Successful outcome in perinatal intravaginal torsion of testis in neonate: Long-term outcome

Introduction

Perinatal testicular torsion can be intravaginal or extravaginal. Extravaginal torsion can be managed in an elective manner. Intravaginal torsion needs an urgent operation to maximize the viability of the testis. The history is vital to distinguish between the two diagnoses. We report a case in which a perinatal intravaginal torted testicle was successfully salvaged due to a timely exploration. This was a retrospective review of a case and literature review of perinatal testicular torsion.

Case description

A term baby was transferred to a tertiary pediatric surgical unit in the for surgical management of exomphalos minor. The child was noted to have normal testes. On the seventh day of life, he was noted to have a firm swelling in his right scrotum with purple discoloration. He was promptly reviewed by the surgical team. A perinatal torsion of intravaginal type was suspected and he was booked for emergency exploration. The surgical findings were 1) significant edema of the right scrotal wall, 2) a thickened tunica vaginalis and small volume of hemolyzed fluid, and 3) a bluish and congested torted testicle in intravaginal plane. Testis was de-rotated and color returned within 5 minutes. A three-point testicular fixation was performed bilaterally. He was reviewed in clinic for the following 2 years and found to have equal growth of the testicles, both of which were appropriately positioned within the scrotum.

Results and conclusions

This case highlights the importance of being aware that perinatal torsion can be extravaginal or intravaginal. The patient history is important to distinguish between the two diagnoses as proven by the above case. A positive outcome can be achieved with judicious assessment and emergent management of perinatal intravaginal torsions.

Take-home message

Clinicians should maintain a high level of suspicion of intravaginal torsion in all cases of perinatal testicular torsion.