Testicular decompression and tunica vaginalis flap in human acute testicular torsion: modified step-by-step technique description and preliminary outcomes

ABSTRACT

Objective

To report the effects of a tunica vagina flap on testicular compartment syndrome.

Methods

This single-arm clinical trial was conducted from September 2020 to October 2021. Consecutive patients with suspected testicular torsion within 24 hours of pain onset were included. Patients with past testicular torsion, bilateral torsion, or previous atrophy were excluded. The tunica vaginalis was opened, and the intratesticular pressure was measured before testicular retrieval from the scrotum and detorsion (P1), after detorsion (P2), and after transverse incision (P3). A tunica vaginalis flap was performed and a new intratesticular pressure was recorded (P4). The contralateral testicular pressure was recorded before fixation (Pc). The minimum follow-up period was 6 months.

Results

Fifteen patients were recruited from September 2020 to October 2021. Nine patients completed the follow-up. The median age (range) was 15 years (9-19). The mean P1, P2, P3, P4, and Pc (range) were 43, 60, 23, 20, and 14mmHg, respectively. The atrophy rate was 66.3% and the viability was 88.9%. No major complications were observed.

Conclusion

The modified tunica vaginalis flap in acute testicular torsion decreased intratesticular pressure. Furthermore, normal testicular pressure can improve testicular preservation. It can also decrease testicular pressure to normal levels and preserve the testicular parenchyma.

Spermatic cord torsion; Compartment syndromes; Testis; Testicular diseases; Pressure; Urologic surgical procedures, male

Highlights

Testicular torsion causes orchiectomy in more than 80% of the cases after 24 hours of pain onset.

Testicular detorsion only (P1-P2) showed a small difference in intratesticular pressure (median 4mmHg).

Testicular incision (P2-P3) only demonstrated a major pressure decrease (median, 45mmHg).

The final pressure after TVR was similar to the non-twisted testicle pressure (median, 1mmHg).

Testicular salvage (88.9%) and atrophy (66.3%) rates were slightly higher than the previous literature reports, perhaps the initial learning curve of this novel technique.