Clinical features and management of testicular torsion in children with cryptorchidism
https://doi.org/10.21886/2308-6424-2026-14-1-112-117
Abstract
Introduction. Cryptorchidism is a common congenital anomaly in which the testes fail to descend normally into the scrotum. Although most cases can be corrected surgically, some patients miss the optimal window for treatment and, as they grow, may present with acute complications such as testicular torsion.
Objective. To analyse our experience with the diagnosis and treatment outcomes of testicular torsion in children with cryptorchidism.
Materials & methods. We retrospectively reviewed clinical data from 7 boys with cryptorchidism who developed testicular torsion and underwent surgical treatment at the Chelyabinsk Regional Children’s Hospital between 2018 and 2024. Preoperative scrotal ultrasonography was performed in all cases. Postoperative follow‑up was 12 months.
Results. The mean age at presentation was 48 months. Testicular torsion involved the left side in 5 cases and the right side in 2 cases, with the degree of twisting ranging from 360° to 720°. The median interval between symptom onset and surgery was 24 hours, and the mean operative time was 25 minutes. Irreversible testicular necrosis was found in 5 patients, who underwent orchiectomy, whereas in 2 patients the testes were successfully detorsed and preserved with good intraoperative perfusion. During follow‑up, testicular atrophy developed in 1 preserved testis. In children who underwent orchiectomy, the contralateral fixed testes showed normal development.
Conclusion. Testicular torsion in children with cryptorchidism is rare and often presents with subtle symptoms, making early recognition challenging. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial for testicular salvage. Ultrasonography plays an important role in the diagnosis of testicular torsion in the setting of cryptorchidism.
Supporting agencies: The study was not sponsored.
About the Authors
D. S. Zolotukhin
South Ural State Medical University; Chelyabinsk Regional Children's Clinical Hospital
Russian Federation
Competing Interests:
Russian Federation
Dmitry S. Zolotukhin
Chelyabinsk
Competing Interests:
The authors declare no conflicts of interest
O. S. Pavlova
Chelyabinsk Regional Children's Clinical Hospital
Russian Federation
Competing Interests:
Russian Federation
Dmitriy S. Zolotukhin
Chelyabinsk
Competing Interests:
The authors declare no conflicts of interest
E. N. Zaitseva
South Ural State Medical University; Chelyabinsk Regional Children's Clinical Hospital
Russian Federation
Competing Interests:
Russian Federation
Eva N. Zaitseva
Chelyabinsk
Competing Interests:
The authors declare no conflicts of interest
A. V. Grunin
South Ural State Medical University; Chelyabinsk Regional Children's Clinical Hospital
Russian Federation
Competing Interests:
Russian Federation
Alexander V.Grunin
Chelyabinsk
Competing Interests:
The authors declare no conflicts of interest
I. A. Filatov
Chelyabinsk Regional Children's Clinical Hospital
Russian Federation
Competing Interests:
Russian Federation
Ivan A. Filatov
Chelyabinsk
Competing Interests:
The authors declare no conflicts of interest
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For citations:
Zolotukhin D.S., Pavlova O.S., Zaitseva E.N., Grunin A.V., Filatov I.A. Clinical features and management of testicular torsion in children with cryptorchidism. Urology Herald. 2026;14(1):112-117. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.21886/2308-6424-2026-14-1-112-117
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