Recurrent ovarian torsion in an adolescent after oophoropexy

Recurrent ovarian and fallopian tube torsion: A case report

Adnexal torsion is an emergency commonly presenting in women of reproductive age. Timely diagnosis and management are needed to preserve the ovary. Recurrence is more uncommon. This article presents a case of recurrent torsion, and reviews the literature to highlight the significance of early diagnosis and management. The case is presented of a nulliparous 31-year-old woman who presented on five occasions with symptoms of acute pain and vomiting. Adnexal torsion was suspected on clinical assessment and ultrasound scan. She was found to have left-sided isolated fallopian tube torsion twice, and tubo-ovarian torsion on two occasions. Detorsion was performed four times. Bilateral oophoropexy was performed during an emergency laparoscopy on the fourth presentation. The left ovary was conserved, but viability was doubted. She presented four weeks later with similar symptoms. An intraoperative finding was of an auto-amputated left ovary with no attachment to infudibulopelvic ligament. This ovary was removed. Operative management was performed promptly, but planned oophoropexy was delayed, and an earlier procedure may have resulted in conservation of the ovary. There is no standardised management for prevention of recurrent ovarian torsion. The benefits of oophoropexy to prevent further torsion versus risks lack evidence. There is also debate as to the method by which oophoropexy is done. There is no consensus or guideline regarding the best management approach for recurrent adnexal torsion. Further research is needed to obtain evidence to support clinicians in discussing management options with their patients.

A retrospective study of surgical treatment and outcome among women with adnexal torsion in eastern Taiwan from 2010 to 2015

Background

Adnexal torsion is a gynecologic emergency that requires surgical treatment. In this study, we reviewed the surgical outcomes of women with adnexal torsion in eastern Taiwan (Hualien county, area 4,629 km², 330,000 residents).

Methods

This retrospective study included 42 women diagnosed with surgically-proven adnexal torsion from January 1, 2010, to September 31, 2015. We compared the symptoms, objective findings, and surgical outcomes of patients who underwent laparotomy or laparoscopy.

Results

The laparoscopy and laparotomy groups included 27 and 15 patients, respectively. The most common symptom and sign was abdominal pain, followed by nausea and vomiting. In all patients, an adnexal tumor was detected through ultrasound. The median and range of time from admission to surgery was 1.5 (1–11.5) and 1.0 (1–11) hours in the laparotomy and laparoscopy groups, respectively. Compared with those undergoing laparotomy, the smaller tumor size [7 (4.2–10) vs. 10 (7–17) cm] and shorter hospital stay [4 (2–8) vs. 6 (3–9) days] in patients undergoing laparoscopy were significantly noted, respectively (P < 0.01). No differences were observed in age, operative time, and blood loss between both groups. The surgeries performed were mostly detorsion with cystectomy and adnexectomy. The most common pathology was a simple ovarian cyst, followed by teratoma. Regarding the surgical types, older age is the only risk factor for radical surgery.

Discussion

Acute onset of abdominal pain with a presenting ovarian tumor is the most common feature of adnexal torsion. Laparoscopic surgical group showed a small tumor size and a short ER hospital stay than laparotomy. Older age is the risk factor for radical surgery.