OBJECTIVE: The evaluation and treatment of perinatal testicular torsion is controversial.
We performed a survey to assess practice patterns among pediatric urologists regarding treatment of perinatal torsion.
METHODS: An internet survey was administered to members of two pediatric urology societies. Cases of prenatal, postnatal and bilateral prenatal torsion were outlined. Respondents were asked about use of ultrasound, timing of surgery, incision, and management of the contralateral testicle. A case with a non-palpable testicle and blind ending vessels was also presented.
RESULTS: We had 121 respondents. In a neonate with prenatal torsion, 34% percent would operate immediately, 26% urgently within 72 h, 28% electively and 12% would not explore; 93% would perform a contralateral orchiopexy. In a neonate with postnatal torsion, 93% would operate immediately, 5% urgently, 1% electively and 1% would not explore; 96% would perform a contralateral orchiopexy. In both cases, 75% would use a scrotal incision and 25% would use an inguinal incision. When presented with bilateral prenatal torsion, 90% would operate immediately, 1% urgently, 2% electively and 7% would not operate. In the case of a non-palpable testicle with blind ending vessels 28% would perform a contralateral orchiopexy, 12% would explore the ipsilateral canal for a "nubbin", 56% would perform no intervention and 4% would perform some other form of management.
CONCLUSION: We documented variability of timing for intervention of prenatal torsion and confirmed that most view postnatal torsion as a surgical emergency. Most perform a contralateral orchiopexy for prenatal torsion despite the fact that most cases are extravaginal. The surgical approach via a scrotal incision appears to be preferred at this time.
Written by:
Broderick KM, Martin BG, Herndon CD, Joseph DB, Kitchens DM. Are you the author?
University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Urology, Division of Pediatric Urology, 1600 7th Avenue S, Birmingham, AL 35233-1711, USA.
Reference: J Pediatr Urol. 2013 Oct;9(5):542-5.
doi: 10.1016/j.jpurol.2012.12.010
PubMed Abstract
PMID: 23305767
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