Acute testicular torsion: A critical analysis of presentation, management and outcome in southeast Nigeria

The aim of this study is to evaluate the pattern of presentation, anatomic anomalies, and treatment outcomes in patients presenting with acute testicular torsion in a tertiary health institution in southeast Nigeria. This was a prospective study of all consecutive patients with acute testicular torsion seen from January 2011 to November 2019 at our institution. Their demographic and clinical data were analyzed. Thirty-one acute testicular torsion cases were seen during the study period. Mean age was 22.6 (±7.3) years. Two peaks of incidence were observed. These were in the 14-19-year and 20-25-year age groups. The left testis was more commonly affected than the right; 15 cases (48.4%) versus 13 cases (41.9%). Past history of intermittent torsion was seen in 48.4% of cases. Abdominal pain was the commonest associated symptom followed by vomiting; 20 (64.5%) and 11 (35.5%). Seven cases (22.6%) of acute torsion occurred during sleep. Delay in presentation and delay in surgical intervention were observed. Only 22.6% of patients presented within 6 h of onset of symptoms and only 32.3% were operated on within 6 h of presentation. Transverse lie of the testes was the most common intraoperative finding (36%). Testicular salvage rate was 87.1%. Acute testicular torsion is a disease of young adults in southeast Nigeria. It is commoner on the left side with transverse lie being the most common predisposing factor. A new peak incidence in the 20-25-year age group is demonstrated. Late presentation is common but did not impact testicular loss in this study.