Publication:

Testicular appendage torsion managed non-operatively

Background Acute testicular pain is one of the commonest reasons of testicular exploration. Testicular appendage torsion is one of conditions presenting with testicular pain. If the diagnosis is certain this can be managed conservatively. Operative management is reserved for those patients in whom non-operative management fails. The objective of this study was to ascertain the success of conservative management.

Methods The medical records of thirty-four consecutive patients who were diagnosed with testicular appendage torsion, were managed non-operatively and satisfied the inclusion criteria were retrospectively analysed.

Results The average age of patients was 16.3 years. 94% of the patients were successfully managed non-operatively. Pain not controlled by analgesia was the main reason for representing to the emergency department. All patients were discharged from any further follow up by day 9.

Conclusions Where the diagnosis of testicular appendage torsion is confidently made, non-operative management is a viable option. Larger studies are required to confirm these findings.