Outcomes of scrotal exploration for acute scrotal pain suspicious of testicular torsion: a consecutive case series of 173 patients.

Abstract

• To determine the surgical outcome of all scrotal explorations performed on patients presenting with acute scrotal pain suspicious of testicular torsion. • Data was collected prospectively from a consecutive case series of patients of all ages who had scrotal exploration for acute testicular pain from 1998 to 2008. • The main outcome measures were pathology found during scrotal exploration, relationship between patient age and cause of scrotal pain, orchidectomy rate and the association between testicular torsion and cold weather. • Data for 173 patients out of 179 was available for analysis. • The median age of the patients was 14 (0-92) years. 51% (n = 89) had testicular torsion, 24% (n = 42) had torsion of testicular appendages, 9% (n = 16) had epididymo-orchitis, and other pathology made up 5%. • No obvious pathology was seen in 10% (n = 17). • Patients with Torsion of Appendages were significantly younger than other patients with scrotal pain (P < 0.0001). • Age was not useful in discriminating between patients with Testicular Torsion from other patients with scrotal pain. 9% (n = 16) of all patients required an orchidectomy. • Frequency of Testicular Torsion was higher during the colder half of the year (n = 0.02). • Testicular torsion was the most common finding at surgical exploration, followed by torsion of testicular appendages. • Age had limited value in diagnosing the cause of acute scrotal pain. • Testicular torsion was associated with cold weather. • Our findings support the practice of surgical exploration for acute scrotal pain suspicious of testicular torsion in patients of any age.