[Manual detorsion and elective orchiopexy as an alternative treatment for acute testicular torsion in children].

AIM: To present our experience in pediatric patients with testicular torsion (TT) treated by manual detorsion (MD).

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of patients treated by MD in a 10-year period in a single center. Description of symptoms, detorsion technique, follow-up and complications.

RESULTS: 76 patients diagnosed with TT were studied in a 10-year period. 16 patients were treated by MD. Mean age was 12 years (Range: 10-13 years) and time from onset of pain was 5.25 hours (±4,2). Left testicle was affected in 75% (n=12). Detorsion maneuver was performed by a pediatric surgeon at the radiology room, in counter-clockwise direction in the right testicle and clockwise direction in the left testicle in all cases. The success was defined as the relief of pain, normal physical examination and was confirmed by Doppler ultrasound performed immediately after MD. MD was effective in 75% (n=12) and orchiopexy was performed under elective conditions at median time of 2 weeks (0-5 weeks). MD was unsuccessful in 3 patients and emergency orchiopexy was performed with no testicular loss. 1 patient had a second MD maneuver for incomplete detorsion. No short or long term complication nor testicular atrophy was observed.

CONCLUSION: MD and elective orchiopexy seems to be an efficient and reliable procedure in the treatment of TT in children. Further studies may be necessary to establish its safety and indications.