Abstract
Objective: To compare the prevalence and clinical presentation of torsion of testicular appendages with those of testicular torsion (torsion of the spermatic cord) and to evaluate the management of both clinical conditions.
Methods: This is a retrospective study comprising 63 patients suspected to have torsion of scrotal contents. All the patients were subjected to full medical history, clinical examination, routine investigation and surgical exploration.
Results: Thirty two patients were found to have torsion of testicular appendages, 19 were found to have torsion of the testis and 12 patients had no torsion but solely edema or inflammation of the spermatic cord, the testis and the epididymis. Thus, torsion of testicular appendages was found to be a more common presentation than torsion of testis in our series.
Conclusion: Torsion of testicular appendages is more prevalent than torsion of the testis. It causes severe pain that lasts for more than a week. The differential diagnosis with testicular torsion is uncertain in most cases thereby warranting a surgical exploration whenever doubt exists to exclude testicular torsion. Where severe pain persists during conservative treatment for clinically diagnosed torsion of testicular appendages, surgical removal of the gangrenous appendix brings immediate relief to the patient.