
not performed within 24 hours of the onset of symptoms, the testis may be
damaged permanently.

RELATED TOPICS:  Bruises; Glands, swollen; Hernia; Testis, undescended