About this topic
The testes or testicles are small round organs. The testes are in the skin sac that hangs behind the penis. The skin sac is called the scrotum. There are many blood vessels in the sac. The blood vessels connect the testes to the rest of the body. At times, the connection between the testicle and sac is not good. Then, the testes are more likely to turn and twist around in the scrotum. ‚
Your baby boy may have this twisting and turning of the testicle. Twisting of his testicle is neonatal testicular torsion. The twisting stops the blood flow and your baby will have sudden bad pain and swelling. Cutting the blood flow for too long may badly damage the testes and other tissues. Torsion may cause lasting harm. ‚
What are the causes?
The exact cause of this condition is not known. Some may get the twisting at birth. Torsion may run in families. ‚
What are the main signs?
- Sudden or very bad pain of the scrotum
- Testes may be hard, tender, swollen, darker in color, or reddened
- One testis is higher than the other or at an odd angle
- One testis may seem to be missing
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
- The doctor will take your childs history and do an exam.
- The doctor will check the scrotum, testicles, belly, and groin. The doctor may order lab tests.
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
Surgery is the only way to treat and save your sons testicle. The surgery may be done right away or later. ‚
- If the torsion happens before your baby is born, the testicle cannot be saved. The doctor will do the surgery at a later time.
- If torsion happens after your baby is born, emergency surgery is used to fix the torsion. The sooner the testicle is untwisted, the better the chance to save the testicle.
- The doctor will make a small cut in the scrotum and untwist the testicle. Manually untwisting the testicle is a surgical exploration.
- The doctor may attach the testicle to the scrotum. Attaching the testicle to the scrotum is an orchiopexy.
- Sometimes, the doctor takes out a testicle because there is no blood flow to that testicle for a long time. Removal of a testicle is an orchiectomy.
- In rare cases, the doctor can loosen the torsion without surgery.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Ease pain, if needed
- Prevent infection
Will there be any other care needed?
- Give your babys drugs as ordered by the doctor.
- Talk to the doctor about how to care for your child's cut site. Ask your doctor about:
- When you should change the bandages
- How to clean the area
- If you need to use a cream or ointment on the wound
- When you may give your baby a tub bath or use diaper wipes
- If bleeding happens, use a clean cloth and apply pressure on the wound for 10 minutes.
Where can I learn more?
American Urological Association Foundation ‚
http://www.urologyhealth.org/urology/index.cfm?article=7 ‚
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/sexual/torsion.html# ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚