Retrospective histological evaluation of orchiectomy specimens following testicular torsion reveals a 10% incidence of reversible injury. Is it time for a change of strategy?

Marcou M, Hartmann A, Wullich B, Apel H, Hirsch-Koch K (2022)


Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2022

Journal

DOI: 10.1111/andr.13368

Abstract

BackgroundAccording to standard medical practice, immediate orchiectomy is advised in the case of a non-viable testis following testicular torsion. Because of the lack of objective criteria in the evaluation of testicular viability, the fate of the testis solely depends on the discretion and experience of the surgeon. ObjectiveIn this study, we retrospectively reassess the management of patients with testicular torsion in our center, and we ask the question, from a retrospective point of view, of whether the decision to perform orchiectomy has always been correct. Materials and methodsWe retrospectively reviewed all cases of patients with testicular torsion who underwent surgery in our center between 2001 and 2021. All orchiectomy specimens were reevaluated and graded by an experienced pathologist using the Mikuz grading system. ResultsImmediate orchiectomy was performed in 48 of the 136 patients (35%). Five (10.4%) of the 48 orchiectomy specimens were categorized as "grade 1," and 17 (35.4%) were categorized as "grade 2." The time between the onset of symptoms and surgical exploration exceeded 12 h in three of the five patients with a "grade 1" testicular injury, and in one case, it even exceeded 24 h. Discussion"Grade 1" testicular injury is potentially reversible, whereas the fate of a testis with a "grade 2" testicular injury remains unknown. Whether and to what extent partial testicular tissue salvage in a "grade 2" injury is still possible remain unclear. ConclusionsOur results indicate that at least 10% of the testicles removed in our center could, from a retrospective point of view, have been salvaged. Our study further demonstrated that the duration of symptoms is not an absolute indicator of testicular damage and that the decision of whether orchiectomy should be performed, based simply on the subjective macroscopic image of the affected testis, is not always correct.

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How to cite

APA:

Marcou, M., Hartmann, A., Wullich, B., Apel, H., & Hirsch-Koch, K. (2022). Retrospective histological evaluation of orchiectomy specimens following testicular torsion reveals a 10% incidence of reversible injury. Is it time for a change of strategy? Andrology. https://doi.org/10.1111/andr.13368

MLA:

Marcou, Marios, et al. "Retrospective histological evaluation of orchiectomy specimens following testicular torsion reveals a 10% incidence of reversible injury. Is it time for a change of strategy?" Andrology (2022).

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