What is testicular torsion?
First, what is a testicle? The testicles are male glands located in a small pouch beneath the base of the penis: the “scrotum”. The testicles are part of the male reproductive system. The testicles are essential glands for the proper development of the adolescent body. Indeed, testicles produce an essential hormone: testosterone. The testicles also play a reproductive role by producing spermatozoa.
The testicles are surrounded by a thin membrane called the “tunica vaginalis”, and the testicles are in the scrotum (also called the bursae).
To understand testicular torsion, it is necessary to know that each testicle is suspended by a cord within the scrotum; this cord is called the “spermatic cord”. This cord is essential to the proper functioning of the testicles, as it contains the blood vessels that supply blood to the testicles.
When we speak of testicular torsion, we are talking about the spermatic cord. Indeed, testicular torsion occurs when the spermatic cord twists; during this torsion, the blood vessels supplying the testicle are blocked: the testicle no longer receives blood, and the survival of the gland is compromised.
Testicular torsion: what are the causes and who does it affect?
Testicular torsion is due to an abnormality in the fixation of the testicle within the scrotum. This abnormality appears during fetal development. However, it is important to keep in mind that testicular torsion can occur at any age. Nevertheless, during your life, there are two propitious moments for testicular torsion: during the perinatal periods, and during the post-pubertal period.
Indeed, testicular torsion is more frequent in fetuses or in newborns. Testicular torsion occurs in fetuses or newborns due to a defect of attachment of the tunica vaginalis. Indeed, during this phase the testicle is abnormally mobile, and during this time, testicular torsion can occur. This testicular torsion can occur on both testicles at the same time.
However, testicular torsion can also occur in adolescents or young adults. Indeed, during puberty, the volume of testicles increases rapidly. This increase can be responsible for a disproportion between the fixation areas and the testicular volume. This phenomenon favors testicular torsion.
Testicular torsion affects only one testicle in 99% of cases and constitutes a risk factor for contralateral torsion. Contracting testicular torsion becomes rare after 40 years of age.
What are the symptoms of testicular torsion?
The symptoms of testicular torsion are important. Indeed, this abnormality is a surgical emergency. Symptoms differ according to age.
In an infant or newborn, in case of testicular torsion, the child generally begins to cry, as it is painful. In addition, the infant presents a large red inflammatory bursa that is extremely sensitive to touch.
Testicular torsion can occur during pregnancy. In this case, the midwife or pediatrician will discover a non-painful brownish or purplish-colored bursa during the examination of the newborn at birth. At the time of this discovery, the testicle is hard and very small: the testicle is already destroyed.
In adolescents or young adults, testicular torsion causes very intense pain that appears on a single testicle and arrives suddenly. The pain is rapid and very intense; it propagates towards the lumbar region and towards the groin. This symptom can cause nausea, malaise, as well as difficulty walking. However, testicular torsion does not cause difficulty in voiding (the act of urinating), nor fever.
Testicular torsion can occur during daytime activity, but it can also wake you up in the middle of the night. During testicular torsion, the testicle is often retracted towards the top of the bursa.
Testicular torsion: how to treat it in Paris?
In case of symptoms, it is essential to contact 15 or 112 as quickly as possible. Indeed, testicular torsion is one of the most frequent surgical emergencies in adolescents.
It is essential that surgery be performed within 6 hours of the first symptoms; beyond this time limit, the chances of preserving your testicle decrease considerably.