Management of Neonatal Testicular Torsion

Abstract

PURPOSE: We evaluated the safety and efficacy of emergency exploration of neonatal torsion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 27 neonates (30 affected testicles) in a 13-year period. RESULTS: Of the 10 testicles that were explored and fixed within 6 hours of discovery 2 (20%) were normal at physical examination at 1 year of followup. Of the remaining 20 testicles 19 were removed. One patient was lost to followup after orchiopexy. No operative or perioperative complications were associated with emergency exploration. CONCLUSIONS: Emergency exploration of neonatal torsion is safe and prudent, and may result in higher testicular salvage rates. Given reports of contralateral torsion, we also recommend contralateral orchiopexy.