Prognosis

The longer it takes to diagnose and treat testicular torsion, the greater the risk that the patient will develop tissue necrosis, decreased tissue viability, decreased spermatogenesis, and possible infertility. Testicular salvage rates decline as the duration of symptoms increases, with greatly reduced testicular salvage at 24 hours and consistently poor results beyond 48 hours.[19]​[22]​

Recurrent torsion may develop many years later in patients with a past history of testicular fixation, regardless of whether absorbable or nonabsorbable sutures were used.[58] A heightened level of suspicion for these patients is important to prevent testicular damage.

The traumatic experience of losing a testicle can be mitigated by offering a prosthetic device, usually a saline-filled silicone implant, which can improve cosmetic appearance and perhaps the patient's psychological well-being. Testosterone-releasing prosthetic devices have shown success in animal models.[54][55]

Use of this content is subject to our disclaimer