Testicular torsion

How is testicular torsion treated?

Testicular torsion is considered a surgical emergency and warrants immediate attention and evaluation.

The testicle will first be explored surgically. If your pediatric urologic surgeon determines that the testicle is viable, the cord will be untwisted and the testicle will be fixed into place to prevent twisting from occurring again.

If surgery reveals the testicle is not viable, the testicle is removed. During surgery, the unaffected testicle is also fixed into place to prevent torsion on that side. Although the risk of the other testicle undergoing torsion is low, we recommend surgery on both sides since torsion in both testicles is very serious, rendering the boy infertile and interfering with masculination (though sexual activity will still be possible with testosterone supplementation).