Factors associated with delayed treatment of acute testicular torsion-do demographics or interhospital transfer matter?

The ball's in your court: Trends, causes, outcomes, and costs of patient transfer for pediatric testicular torsion

BACKGROUND

The transfer of pediatric patients with testicular torsion from community hospitals to pediatric centers can be a time and resource-intensive step toward emergent surgical intervention.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to describe trends of patient transfer in our state and compare clinical outcomes and health system costs between patients transferred and treated primarily at a pediatric center.

STUDY DESIGN

This retrospective cohort study compared patients aged 1-18 years who presented directly to a pediatric center to those transferred for acute testicular torsion from 2018 to 2023. Exclusion criteria included age <1 year, non-urgent surgery, and admission from clinic. Patient age, BMI, Tanner stage, ASA class, insurance coverage, and presentation time were covariates. Group characteristics and times from symptom onset to initial ED presentation to surgery were compared via two-sided Student's t-tests. Clinical outcomes (orchiectomy, testicular atrophy) were compared via Fisher's exact tests. Costs from transferring hospitals were estimated from costs at our institution, and medical transport costs were extrapolated from contract prices between transport agencies and the pediatric center to compare total episode-of-care cost.

RESULTS

A total of 133 cases (37 primaries, 96 transfers) met inclusion criteria. Transfers increased over the study period (67%-75%). There were no significant differences in age, Tanner stage, ASA score, BMI, or time of day of presentation between groups. Median transfer distance was 12 miles (IQR 7-22) and time was 1 h (IQR 1-2). More than half of cases (53%) were transferred due to hospital policy regarding surgical treatment of minors, and 25% due to lack of urology coverage. Time from initial ED site to OR was nearly doubled for the transfer group (median 4.5 vs 2.5 h, p = 0.02). Despite a higher rate of orchiectomy in the primary group (43 vs 22%, p = 0.01), this difference was not significant after stratification by symptom duration. The estimated average cost of care for patients transferred was twice that of primary patients ($15,082 vs $6898).

DISCUSSION

Transfer of pediatric patients in our state for testicular torsion has increased in recent years. Hospital policies and local urology coverage are primary drivers of patient transfer which nearly doubled time to surgical intervention and more than doubled cost of care. Clinical outcomes were driven by delayed presentation.

CONCLUSION

Transfer of pediatric patients for testicular torsion nearly doubles time to surgical intervention and more than doubles cost of care. Restrictive hospital policies and gaps in rural hospital urology coverage present opportunities to improve the quality and efficiency of care for these children.

Practice Patterns Affecting Delays in Care of Testicular Torsion

OBJECTIVES

To compare impact of day or on-call team, pediatric or adult attending, and patient age on testicular torsion management and outcomes.

METHODS

A retrospective study of patients with testicular torsion between 2012 and 2022 at a single institution was conducted. Variables impacting management time were assessed using univariate analyses.

RESULTS

One hundred and thirty-four patients were included: 49 underwent orchiectomies and 84 underwent orchiopexies. There was no significant difference between efficiency of on-call vs day team regarding time to ultrasound or time to operating room (OR). There were no significant differences between pediatric vs adult attending surgeons for time to surgery, intraoperative length of surgery, or testicular salvage rates. However, when patients were stratified by age greater or younger than 18years, older patients had significantly longer symptom duration (91.9 vs 20.0 minutes, P = .005), time to receive an ultrasound from emergency room registration (152 vs 87 minutes, P < .001), time to OR from emergency room registration (268 vs 185 minutes, P < .001), and time to OR from ultrasound read (187 vs 123 minutes, P = .03). Older patients also had lower rates of testicular salvage approaching significance (orchiectomy rate 48.8% vs 31.5%, P = .057).

CONCLUSION

While no significant delays in testicular torsion management were detected between management by on-call vs day team nor pediatric vs adult attending, increased age of patient was associated with delays in definitive surgical management. Greater index of suspicion for testicular torsion diagnosis in adult patients may improve the rate of testicular salvage.

Cut-off time for surgery and prediction of orchiectomy in spermatic cord torsion: a retrospective multicentric study over 15 years

PURPOSE

Cut-off time to avoid orchiectomy relies on small series of patients. The objective was to determine the cut-off time to avoid orchiectomy in torsion of the spermatic cord in a large cohort.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective multicenter study (TORSAFUF cohort) of patients with suspected spermatic cord torsion between 2005 and 2019. All patients aged > 12 years who were suspected of having a torsion of the spermatic cord in 14 University Hospitals in France were included (n = 2986). Patients for whom data on pain duration were not available (n = 923) or for whom the final diagnosis was not torsion of the spermatic cord (n = 807) were excluded. The primary outcome was orchiectomy. The secondary outcomes were testicular survival time and the prediction of orchiectomy with the duration of pain.

RESULTS

1266 patients were included with an orchiectomy rate of 12% (150 patients). The mean age was 21.5 years old in the salvage group and 23.7 years old in the orchiectomy group (p = 0.01), respectively. The median time from the onset of pain to surgery was 5.5 (IQR = 5) hours in the salvage group and 51.1 (IQR = 70) hours in the orchiectomy group (p < 0.0001). The risk of orchiectomy increased after a time cut-off of 6 h 30. A delay of 15 h 30 in pain duration was found to predict orchiectomy (sensitivity: 0.81; specificity: 0.87).

CONCLUSIONS

Pain duration can predict the probability of salvaging the testicles and performing orchiectomy. Rapid intervention should be recommended, regardless of the time elapsed from the onset of pain.

Neighborhood Poverty and Distance to Pediatric Hospital Care

OBJECTIVE

To describe the relationship between neighborhood poverty and geographic access to pediatric inpatient care.

METHODS

This is a retrospective, cross-sectional study using 2017-18 hospital and demographic data, as well as geographic data from the 2010 census. Acute care hospitals in 17 states were included, comprising approximately one-third of the national population. The main outcome was distance to capable pediatric hospital care by neighborhood Area Deprivation Index (ADI), both overall and by urbanicity.

RESULTS

Median distance to pediatric hospital care increased linearly with poverty across ADI national deciles (Pearson coefficient of 0.986; P < .001). The most advantaged neighborhoods were a median of 2.5 miles from the nearest pediatric capable hospital (interquartile range [IQR] 1.2-5.6) while those in the most disadvantaged were a median of 13.8 miles away (IQR 3.3-35.9; P < .001). The nearest hospital admitted children in 51.17% (7927) of advantaged neighborhoods (lowest national ADI quintile) and only 26.02% (3729) of disadvantaged neighborhoods (highest national ADI quintile). The association between poverty and median distance to care was observed in rural, suburban, and urban census block groups (P < .001 for all trends). In suburban neighborhoods, children from the most disadvantaged neighborhoods were 3 times as likely as children from the most advantaged neighborhoods to live more than 20 miles from pediatric inpatient care (27.85%, 456,533 of children from bottom quintile neighborhoods vs 9.24%, 259,787 of children from top quintile neighborhoods, P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Distances to capable pediatric hospital care are greater from poor than affluent neighborhoods. This carries potential implications for disparities in pediatric health outcomes.

Spermatic cord torsion: a retrospective analysis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the time interval and possible delay in transportation to referral units for the treatment of testicular torsion.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed all cases of spermatic cord torsion surgically treated at a university hospital between January 2018 to December 2021. We evaluated the time intervals, including pain onset until the first presentation (D1), interhospital transference time (D2), pain onset until urological evaluation in a tertiary service (D3), urological evaluation until surgery (D4), and time from pain onset to surgical treatment (D5). We analyzed demographic and surgical data, orchiectomy rates, and time intervals (D1-D5). Torsions presented to the first medical presentation within 6h were considered early for testicular preservation.

RESULTS

Of the 116 medical records evaluated, 87 had complete data for the time interval analysis (D1 to D5) and were considered the total sample. Thirty-three had D1 ≤6h, 53 had D1 ≤24h (includes patients in the D1 ≤6h subgroup), and 34 had D1 >24h. The median time intervals of the total samples and subgroups D1 ≤6h, D1 ≤24h, and D1 >24h were D1 = 16h 42min, 2h 43min, 4h 14min and 72h, D2 = 4h 41min, 3h 39min, 3h 44min and 9h 59min; D3 = 24h, 6h 40min, 7h and 96h; D4 = 2h 20min, 1h 43min, 1h 52min and 3h 44min; D5 = 24h 42min, 8h 03min, 9h 26min and 99h 10min, respectively. Orchiectomy rates of the total sample, subgroups D1 ≤6h, D1 ≤24h, and D1 >24h were 56.32%, 24.24% (p<0.01), 32.08% (p<0.01), and 91.18% (p<0.01), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Late arrival at the emergency department or a long interhospital transference time determined a large number of patients who underwent orchiectomy. Thus, public health measures and preventive strategies can be developed based on the data from this study aiming to reduce this avoidable outcome.

Parents' Awareness and Knowledge of Testicular Torsion in the Western Region of Saudi Arabia

Introduction Testicular torsion (TT) is the most common urological emergency in children that requires immediate intervention. The prognosis of testicular torsion depends on the patient's time of presentation to the emergency department (ED), as well as on the time at which the diagnosis is established and treatment is initiated. Raising public awareness of testicular torsion, particularly among parents, plays a crucial role in preventing delay in presentation and reducing the frequency of orchiectomy. To this end, the study is designed to assess the level of awareness and knowledge of testicular torsion, as well as the response of parents to the scrotal pain of their children. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among parents in the western region of Saudi Arabia. Data was collected between the 23rd of November and the 22nd of December 2022. A simple random sampling technique was implemented. The data was collected and analyzed using SPSS software (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Results A total of 394 parents participated in this study. It showed that 13.5% of parents reported having a child with a previous experience of pain in the scrotum. Of them, only 25.4% previously heard about torsion of the testicles. Only 68.8% and 76.6% correctly reported that if the child complains of pain in the scrotum during working hours or over the weekend, they will drive him to the hospital immediately. Good knowledge about TT was significantly higher among children's fathers compared to mothers (66.7% vs. 33.3%) (p≤0.05).  Conclusion Testicular torsion (TT) represents significant morbidity among male patients and early identification is crucial to avoid the need for orchiectomy and all its prominent physical and psychological consequences. To improve children's well-being, we need to raise parents' awareness of TT and the potential future implications of this critical condition as it is not widely known in our community. Further studies evaluating the knowledge regarding testicular torsion among preadolescent and adolescent boys are warranted.

Differences in Clinical Characteristics Between Prepubescent and Postpubescent Males With Testicular Torsion

Testicular torsion represents a pediatric surgical emergency. In this 6-year study with 140 patients, prepubescent (<13 years) and postpubescent (≥13 years) males with testicular torsion were identified. Prepubescent boys had a longer symptom duration (P = .016) and underwent more orchiectomies (P = .005) compared with postpubescent boys. The risk of orchiectomy decreased by 15% per 1-year increase in age (P = .002). Boys who underwent an orchiectomy had a longer symptom duration (P < .001), were younger (P = .002), had scrotal swelling (P = .001), scrotal erythema (P < .001), higher degrees of torsion (P = .036), and more left-sided surgeries (P = .014) compared with those who had an orchiopexy. Postpubescent boys were 63% less likely to receive an orchiectomy versus an orchiopexy compared with prepubescent boys. Pediatricians should be cognizant of the age discrepancies between prepubescent and postpubescent males with testicular torsion and educate parents about the importance of urgent evaluation in the Emergency Department to reduce the likelihood of an orchiectomy.

Interhospital transfers resulting in liver transplantation: Clinical, regulatory, and economic issues

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Impact of Distance From the Hospital and Patient Transfer on Pediatric Testicular Torsion Outcomes

Background: Testicular torsion is the most common pediatric emergency that requires prompt diagnosis and surgical treatment to prevent testicular loss. Distance from the hospital where the patient will be undergoing treatment for testicular torsion and transfer from an outside facility are factors that may impact whether a testis is salvageable. We sought to determine whether these factors play a role in pediatric testicular torsion outcomes. 

Materials and Methods: We identified males aged 1-18 years with testicular torsion between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2020. The patients’ distance from our hospital and whether they were transferred from an outlying hospital were a particular focus. 

Results: The number of miles from our hospital and transfer from an outlying hospital were not significantly different between boys who underwent an orchiectomy versus an orchiopexy (p=0.258 and p=0.574, respectively). The number of miles from our hospital was negatively correlated to age at surgery (rho=-0.22, p=0.01). Significantly (p<0.001) more transfers were seen in patients who lived far (>22.1 miles) from our hospital (32/69 (46%)) versus near our hospital (10/68 (15%)). For every mile boys lived from our hospital, there was no difference (adjusted odds ratio (OR)=0.98 (0.96, 1.00), p=0.10) in the likelihood of receiving an orchiectomy versus an orchiopexy when adjusting for age, symptom duration, and degrees of torsion.

Conclusions: Our study determined that neither distance from our hospital nor transfer from an outlying hospital affected the orchiectomy rate. An expedited medical evaluation and surgery offer the best prognosis for salvaging the testes. 

Do healthcare disparities play a role in pediatric testicular torsion? - Analysis of a single large pediatric center

INTRODUCTION

Healthcare disparities have been shown to impact outcomes of various acute pediatric conditions. We sought to examine the impact of race, ethnicity and insurance status on the presentation, management and outcome of testicular torsion.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained testicular torsion database was performed. Patients ≤18 years of age evaluated in our pediatric institution's emergency room between April 2016-April 2020 with US diagnosed and OR confirmed testicular torsion were included. Basic demographics, timing of presentation, referral rate, time to OR and orchiectomy rate were extracted and compared. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

A total of 206 patients were included. 114 (56.2%) were Black or African American (Black/AA), 43 were (21.2%) Hispanic/Latino, 22 (10.8%) were Caucasian, and 24 (11.8%) were designated as Other races. Ninety-eight (48.3%) patients had Medicaid, 90 (44.3%) had private insurance, and 15 (7.4%) patients were uninsured. Sixty-eight (33.0%) presented in a delayed fashion (>24 h). Compared to the Caucasian patients, Black/AA patients were 2.1 years (95% CI: 0.5, 3.8; P = 0.010) older at the time of presentation. When compared to those with Medicaid insurance, uninsured patients had 6.26 times (95% CI: 1.58, 41.88; P = 0.021) higher odds to be referred from an outside hospital for management. In those patients presenting acutely (<24 h, N = 138), there were no significant differences in the odds of orchiectomy for Black/AA or Hispanic/Latino patients when compared to Caucasian patients, however, the odds of orchiectomy in Other races (non-Caucasian, non-Black/AA, non-Hispanic/Latino) was significantly higher (OR: 10.38; 95% CI: 1.13, 246.96; P = 0.049). While the mean time in minutes from ED to OR was longer in those with Medicaid insurance (141 vs 125.4 private vs 115 uninsured, p = 0.042), this did not impact orchiectomy rate (39.8% vs 40.9% vs 46.7%, p = 0.88).

CONCLUSIONS

We found no differences in the orchiectomy rates by race with the exception of a higher rate in the diverse and heterogeneous Other race (non-Caucasian, non-Black/AA, non-Hispanic/Latino) group. Those uninsured had a higher referral rate highlighting the potential existence of disparities for those uninsured and the need for further investigation.

Testicular Torsion Patients Should Be Manually Detorsed at Diagnosis: A Propensity Score Matched Analysis of the Influence of Interhospital Transfer and Surgical Wait Times on Surgical Organ Salvage

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to assess organ salvage in testicular torsion patients submitted to manual detorsion according to interhospital transfer and surgical wait times.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of consecutive surgically treated testicular torsion patients between 2012 and 2018. We compared testicular surgical salvage in testicular torsion patients submitted to manual detorsion either at clinical diagnosis (immediate detorsion) or after interhospital transfer from lower level-of-care facilities (delayed detorsion) and estimated the influence of interhospital transfer and surgical wait times on outcomes. Analysis included Bayesian logistic regression after propensity score matching. We excluded patients first examined at off-state and private facilities, with prediagnostic time of more than 24 hours, not initially diagnosed with testicular torsion or not submitted to manual detorsion at any time.

RESULTS

One hundred sixty-two patients (median age, 15.8 years) fulfilled inclusion criteria. The median prediagnostic, transfer, and surgical wait times were respectively 4.9, 2.4, and 4.3 hours, with 58 patients undergoing immediate and 104 delayed detorsion. Propensity score matching for prediagnostic and surgical wait times paired 58 immediate with 40 delayed detorsion patients, with corresponding surgical salvage rates of 54/58 (93%) and 33/40 (82%). Forty-seven patients (29%) still had torsion at surgery. Transfer time was inversely associated with testicular salvage, with median 13% greater probability of an unfavorable outcome for each hour of transfer time. Similarly, each hour of surgical wait time decreased surgical salvage by 6%.

CONCLUSIONS

Immediate detorsion led to improved surgical outcomes in testicular torsion patients. Because of residual torsion, surgery for detorsed patients should not be postponed.

Demographic, clinical, and socioeconomic factors associated with delayed diagnosis and management of pediatric testicular torsion in West China: a retrospective study of 301 cases in a single tertiary children's hospital

Background

To investigate the association between geographic, clinical, socioeconomic factors and delayed management of pediatric testicular torsion (TT) in West China.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted on TT at Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University in West China from November 2004 to December 2020. Univariate analysis and logistic regression analysis were conducted to determine the association between these factors and delayed management of TT.

Results

A total of 301 cases were included in this study. The misdiagnosis rate of TT in primary, secondary healthcare units and tertiary hospitals was 93.8, 71.1, and 8.9%, respectively. Approximately 26.9% of TT boys received timely surgical management (within 12 h from symptoms inset to surgery). Logistic regression analyses suggested the following factors were associated with delayed repair of TT:

age less than 6 years (P = 0.001), with a history of symptoms progress (P = 0.001) or former treatment (P <0.001), absence of other diagnosis (P = 0.011) and those boys living far away from the main city zones (P <0.001).

Conclusions

Delayed surgical management for TT was more likely for boys with age less than 6 years, the absence of other diagnosis, with a history of former treatment or symptoms progress, and those living far away from the main city zone. To maximize the possibility of timely surgical management for TT, it is vital to strengthen the public awareness of TT and conduct continuously re-education and update physicians working at primary and secondary healthcare units.

Socioeconomic Disadvantage and Distance to Pediatric Critical Care

OBJECTIVES

To describe the geography of pediatric critical care services and the relationship between poverty and distance to these services across the United States.

DESIGN

Retrospective, cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Contiguous United States.

PATIENTS

Children less than 18 years as represented in the 2016 American Community Survey.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Pediatric critical care services were geographically concentrated within urban areas, with half of all PICUs located within 9.5 miles of another (interquartile range, 3.4-51.5 miles). Median distances from neighborhoods to the nearest unit increased linearly with Area Deprivation Index (p < 0.001), such that the median distance from the least privileged neighborhoods was nearly three times that of the most privileged neighborhoods (first decile = 7.8 miles [interquartile range, 3.4-15.8 miles] vs tenth decile = 22.6 miles [interquartile range, 4.2-52.5 miles]; p < 0.001). A relationship between neighborhood poverty and distance to a PICU was present across all U.S. regions and within urban/suburban and rural areas.

CONCLUSIONS

In the United States, the distance to pediatric critical care services increases with poverty. This carries implications for access to care and health outcome disparities.

Testicular torsion in Ireland: a 10-year analysis of incidence and risk of orchidectomy

BACKGROUND

The estimated incidence of testicular torsion (TT) is 4 per 100,000 males under 25 years [1]. Age, region and health insurance status have been associated with a higher risk of orchidectomy following TT [2].

AIMS

This study aimed to establish incidence rates for TT in Ireland for the first time. Sociodemographic characteristics were analysed to assess risk factors for undergoing orchidectomy.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of a national database, Hospital In-Patient Enquiry (HIPE), was carried out. Cases of TT treated between 2009 and 2018 were identified. Incidence and age-specific rates were calculated in conjunction with census data. Descriptive statistics, non-parametric tests and logistic regression were used to evaluate risk factors for orchidectomy.

RESULTS

Between 2009 and 2018, 1746 males under 25 years underwent scrotal exploration for TT. The crude incidence was 21.76 per 100,000 population. The age-standardised rate rose from 16.85 per 100,000 in 2009 to 26.31 per 100,000 in 2018. TT was most common in the 10-14 years age-group (n = 766, 43%) with a normal distribution across age-groups. TT most commonly occurred in spring (27.55%, 95% CI 25.46-29.71%), and was least common in summer (21.65%, 95% CI 19.46-23.36%, p < 0.01). Age, lack of private insurance, province of residence and transfer from another hospital were associated with orchidectomy.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of TT appears to be higher in Ireland than elsewhere. Epidemiological data for TT in Ireland will help inform health policy and clinical guidelines, facilitate comparison with other jurisdictions and improve public awareness. Further research is needed to identify modifiable risk factors that predict treatment outcomes.

Impact of hospital transfer on testicular torsion outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Testicular torsion is an emergent condition requiring prompt treatment. Previous studies have suggested transfer of pediatric testicular torsion cases may be detrimental to patient outcomes. Findings have not reached statistical significance. No study has quantitatively analyzed all literature reporting outcomes for transferred torsion patients. The aim of this study was to elucidate the impact of hospital transfer on pediatric testicular torsion outcomes through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

A predefined study protocol registered with PROSPERO was developed according to PRISMA. A comprehensive literature review of articles investigating outcomes for pediatric testicular torsion for transferred and non-transferred (treated "directly" at presentation institution) patients with orchiectomy as the primary outcome was conducted by systematically searching PubMed and Embase. Potential studies were screened against a predefined study protocol. Meta-analysis using a random effects model with transferred status as the "intervention" was performed using Review Manager 5.3.

RESULTS

Of 18 eligible studies, 9 retrospective studies comprised of 2564 patients (532 transferred and 2032 direct) were suitable for quantitative analysis. Main analysis showed transfer status does not have a significant effect on torsion outcomes (RR 0.96 [95% CI 0.78-1.17]; I² = 44%). Subgroup analysis for torsion patients presenting within 24 h of symptom onset shows patients who are transferred to another facility for management are more likely to undergo orchiectomy than those treated at their presenting institution (RR 0.35 [95% CI 0.24-0.51]; I² = 4%).

CONCLUSIONS

In this meta-analysis, hospital transfer does not affect orchiectomy rate in pediatric patients with testicular torsion when pooling data from all presentation timeframes. Subgroup analysis of patients presenting with testicular torsion in an acute setting (<24 h of symptom onset) suggests the delay associated with hospital transfer has a deleterious effect on testicular viability.

Predictive factors for orchiectomy in adult's spermatic cord torsion: a case-control study

Background

Spermatic cord torsion (SCT) is a surgical emergency. Any delay in diagnosis or treatment may compromise the vital and functional prognosis of the testicle. The orchiectomy rate remains very high in the literature; it can even reach 50 % in certain series. Several factors have been reported in the literature as being significantly correlated with the risk of orchiectomy: duration of symptoms, the number of turns, the younger ages, etc. The objective of this study has been to analyse the predictive factors of orchiectomy in adult SCT in our context.

Results

During the study period, 74 cases of SCT were included. Orchidopexy was performed in 43.2 % (32/74) versus orchiectomy in 56.8 % (42/74) of cases. The patients’ median age was 22 years (interquartile range (IQR) = 18–26.75 years). The duration of symptoms (p = 0.009), the previous medical management (p < 0.001), performing a scrotal ultrasonography (p = 0.004) were statistically significant at univariate analysis. On multivariate analysis only the previous medical management was statistically significant (p = 0.017).

Conclusions

The orchiectomy rate was very high in our cohort. The previous medical management was the only significant predictive factor of orchiectomy on multivariate analysis. Our findings demonstrated that the delay in diagnosis is the determining factor in testicular loss in our context.

Adjuvant pharmacological and surgical therapy for testicular torsion: Current state of the art

INTRODUCTION

Although the consequences of testicular torsion (TT) have been recognized for centuries, little progress has been made to improve outcomes beyond those seen with timely scrotal exploration. Even with testicular salvage, ischemia/reperfusion injury cause significant atrophy and functional impairment. Recent efforts have sought to identify adjuvant pharmacological or surgical interventions that may attenuate these consequences. In this review, we assess the evidence supporting clinical use of these nascent interventions.

METHODS

We conducted a review of the literature published from 2000 to 2020, using the search terms "torsion", "testicular", "reperfusion", "ischemia", and "injury". Clinical and laboratory research focused on adjuvant pharmacological and surgical techniques mitigating torsion-associated injury in animal models and humans were identified. We recorded intervention timing/dose/route, and outcome timing/category through biomarkers of reperfusion injury, histology, and hormonal/reproductive function.

RESULTS

Fifty-four FDA-approved agents, plus 52 herbal/investigational drugs, were reported in animal TT models. In every study, the investigated agents showed beneficial effects on measured endpoints compared to controls. Despite these universally promising animal findings, no pharmacological trials in humans were reported. Surgical techniques studied in animal models included decompression (tunica albuginea incision, TAI), "ischemic conditioning", and hypothermia. Only three human studies on surgical adjuvant maneuvers have been reported, all involving TAI; these showed potential benefit, but the level of evidence is low.

CONCLUSION

There is preliminary evidence that adjuvant treatments may mitigate the effects of ischemia/reperfusion injury. However, the pool of investigated pharmacological agents is wide, yet remarkably shallow; most compounds have been reported in a single animal study. To advance this field, a mechanism-based approach should be used to select promising agents that can be tested systematically. This will determine treatment parameters that maximize safety, efficacy, and tolerability. Only then is it possible to move toward human trials. Adjuvant surgical methods such as TAI show promise in humans but require more robust clinical evaluation.

Evaluation of parental sociocultural background and education level in response to pediatric testis torsion

INTRODUCTION

Acute scrotal pain (ASP) remains one of the most common male urologic emergencies in the pediatric age group. The most concerning outcome of testicular torsion (TT) is the need for orchiectomy, which has a negative impact on the child's development in general and on sexual development and psychology in particular. Time is the most important factor in the treatment of TT. Parental awareness of ASP indicating the possibility of TT is a significant factor in children's hospital admission time. Sociocultural background may be an indicator in parental awareness.

OBJECTIVE

This study sought to determine if parental sociocultural and education level is associated with delayed treatment for TT.

STUDY DESIGN

This retrospective study evaluated data for patients with scrotal or abdominal pain and TT at two hospitals in Konya, Turkey from 2012 to 2020. Study participants were the parents of the patients treated for TT. Participants were contacted by telephone and asked about their educational background. The study population was divided into 2 groups based on parent characteristics. Group 1 parents had an education level less than high school, had no health insurance, were in need of state aid, and had a low sociocultural background. Group 2 parents had an education level of at least high school or higher and had health insurance. Symptom duration (time between symptom onset and hospital admission) and surgical procedures for the patients were compared between the 2 parent groups.

RESULTS

Of the 140 patients who received a diagnosis of TT, 77 were in Group 1 and 63 in Group 2. Mean patient age was 12.7 ± 2.7 (5-16) years Median symptom duration was 7 (1-120) hours. Symptom duration was higher in Group 1, but no statistically significant differences were noted between groups (Group 1 duration was 8h vs. Group 2 duration of 6h; p = 0.331). Orchiectomy was performed for 62 (44.3%) patients and testicular-sparing surgery for 78 (55.7%). Orchiectomy rates between groups were statistically significant and higher in Group 1 with 41 (53.2%) versus 21 (33.3%) in Group 2.

CONCLUSION

Factors such as low sociocultural family background and low parental education level increase the risk of orchiectomy for their children. Awareness of the symptoms of TT may minimize the possibility of testicular loss.

Timing and outcomes of testicular torsion during the COVID-19 crisis

BACKGROUND

During the COVID-19 crisis, there has been widespread reporting that non-COVID-19-related medical care has been delayed, even for emergent conditions. Testicular torsion is an emergent condition with higher risk of testicular loss with longer ischemic times. We sought to investigate whether patients with testicular torsion had longer time from symptom onset to initial presentation, longer total ischemic time, and higher rate of orchiectomy during the pandemic.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using billing data, we identified all patients age >1yo seen in our hospital from 1/1/2018 through 5/31/2020 who underwent emergent scrotal exploration for confirmed testicular torsion, comparing the COVID-19 crisis (3/1/2020-5/31/20) to the pre-COVID-19 period (1/1/2018-2/29/20). The primary outcome was time from symptom onset to initial presentation and secondary outcomes were ischemic time (time from symptom onset to entry of the OR) and orchiectomy rate. Parameters were compared with Mann-Whitney U and Fisher's exact tests; Poisson regression compared rates of torsion.

RESULTS

Of 94 total cases, 77 occurred during the pre-COVID-19 period and 17 during the COVID-19 crisis. Median time from symptom onset to initial presentation was not significantly different (2.4 h [IQR 1.1 h-38.9] during COVID-19 vs. 5.6 h [IQR 1.6-16.9] during pre-COVID-19 period, p = 0.476). Time to presentation was >12 h in 5/17 patients (29%) during COVID-19 and 24/77 patients (31%) during pre-COVID-19 period (p = 1.00). Median ischemic time during COVID-19 was 7.5 h (IQR 4.7 h-45.5 h) compared to 9.4 h (IQR 5.4 h-22.5 h) during pre-COVID-19 period (p = 0.694). Incidence of orchiectomy in our center was 29% (5/17) during COVID-19 and 17% (13/77) during pre-COVID-19 period (p = 0.397). About half of patients were seen initially at outside facilities prior to arrival (47% [8/17] during COVID-19 vs. 49% [38/77] during pre-COVID-19 period, p = 1.00). The number of torsion case presentations per week to our facility increased from 0.7 cases/week in the pre-COVID-19 period to 1.3 cases/week during COVID-19 (p = 0.015); when comparing only the March 1 to May 31 calendar period, there were 0.6 cases/week during the pre-COVID-19 period and 1.3 cases/week during COVID-19 (p = 0.021).

CONCLUSION

Time to presentation, ischemic times, and orchiectomy rates for testicular torsion at our center were not significantly different during the COVID-19 period compared to the preceding 2 year period. The number of torsion case per week presenting to our facility increased significantly.

Presentation delay, misdiagnosis, inter-hospital transfer times and surgical outcomes in testicular torsion: analysis of statewide case series from central Brazil

PURPOSE

To estimate statewide presentation delay, misdiagnosis rate, inter-hospital transfer times and testicular salvage for testicular torsion patients treated in our state's public health system.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Case series of consecutive testicular torsion patients treated in our state's public health system between 2012-2018. Predictors included presentation delay (time from symptoms to first medical assessment), facilitie's level-of-care (primary, secondary, tertiary), first diagnosis (torsion, epididymitis, other), Doppler-enhanced ultrasound request (Doppler-US) and inter-hospital transfer times, with surgical organ salvage as the main response. We used Bayesian regression to estimate the effect of first examining facilitie's level-of-care, first diagnosis, and Doppler-US on transfer time.

RESULTS

505 patients were included, most (298, 59%) with presentation delay >6 hours. Misdiagnosis at first examining facility raised transfer time from median 2.8 to 23.4 (epididymitis) and 37.9 hours (other) and lowered testicular salvage rates from 60.3% (torsion) to 10.7% (epididymitis) and 18.3% (other). Doppler-US had negligible effects on transfer time once controlling for misdiagnosis in the regression model. Although organ salvage in patients presenting before 6 hours at the tertiary facility was high (94.6%, and about 20% lower for those presenting at lower levels-of-care), the overall salvage rate was more modest (46%).

CONCLUSION

Our low overall testicular salvage rates originated from a large proportion of late presentations combined with long transfer times caused by frequent misdiagnoses. Our results indicate that efforts to improve salvage rates should aim at enhancing population-wide disease awareness and continuously updating physicians working at primary and secondary levels-of-care about scrotal emergencies.

General surgery of childhood in the UK: a general surgeon's perspective

The future of general surgery of children as practiced in District General (DGHs) and Rural General Hospitals (RGHs) by adult general surgeons and urologists is uncertain. It is likely that this is because of a combination of the overall trend towards specialization, concerns about clinical risk; uncertainty within the profession about the behavior of the regulator and criminal justice system when considering cases of alleged incompetence; reduced and more targeted training time, curriculum changes, and perhaps a concern by other specialties regarding the ability of DGH and RGH surgeons to provide a safe service. The impact of this on regional pediatric surgical units (RPSUs) is however considerable. While transfer of some conditions such as infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis and intussusception is justifiable, transfer of others such as undescended testis and suspected torsion is not. Close communication between regional specialists and local generalists, preferably in the setting of a formal network, together with a change in the priorities of local medical and nonmedical managers and cooperation between competing Trusts is required. Strategies for dealing with the problem are available but require a change in management and National Health Service (NHS) ethos to enact effectively. Adherence to evidence-based best practice with the help of the "Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT)" initiative is vital and, together with targeted publicity and encouragement, the trend may not be irreversible. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V.

A comparison of clinical outcomes of acute testicular torsion between prepubertal and postpubertal males

SHORT INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND

Surgical intervention for acute testicular torsion can require either orchiopexy or orchiectomy. The decision of which surgery to perform is dependant on the amount of time that the testicle experienced ischemia and the viability of the testicle after reperfusion.

OBJECTIVE

It is hypothesized that (1) there is a difference in orchiectomy and orchiopexy rates between prepubertal and postpubertal males with acute testicular torsion and (2) presenting symptoms may vary between the two age groups as prepubertal males may present with atypical symptoms, which could result in delayed presentation and diagnosis.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective chart review was conducted on pediatric patients who were diagnosed with acute testicular torsion between June 2010 and August 2017. Demographic and clinical characteristics were extracted: age, ethnicity, referral pattern, primary insurance status, symptoms at presentation, prior history of ipsilateral testicular pain or intermittent torsion, recent trauma to genitalia, duration of symptoms (hours), gradual vs. acute onset of symptoms, time/weekday/season at presentation, and time interval from arrival at the study institution to surgical intervention (minutes). Patients were categorized into two groups: prepubertal group (age 1-12 years) and postpubertal group (age 13-18 years). Statistical analyses were performed using R, version 3.3.1.

RESULTS

Ninety-one patients were included in the study. The overall orchiectomy rate was 30.8%. More prepubertal males underwent orchiectomy than postpubertal males (42.4% vs. 24.1%, respectively). Prepubertal males were more likely to present with abdominal pain than postpubertal males (27.3% vs. 10.3%, respectively). Those who underwent orchiectomy were more likely to present with longer duration of symptoms, testicular swelling, and abdominal pain than those who underwent orchiopexy. The risk of orchiectomy decreased by 14% per 1-year increase in age (odds ratio [OR]: 0.86, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.94-1.00, p = .009). A steady decline in the proportion of patients undergoing orchiectomy was seen from 1 to 12 years of age.

DISCUSSION

This study found that prepubertal males are at higher risk for orchiectomy than postpubertal males. The risk of orchiectomy decreases by 14-16% per 1-year increase in age. Prepubertal males are more likely to present with atypical symptoms and delayed presentation and diagnosis, leading to delayed surgical intervention. It is important for providers to perform a genital examination in prepubertal males who present with abdominal pain to rule out acute testicular torsion. Patients presenting with longer duration of symptoms, testicular swelling, and abdominal pain are at higher risk for orchiectomy. No correlation was found between orchiectomy rate and ethnicity, referral status, primary insurance status, and time/weekday/season at presentation.

CONCLUSION

Among patients presenting to a tertiary pediatric hospital with acute testicular torsion, prepubertal males (younger than 12 years) are at higher risk for orchiectomy than postpubertal males. Prepubertal males are more likely to present with atypical symptoms which results in delayed presentation and diagnosis, leading to delayed in surgical intervention.

Implementation of the accelerated care of torsion pathway: a quality improvement initiative for testicular torsion

BACKGROUND

Timely diagnosis and management of testicular torsion is of paramount importance. Furthermore, time to surgical intervention is a benchmark for the quality of care provided by pediatric urologists included in US News and World Report (USNWR) methodology.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to optimize management of acute testicular torsion at a single institution by decreasing time from presentation to definitive management through the creation and implementation of a clinical care pathway (accelerated care of torsion or ACT) for acute testicular torsion in a 2-year period.

STUDY DESIGN

Multidisciplinary process mapping involving the emergency department (ED), radiology, anesthesiology, peri-operative services, and operating room (OR) teams resulted in development of the ACT pathway with the goal of achieving surgical intervention within 4 h of arrival at our institution. The accelerated care of torsion pathway was implemented in April 2016. Thirty-eight consecutive acute torsion cases were then prospectively evaluated from April 2016 to April 2018. For process measures, we recorded triage to OR times and mode of presentation. For outcome measures, we examined orchiectomy rates. We retrospectively reviewed 97 cases of acute torsion from 2004 to 2016 as a control.

RESULTS

Time from ED triage to OR start decreased from a median 196 min (interquartile range [IQR] 137-249 min) to 127 min (IQR 100-148 min; P < 0.0001) for all cases of acute torsion. In the control group, 72% of cases met the USNWR criteria for acute treatment of torsion. After ACT implementation, 100% of cases reached the OR within the 240 min time frame. Orchiectomy rates were performed in 24% of control cases vs 30% after ACT implementation (P = NS). Survival curve analysis demonstrated no significant difference in probability of testis salvage before or after implementation of the ACT pathway.

DISCUSSION

In agreement with similar studies, despite a significant reduction in triage to OR times, the orchiectomy rate approached 30%. This outcome did not significantly improve after implementation of the ACT pathway. Overall ischemia time was a more important determinant of testis salvage. Study limitations include limited patient follow-up to assess testis atrophy.

CONCLUSIONS

The multidisciplinary creation and implementation of a clinical pathway for the care of acute testis torsion has significantly decreased the time from ED to OR in our institution. However, overall orchiectomy rate was not significantly affected.

Recurrent Testicular Torsion of a Fixed Testis

Recurrent testicular torsion after previous orchiopexy is rare and needs high index of suspension to avoid misdiagnosis and delayed management. This case showed that this diagnosis can occur even when the testis is still fixed to the scrotal wall. A 31-year-old male who had previous testicular fixation for testicular torsion with a single stitch to the lower pole before 6 years presented with recurrent testicular torsion and missed diagnosis. This case confirm that recurrent testicular torsion after previous fixation should be included in the differential diagnosis of acute scrotum and emphasis on the testicular fixation with nonabsorbable suture in at least two points to prevent recurrent torsion.

Point-of-care influences orchiectomy rates in pediatric patients with testicular torsion

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to determine whether point-of-care (community hospitals vs. tertiary centers) or treatment-delaying variables (transfer, emergency room [ER] throughput, and distance traveled) affect orchiectomy rates in minors with testicular torsion (TT) using a national database.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a retrospective cohort study using prospectively collected data by the Canadian Institute of Health Information (CIHI) between 2010 and 2015. All Canadian male patients in the CIHI database aged <18 years with TT based on International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes were included, except for those residing in Quebec. Variables collected were age, type of treating institution (community small/medium, community large, or tertiary/academic), transfer for definitive treatment, road distance traveled, and ER throughput. The outcome was testicular loss based on intervention codes for orchiectomy/orchidopexy. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed using logistic regression.

RESULTS

A total of 1713 minors with TT were included. Overall orchiectomy rate was 28%. Most patients (52%) were treated at tertiary hospitals. Small/medium community hospitals depicted the lowest odds of orchiectomy on univariable and multivariable analyses (odds ratio [OR] = 0.54, confidence interval [CI]: 0.37-0.79, p < 0.001); academic hospitals were also associated with a lower odds of orchiectomy than large community ones. Transfer and distance traveled were not associated with the outcome. Age >12 and ER throughput less than 1 h were significantly associated with lower orchiectomy rates. In a subgroup analysis of patients aged <12 years (n = 278), transfer was the only factor associated with increased risk of orchiectomy (OR = 2.41 , CI: 1.09-5.33; p = 0.03).

DISCUSSION

This study showed that small and medium community hospitals had the lowest orchiectomy rates in minors with TT in Canada (Figure). However, on multivariable analysis, they performed similarly to tertiary/academic hospitals, with both being superior to large community hospitals. Transfer and distance traveled did not affect orchiectomy rates. Emergency room throughput had a statistically significant association with orchiectomy rates in every analysis and based on the study data would constitute the best target for policies aimed at reducing orchiectomy rates for TT in minors. The main limitation of this study is the inability to evaluate long-term testicular viability of patients not undergoing orchiectomy (i.e., true testicular salvage).

CONCLUSIONS

Type of hospital treating facility (point-of-care) affects orchiectomy rates in minors with TT. Small/medium community hospitals depict the lowest orchiectomy rates in Canada. Transfer to another facility for definitive care and distance traveled did not affect orchiectomy rates, except in a subgroup analysis of prepubertal boys. Longer ER throughput and prepubertal age were consistently associated with loss of the testicle.

Do repeat ultrasounds affect orchiectomy rate in patients with testicular torsion treated at a pediatric institution?

INTRODUCTION

Testicular torsion is a urological emergency; as the testicular salvage rate decreases with time, prompt intervention is required to restore the blood flow. Interhospital transfers and ultrasound examinations, while clinically essential to proper treatment and diagnosis, may adversely affect outcomes by delaying surgical intervention. Patients transferred to another institution for treatment of testicular torsion may experience a further time delay by undergoing two ultrasound examinations: one at the initial admitting institution and one at the receiving institution. To the knowledge of the authors, no study has yet explored the time delays and outcomes associated with these repeat ultrasounds.

OBJECTIVE

The objective was to investigate the impact of repeat ultrasound imaging on time to treatment and patient outcomes in patients with testicular torsion.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective chart review of 133 patients, aged 0-20 years, treated at the authors' institution for testicular torsion was conducted. Neonate patients and patients who did not receive ultrasound were excluded. Demographic and clinical variables were collected from the electronic medical record. Pearson Chi-squared and t-tests were used for univariate comparisons, and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to measure the relationships between variables.

RESULTS

Forty-nine percent of patients were primary patients, and 51% were transfer patients. Fifty-two percent of transfer patients received repeat ultrasounds. In comparison to salvaged patients, those who underwent orchiectomy experienced a greater delay between presentation at the institution and surgical intervention (229 min vs 177 min, p = 0.048). The transfer status does not appear to be related to the outcome, i.e. orchiectomy versus salvage. Patients who underwent orchiectomy were more likely than salvaged patients to have received repeat ultrasounds (p = 0.008). Repeat ultrasound patients had three times the likelihood of orchiectomy of single ultrasound patients. In a subset analysis of transfer patients, repeat ultrasound patients were more likely than single ultrasound patients to receive an orchiectomy (p = 0.03).

DISCUSSION

In agreement with previous studies, patients who underwent orchiectomy were found to experience greater treatment delays and trend toward transfer. Specifically, repeat ultrasound and time between presentation and intervention appear to influence patient outcomes. The effect of repeat ultrasound on outcomes appears to be independent of the transfer status. The study was limited by its retrospective nature and small sample size.

CONCLUSION

The analysis suggests that efforts to prevent repeat ultrasounds and minimize the time between presentation and intervention would improve patient outcomes. It is proposed that standardized clinical decision-making procedures, such as the TWIST scoring system, be incorporated into hospital protocols.

Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio Predicts Organ Salvage in Testicular Torsion with Marginal Diagnostic Delay

Purpose

Though prompt diagnosis to minimize symptom duration (SD) is highly associated with organ salvage in cases of testicular torsion (TT), SD is subjective and hard to determine. We thus investigated the clinical implications of systemic inflammatory responses (SIRs) as potential surrogates of SD to improve testis survival.

Materials and Methods

Sixty men with TT that underwent immediate operation among orchiectomy and orchiopexy following a visit to a single emergency department were retrospectively enrolled. Mandatory laboratory tests conducted included neutrophil, lymphocyte, and platelet counts.

Results

Mean age and SD was 15.7±3.7 years and 8.27±4.98 hours, respectively. Thirty-eight (63.3%) underwent orchiectomy and the remaining 22 underwent orchiopexy. Leukocytosis (p=0.001) and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR, p<0.001) were significantly lower in the orchiopexy group as was SD (3.27±1.88 vs. 11.16±3.80, p<0.001). Although multivariate model showed that the only single variable associated with receipt of orchiopexy was SD (odds ratio [OR]=0.259, p<0.001), it also revealed NLR as a sole SIR associated with SD (B=0.894, p<0.001). While 93.3% with a SD of within 3 hours underwent orchiopexy, only 26.6% of affected testes were preserved between 3 to 12 hours (n=30). When multivariable analysis was applied to those with window period, NLR alone predicted orchiopexy rather than orchiectomy (p=0.034, OR=0.635, p=0.013). The area under curve between SD (0.882) and NLR (0.756) was similar (p=0.14).

Conclusions

This study showed NLR independently predicted testis survival by proper surgical correction particularly for patients with marginally delayed diagnosis, which suggest the clinical usefulness for identifying candidates for orchiopexy in emergency setting.

Direction of Rotation in Testicular Torsion and Identification of Predictors of Testicular Salvage

OBJECTIVES

To identify the rate at which testicular torsion occurs in a lateral direction and identify any predictors of direction of testicular rotation and orchiectomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of 104 cases of emergent scrotal exploration performed for testicular torsion by 3 pediatric urologists from 2003 to 2017. Patients with neonatal torsion, negative scrotal exploration, or exploration for presumed intermittent testicular torsion were excluded. Univariable logistic regression was performed to assess if any factors predicted direction of testicular rotation. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression was used to identify predictors of testicular salvage.

RESULTS

Of 104 cases of acute testicular torsion, information regarding the direction of testicular rotation was available in 81 patients. Lateral testicular rotation occurred in 38 cases (46%). No factors were found to be predictive of direction of torsion. Orchiectomy for testicular nonviability was performed in 50 of 104 cases (48%). On univariable analysis, younger age (p = .002), absence of gastrointestinal symptoms (P = .02), time to exploration (P < .001), testicular size differential on ultrasound (p = .002), absence of hydrocele (P = .01), abnormal ultrasound echotexture (P < .001), and degree of torsion (P = .04) were associated with orchiectomy. With the exception of absence of gastrointestinal symptoms, all predictors of orchiectomy remained statistically significant on multivariable analysis.

CONCLUSION

Testicular rotation occurs in a lateral direction in 46% of cases. Lateral manual detorsion should be performed only with awareness of the potential for increasing the degree of testicular rotation. New independent predictors of testicular salvage were identified.

Straight to the Operating Room: An Emergent Surgery Track for Acute Testicular Torsion Transfers

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effect of implementing an emergency surgery track for testicular torsion transfers. We hypothesized that transferring children from other facilities diagnosed with torsion straight to the operating room (STOR) would decrease ischemia time, lower costs, and reduce testicular loss.

STUDY DESIGN

Demographics, arrival to incision time, hospital cost in dollars, and testicular outcome (determined by testicular ultrasound) at follow-up were retrospectively compared in all patients transferred to our tertiary care children's hospital with a diagnosis of testicular torsion from 2012 to 2016. Clinical data for STOR and non-STOR patients were compared by Wilcoxon rank-sum, 2-tailed t test, or Fisher exact test as appropriate.

RESULTS

Sixty-eight patients met inclusion criteria: 35 STOR and 33 non-STOR. Children taken STOR had a shorter median arrival to incision time (STOR: 54 minutes vs non-STOR: 94 minutes, P  < .0001) and lower median total hospital costs (STOR: $3882 vs non-STOR: $4419, P < .0001). However, only 46.8% of STOR patients and 48.4% of non-STOR patients achieved surgery within 6 hours of symptom onset. Testicular salvage rates in STOR and non-STOR patients were not significantly different (STOR: 68.4% vs non-STOR: 36.8%, P = .1), but follow-up was poor.

CONCLUSIONS

STOR decreased arrival to incision time and hospital cost but did not affect testicular loss. The bulk of ischemia time in torsion transfers occurred before arrival at our tertiary care center. Further interventions addressing delays in diagnosis and transfer are needed to truly improve testicular salvage rates in these patients.

Testicular torsion: A retrospective investigation of predictors of surgical outcomes and of remaining controversies

INTRODUCTION

Testicular torsion (TT), a common surgical emergency worldwide, is typically treated with orchiectomy or orchiopexy. It is widely accepted that the chance of salvaging the testicle declines with time and degree of torsion. The impact of ethnicity on outcome is less well understood, and the association between weather and onset of TT remains a controversy.

OBJECTIVES

It is important to know the signs of TT so that appropriate treatment can be given quickly. The purpose of this study was to provide a detailed analysis of registered cases of TT in adolescent patients diagnosed at a single institution to better understand the association between clinical indicators and surgical outcomes and to examine some remaining controversies in the literature on TT.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective chart review was conducted, using medical records from the present institution. Data were collected for 165 patients who met the following inclusion criteria: 1) adolescent males between 10 and 18 years of age at the time of diagnosis, and 2) TT between January 2001 and June 2013.

RESULTS

Of the 165 patients, 38% had orchiectomies. Patients with orchiectomies had longer wait times for surgery (p < 0.0001)-but not greater driving times, driving distances, or degrees of torsion-than those with orchiopexies (Table). Yet, among patients who waited less than the median wait time to surgery (197 min), patients with orchiectomies had greater degrees of torsion than did those with orchiopexies (p = 0.02). Assuming that patients without reference to presence of bell clapper deformity in their medical notes did not have the deformity, those with orchiectomies were less likely to have bell clapper deformity than were those with orchiopexies (p < 0.01). Although mean atmospheric temperature was unassociated with onset of TT and with surgical outcome in general, patients without bell clapper deformity had TT on relatively colder days (p = 0.02).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Wait time to surgery positively correlates with orchiectomy. Early identification and intervention is vital to testicular salvage. As the degree of torsion increases, the blood supply to the affected testis decreases and the time required to inflict testicular vascular damage decreases. Our results showed the presence of the bell clapper deformity moderated the relationship between temperature and TT: Those without the deformity had torsions on colder days than did those with the deformity. A comprehensive multi-centered study could help draw further conclusions regarding temperature correlation and the bell clapper deformity.

Factors Associated with Delayed Presentation and Misdiagnosis of Testicular Torsion: A Case-Control Study

We identified factors associated with delay in presentation and misdiagnosis of testicular torsion. Compared with acute cases, delayed presentations were more likely to report isolated abdominal pain, developmental disorders, and history of recent genital trauma. Failure to perform a genitourinary examination or scrotal imaging was associated with misdiagnosis.

Effects of platelet-rich plasma against experimental ischemia/reperfusion injury in rat testis

BACKGROUND

Testicular torsion is a common problem and, to date, there is no agent to preserve testicular function following detorsion. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), with its rich growth factor composition, has proven beneficial in regenerative therapy. It is believed that PRP has not been studied in testis for ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury.

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated the effect of PRP in an I/R rat model 1 month after detorsion.

STUDY DESIGN

Of 24 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats, 18 were randomly assigned into three groups, with six in each: control, I/R and I/R + PRP. The PRP was prepared from the remaining six. Each group underwent right orchiectomy. Ischemia was performed by rotating the left testis 720° and fixing with a nylon suture for 4 h. Reperfusion occurred 4 h later by removing the suture, and PRP was administered at a dose of 10 μl (2000 × 10⁹/l) into the left testis via the intraparenchymal route. Animals were sacrificed at the fourth week, and testes were taken for malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), myeloperoxidase (MPO), transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), and caspase-3 measurements.

RESULTS

Ischemia/reperfusion caused a significant increase in MDA, MPO and caspase-3 activity, and significant decrease in GSH levels and SOD activity. The PRP treatment helped correct the alterations in SOD, caspase-3, and MPO activities and MDA levels. However, the mean MDA level and MPO activity were not totally restored compared with the controls. Serum testosterone levels of the I/R group were significantly lower compared with the control and I/R + PRP groups. TGF-β and caspase-3 protein expressions were significantly higher in the I/R group compared with the control group and were low with PRP administration compared with I/R groups (summary Table).

DISCUSSION

The findings of the present study suggest that PRP, by inhibiting neutrophil infiltration and oxidative stress and increasing antioxidant defense, exerts protective effects on testicular tissues against I/R. This study had some limitations: a scoring system was not used in the assessment of spermatogenesis in the histopathological findings and specific testis cell types were not histologically assessed.

CONCLUSIONS

In light of the biochemical, histological and, especially, hormonal findings, intraparenchymal PRP injection may have a protective effect in testicular tissue against I/R injury.

How do they get here: Does the method of transportation impact salvage for patients with testicular torsion?

INTRODUCTION

A growing number of patients are arriving at our tertiary care center for evaluation of possible testicular torsion using ambulance or helicopter transport. In many cases the parents arrive by car before the patient arrives. Are these advanced methods of medical transport worth the expense and risk in the case of suspected testicular torsion?

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated the total number of patients presenting to our emergency room for suspected testicular torsion to see if the means of transport affected testicular survival.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective.

RESULTS

As shown below in the table, the means of transport did not impact on testicular salvage.

DISCUSSION

It is understandable that many patients with scrotal pain seek treatment closer to home because of their pediatrician's recommendation and/or family preference. However once evaluated many patients are transferred because of a lack of urologists willing to evaluate and treat the pediatric patients in community settings or because of a lack of anesthesia support. These patients are often transported by ambulance or helicopter. Our data would suggest that there is no improvement in the testicular salvage rate seen with these more advanced means of medical transportation compared with transfer by private car even when we restrict the analysis to patients traveling from over 40 miles away. We suspect that important time is lost while waiting to make such transfer arrangements. Furthermore transfer by ambulance or helicopter is more expensive and these costs are often passed on to families. Transfer by helicopter is also riskier. While an argument can be made in favor of medical transport over long distances or long driving times, this data suggests that many of these transfers could be accomplished by car with no effect on testicular salvage rates.

CONCLUSION

The rate of testicular salvage was not affected by the means of transport to our tertiary facility. Only 4 patients would have required advanced of medical transport if this were limited to those facilities over 100 miles or 1.5 hours driving time away. This would achieve a substantial cost savings with no measurable change in outcome.

Testicular Torsion Presentation Trends before and after Pediatric Urology Subspecialty Certification

PURPOSE

We examined testicular torsion presentation and referral trends at our institution before and after pediatric urology subspecialty certification.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We reviewed patients with testicular torsion presenting directly to our pediatric hospital emergency department ("direct") or transferred urgently from an outside institution ("referred") who underwent detorsion and orchiopexy or orchiectomy between 2005 and 2015. Presentations were considered acute (less than 24 hours) or delayed (24 hours or greater) based on time from symptom onset. Primary outcomes were case volume and presentation trends through time. Secondary outcomes were effect of presenting location and transport variables on orchiectomy rate.

RESULTS

Incidence of testicular torsion increased from 15 cases in 2005 to 32 in 2015. Annual incidence of direct cases increased slightly during the study period from 12 to 17, whereas incidence of referred cases increased from 3 in 2005 to 15 in 2015. Proportion of referred acute cases markedly increased from precertification (4 of 63, 6.3%) to postcertification period (42 of 155, 27.1%; p <0.01). The majority of referred cases (59 of 83, 71.1%) presented during weekday nights or weekends compared to a minority of direct cases (59 of 135, 43.7%; p <0.01). Orchiectomy rates were similar between direct and referred cases across all study periods and were not significantly impacted by presentation location, transport distance or transport modality (all p >0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with testicular torsion have been increasingly referred to our institution, with the majority presenting on weekday nights and weekends. Our data do not support routinely transferring these patients to dedicated pediatric hospitals.

Treatment patterns, testicular loss and disparities in inpatient surgical management of testicular torsion in boys: a population-based study 1998-2010

OBJECTIVES

To examine temporal trends in inpatient testicular torsion (TT) treatment and testicular loss (TL), and to identify risk factors for TL using a large nationally representative paediatric cohort, stratified to established high prevalence TT cohorts (neonatal TT [NTT]; age <1 years) and adolescent TT (ATT; age 12-17 years).

METHODS

Boys (age ≤17 years, n = 17 478) undergoing surgical exploration for TT were identified within the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (1998-2010). Temporal trends in inpatient TT management (salvage surgery vs orchiectomy) and TL were examined using estimated annual percent change methodology. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify risk factors for TL.

RESULTS

Teaching hospitals treated 90% of boys with NTT, compared with 55% with ATT (P < 0.001). Of boys with NTT, 85% lost their testis, compared with 35% with ATT (P < 0.001). Inpatient management of NTT declined during the study period, from 7.5/100 000 children in 1998 to 3/100 000 in 2010 (estimated annual percent change -4.95%; P < 0.001). The decrease was similar but less dramatic in ATT. TL patterns did not improve. In adjusted analyses, for NTT, orchiectomy was more likely at teaching hospitals. For ATT, orchiectomy was more likely in children with comorbidities (odds ratio 5.42; P = 0.045), Medicaid coverage or self-pay (P < 0.05) and weekday presentation (P = 0.001). Regional or racial disposition was not associated with TL.

CONCLUSIONS

There has been a gradual decrease in inpatient surgical treatment for both NTT and ATT, presumably as a result of increased outpatient and/or non-operative management of these children. Concerningly, TL patterns have not improved; targeted interventions such as parental and adolescent male health education may lead to timely recognition/intervention in children at-risk for ATT. We noted no regional/racial disparities in contrast to earlier studies.

Standardized education and parental awareness are lacking for testicular torsion

INTRODUCTION

Testicular torsion leads to orchiectomy in 30-50% of cases, which may cause psychological upset and parental guilt over a potentially avertable outcome. Presentation delay is an important modifiable cause of orchiectomy; yet, families are not routinely educated about torsion or its urgency. The present study assessed parental knowledge regarding acute scrotal pain.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An anonymous survey was distributed to parents in Urology and ENT offices, asking about their children's gender and scrotal pain history, urgency of response to a child's acute scrotal pain, and familiarity with testicular torsion.

RESULTS

Surveys of 479 urology and 59 ENT parents were analyzed. The results between the two were not statistically different. Among the urology parents, 34% had heard of testicular twisting/torsion, most commonly through friends, relatives or knowing someone with torsion (35%); only 17% were informed by pediatricians (Summary Figure). Parents presenting for a child's scrotal pain were significantly more likely to have heard of torsion (69%) than those presenting for other reasons (30%, OR 5.24, P < 0.0001). Only 13% of parents of boys had spoken with their children about torsion. Roughly three quarters of them would seek emergent medical attention - by day (75%) or night (82%) - for acute scrotal pain. However, urgency was no more likely among those who knew about torsion.

DISCUSSION

This was the first study to assess parental knowledge of the emergent nature of acute scrotal pain in a non-urgent setting, and most closely approximating their level of knowledge at the time of pain onset. It also assessed parents' hypothetical responses to the scenario, which was markedly different than documented presentation times, highlighting a potential area for improvement in presentation times. Potential limitations included lack of respondent demographic data, potential sampling bias of a population with greater healthcare knowledge or involvement, and assessment of parents only.

CONCLUSIONS

Parental knowledge of testicular torsion was lacking, suggesting both ineffective education in the well-child setting and inappropriately timed education during or after pain occurrence. Awareness was most commonly anecdotal or taught unreliably, as even familiar parents were no more likely to seek emergent attention. Therefore, standardized, effective parental education on testicular torsion and the need for prompt presentation is needed, as is improvement in the quality of information taught in the healthcare setting. Further assessment of knowledge among preadolescent and adolescent boys regarding testicular torsion is warranted. It is hopeful that pre-hospital delay may be minimized and greater rates of testicular salvageability may be achieved through these efforts.

Interhospital transfer for acute surgical care: does delay matter?

BACKGROUND

Delays to definitive care are associated with poor outcomes after trauma and medical emergencies. It is unknown whether inter-hospital transfer delays affect outcomes for nontraumatic acute surgical conditions.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort study of patient transfers for acute surgical conditions within a regional transfer network from 2009 to 2013. Delay was defined as more than 24 hours from presentation to transfer request and categorized as 1 or 2+ days. The primary outcome was post-transfer death or hospice. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression were performed.

RESULTS

The cohort included 2,091 patient transfers. Delays of 2 or more days were associated with death or hospice in unadjusted analyses, but there was no difference after adjustment. Predictors of post-transfer death or hospice included older age, higher comorbidity scores, and greater severity of illness.

CONCLUSIONS

Delays in transfer request were not associated with post-transfer mortality or discharge to hospice, suggesting effective triage of nontraumatic acute surgical patients.

Parental perception of acute scrotal pain in children

INTRODUCTION

Acute scrotal pain (ASP) remains one of the more common urological emergencies in the paediatric age group. Acute testicular torsion is the only true urological emergency, where delay in presentation or management can lead to loss of the affected testicle. Since prompt presentation, diagnosis and treatment are critical for testicular salvage, multiple patient and hospital specific factors may influence orchidectomy rates. Parental awareness of the sequelae of ASP may be a significant factor in delayed presentation of children to hospital. We examine the awareness among parents of the implications of ASP in this snapshot study.

METHODS

A prospective study was planned, and all boys between the ages of 2 and 16 years presenting to the unit with ASP and undergoing emergency scrotal exploration were considered for inclusion in the study. The accompanying parents/guardians of all these boys were asked to complete a questionnaire assessing their awareness of ASP and its potential consequences.

RESULTS

Over a period of 26 months (July 2010 to September 2012), 76 boys were eligible for the study. The response rate was 81.6%. Only a third (30%) presented to hospital within six hours of onset of pain and just under a quarter (22%) of the cohort attended the emergency department directly. Parents overwhelmingly (96%) felt that there ought to be increased public awareness of the condition. The majority of parents questioned (n=41, 66%) did not fully appreciate the implications of ASP.

CONCLUSIONS

This is a first snapshot study demonstrating the apparent lack of awareness among parents about the implications of ASP, which could influence the rate of testicular salvage.

Factors influencing rate of testicular salvage in acute testicular torsion at a tertiary pediatric center

Introduction

Studies have demonstrated that variables other than duration of symptoms can affect outcomes in children with acute testicular torsion. We examined demographic and logistical factors, including inter-hospital transfer, which may affect outcomes at a tertiary pediatric referral center.

Methods

We reviewed charts of all pediatric patients with acute testicular torsion during a five-year period. Data were collected regarding age, insurance type, socioeconomic status, duration of symptoms prior to presentation, transfer status, time of day, time to surgical exploration, and testicular salvage.

Results

Our study included 114 patients. Testicular salvage was possible in 55.3% of patients. Thirty-one percent of patients included in the study were transferred from another facility. Inter-hospital transfer did not affect testicular salvage rate. Time to surgery and duration of pain were higher among patients who underwent orchiectomy versus orchidopexy. Patients older than eight years of age were more likely to undergo orchidopexy than those younger than eight (61.5% vs. 30.4%, p=0.01). Ethnicity, insurance type, or time of day did not affect the testicular salvage rates. On multivariate analysis, only duration of symptoms less than six hours predicted testicular salvage (OR 22.5, p<0.001).

Conclusion

Even though inter-hospital transfer delays definitive surgical management, it may not affect testicular salvage rates. Time to presentation is the most important factor in predicting outcomes in children with acute testicular torsion.

Patterns of care in testicular torsion: influence of hospital transfer on testicular outcomes

OBJECTIVE

To investigate patterns of care for testicular torsion and influence of hospital transfers on testicular outcomes. Hospital transfer may be a source of treatment delay in a condition where delays increase likelihood of orchiectomy.

METHODS

We used a retrospective cohort of Californian males with ICD-9/CPT-defined torsion from inpatient, emergency department (ED), and ambulatory surgery center (ASC) data. Logistic regression assessed predictors of orchiectomy.

RESULTS

Predictors of orchiectomy were ages <1 year (OR 19.2, 95% CI 6.3-58.9), 1-9 years (OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.4-5.2), and ≥40 years (OR 6.6, 95% CI 3.1-13.9) (vs. masked age). Treatment at mid-volume (vs. high-volume) facilities was associated with lower odds of orchiectomy (OR 0.5, 95% CI 0.3-0.7). Rural location, non-private insurance, and hospital transfer were associated with orchiectomy on univariate but not multivariate analysis. During 2008-2010, 2794 subjects experienced torsion (average incidence 5.08 per 100,000 males yearly). Encounters occurred in ASCs (55%), inpatient facilities (36%), and EDs (9%). 60% of subjects were privately insured, 2% experienced hospital transfer, and 31% underwent orchiectomy.

CONCLUSION

Our census found that most cases of testicular torsion were treated in outpatient settings. Hospital transfer was not associated with orchiectomy.

The incidence rate and characteristics in patients with testicular torsion: a nationwide, population-based study

AIM

To determine the incidence rate and characteristics in patients with testicular torsion in Taiwan using a nationwide insurance database.

METHODS

This study utilizes a subset of national health insurance research database, which contains the data of all paid medical benefit claims over the period 1997-2010 for in 1 000 000 beneficiaries in 2005. We analysed claims data for all male subjects younger than 25 years with the diagnosis of testicular torsion.

RESULTS

A total of 86 subjects younger than 25 years with the diagnosis of testicular torsion were included. Among them, 22 (25.6%) underwent orchiectomies and 64 (74.4%) underwent orchiopexies. The estimated incidence of testicular torsion was 3.5 per 100 000 person-years. There are two peaks in the age-specific incidence rates: the first in boys aged 10-14 years (at 7.7 per 100 000 person-years) and the second in male infants aged <1 year (at 7.6 per 100 000 person-years). There was significant difference between orchiectomy and orchiopexy groups in the Insurance fee (p = 0.032).

CONCLUSION

The incidence of testicular torsion in Taiwan was similar with previous report in the United States. It is important to improve the medical access to achieve better outcomes of testicular torsion.

Prospective pilot derivation of a decision tool for children at low risk for testicular torsion

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to derive a pilot clinical decision tool with 100% negative predictive value for testicular torsion based on prospectively collected data in children with acute scrotal pain.

METHODS

This was a prospective cohort study of a convenience sample of newborn to 21-year-old males evaluated for acute (72 hours or less) scrotal pain at an urban children's hospital emergency department (ED). A pediatric emergency medicine fellow or attending physician documented history and examination findings on a standardized data collection form. The study investigators used ultrasound (US), operative reports, or clinical follow-up to identify patients who had testicular torsion. Pearson's chi-square test and odds ratios (OR) were used to identify factors associated with the diagnosis of testicular torsion. The authors also used a recursive partitioning model to create a low-risk decision tool for testicular torsion.

RESULTS

Of the 450 eligible patients, 228 (51%) were enrolled, with a mean (± SD) age of 9.9 (± 4.1) years, including 21 (9.2%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 5.8% to 13.7%) with testicular torsion. The derived clinical decision tool consisted of three variables: horizontal or inguinal testicular lie (OR = 18.17, 95% CI = 6.2 to 53.2), nausea or vomiting (OR = 5.63, 95% CI = 2.08 to 15.22), and age 11 to 21 years (OR = 3.9, 95% CI = 1.27 to 11.97). These variables had a sensitivity of 100% (95% CI = 98% to 100%) and negative predictive value of 100% (95% CI = 98% to 100%) for the diagnosis of testicular torsion.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on a decision tool derived with recursive partitioning, study patients with all of the following characteristics had no risk of testicular torsion: normal testicular lie, lack of nausea or vomiting, and age 0 to 10 years. Future research should focus on externally validating this tool to optimize emergent evaluation when testicular torsion is likely, while minimizing routine sonographic evaluation when patients are unlikely to have a serious condition requiring immediate management.

Diurnal temperature change is associated with testicular torsion: a nationwide, population based study in Taiwan

PURPOSE

We investigated the association between climatic variables and testicular torsion in Taiwanese males.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using the Taiwan Longitudinal Health Insurance Database, we reviewed the files of patients who were diagnosed with testicular torsion and underwent orchiectomy or orchiopexy between January 1996 and December 2008. Children younger than 1 year were excluded from the study. Climatic data were provided by the Taiwan Central Weather Bureau and included ambient temperature, relative humidity, diurnal temperature change and barometric pressure. Patients with acute appendicitis who underwent appendectomy were chosen as the control group. Climatic variables in relation to testicular torsion were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test and chi-square test, and seasonal climatic variations using the Kruskal-Wallis H test. Relative risk was calculated to compare the incidence of testicular torsion for diurnal temperature changes.

RESULTS

A total of 65 patients with a mean age of 16.2 years presented with testicular torsion and were treated surgically. Four children younger than 1 year were excluded, and thus the study population consisted of 61 patients. The estimated incidence of testicular torsion was 2.58 per 100,000 person-years. There were no special climatic conditions on days of admission. However, 73.7% of the patients had testicular torsion when the diurnal temperature change was 6C or greater. Compared to the torsion rate for diurnal temperature changes less than 6C, the relative risk of testicular torsion at 6C or greater was 1.8 (p = 0.05). Average seasonal diurnal temperature change in the 2 days before hospitalization showed increases in all seasons except spring, which fluctuated.

CONCLUSIONS

Diurnal temperature change was associated with testicular torsion and may be an etiological climatic factor affecting this condition. This is the first known study to demonstrate an association between diurnal temperature change and testicular torsion.

Les torsions du cordon spermatique chez l’adulte au CHU Yalgado Ouédraogo de Ouagadougou

Objectif

Étudier les aspects épidémiologique, diagnostique et thérapeutique de la torsion du cordon spermatique (TCS) chez des sujets adultes de plus de 15 ans.

Matériel et méthodes

Étude rétrospective descriptive du 1er janvier 2004 au 30 juin 2010 menée dans les services d’urologie et des urgences de chirurgie viscérale du CHU Yalgado-Ouédraogo de Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso). Nous avons colligé 51 dossiers médicaux de tous les patients qui ont été reçus pour suspicion de TCS durant la période d’étude.

Résultats

La TCS était confirmée chez 40 patients (78,4%) à la scrototomie exploratrice. L’âge moyen des patients était de 26 ans (extrêmes de 16 et 55 ans). Le délai moyen de consultation était de 24,6 heures et 84,3 % des patients avaient consulté après la sixième heure. La tuméfaction de l’hémibourse et l’ascension testiculaire étaient les signes physiques dominants. Une orchidectomie a été réalisée chez 22 patients (55 %). Les suites opératoires étaient simples chez tous les patients avec une durée moyenne d’hospitalisation de 4,3 jours (extrêmes de deux et sept jours).

Conclusions

Notre série est marquée par une forte proportion d’orchidectomie. Des actions de sensibilisation des populations doivent être menées afin qu’elles consultent rapidement devant tout tableau de bourse aiguë douloureuse.