Testicular Torsion, Detorsed with Close Follow-Up (Child)
Your child’s testicle was twisted inside their scrotum. This is a medical emergency called testicular torsion. When the testicle twists in this way, the spermatic cord is twisted. Then the blood vessels in the spermatic cord are squeezed (compressed). This reduces blood flow to the testicle. It's very painful on the side of the affected testicle. It may also cause fever or vomiting. If not treated right away, the testicle can die and have to be removed. The condition can also lead to problems having children (infertility). If treatment occurs within 6 hours, about 100% of the time the testicle can be saved. After 24 hours, this drops to nearly 0%.
Your child's testicle was untwisted by hand. This is called manual detorsion. This method is used when surgery isn't available within 2 hours. But surgery is still needed to stop the problem from coming back. Your child will also need surgery on the other testicle to fix the structural problem that causes the condition.
Testicular torsion can occur from injury or strenuous physical activity. Or it can occur suddenly.
Follow-up care
Bring your child to a urologist as soon as you can. Ideally this should be in less than a week. The sooner the surgery is done, the less risk there is of the problem coming back. And there is less risk of possible loss of the testicle or of infertility. If symptoms come back, get your child medical care right away.
When to get medical advice
Call your healthcare provider right away if any of these occur:
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Pain or swelling in the testicle or scrotum. If symptoms come back it's a medical emergency.
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Fever of 100.4ºF (38°C) or above, or as advised by your child's provider
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Chills
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Nausea or vomiting that won't go away
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Pain in the belly (abdomen)
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Trouble peeing
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The testicle shrinks
Online Medical Reviewer:
Marc Greenstein MD
Online Medical Reviewer:
Raymond Kent Turley BSN MSN RN
Online Medical Reviewer:
Raymond Turley Jr PA-C
Date Last Reviewed:
5/1/2022
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