Testicular torsion surgery (emergency)

Category: Urology Procedures & Tests · All urology procedures & tests

What it is

Testicular torsion is a twisting of the testicle on its cord, cutting off its blood supply — a surgical emergency, most common in teenagers and young men. Surgery untwists the testicle, checks whether it recovers, and fixes both testicles in place (orchidopexy) so it cannot happen again.

Why it is done

Sudden severe testicular pain, often with nausea and a high-riding testicle, is torsion until proven otherwise. Time is critical — the chance of saving the testicle falls sharply after about six hours, so assessment is immediate in emergency care.

How to prepare

Do not eat or drink once torsion is suspected, in case of anaesthetic. Examination is usually conclusive; an ultrasound may be done only if it does not delay theatre. Antibiotics are not a substitute for surgery.

What happens during the procedure

Through a scrotal cut under general anaesthetic, the surgeon untwists the cord and wraps the testicle in a warm pack to see if blood flow returns. A viable testicle is stitched in place; the other testicle is fixed at the same operation because the predisposition is usually on both sides. A testicle that has died is removed.

Afterwards — recovery & results

Recovery is over one to two weeks with supportive underwear and rest from sport. If the testicle was saved, follow-up checks it stays healthy (a saved testicle can occasionally shrink over time). If one was removed, the other maintains hormones and fertility in most cases.

Risks & considerations

Risks include the testicle not surviving despite surgery, bleeding, infection, later shrinkage of the saved testicle, and recurrent torsion (rare after fixation). The overriding risk is delay — always treat sudden testicular pain as an emergency.

Frequently asked questions

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