Immediate Exploration of the Unilateral Acute Scrotum in Young Male Subjects

Abstract

Physical exertion, sexual activity or trauma can precipitate cremasteric contraction and result in torsion of a testicle with an underlying congenital anomaly. A high suspicion index is required by the primary care doctor if acute torsion is to be diagnosed early for immediate reduction. The torsion duration and twisting degree determine the long-term testicular tissue salvage rate. An aggressive policy of immediate exploration of the unilateral acute scrotum in young men resulted in exploration of twice as many cases of acute epididymitis, as torsion of the testis or its appendages; if also resulted in an immediate orchiopexy (salvage) rate of 90%, and a long-term salvage rate of 73% of patients with acute torsion of the testis.