• A O Obi, C J Okeke, and E I Ugwuidu.
• Department of Surgery, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki; Department of Surgery, Ebonyi State University Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
• Niger J Clin Pract. 2020 Nov 1; 23 (11): 1536-1541.

ObjectivesThe aim of this study is to evaluate the pattern of presentation, anatomic anomalies, and treatment outcomes in patients presenting with acute testicular torsion in a tertiary health institution in southeast Nigeria.MethodsThis was a prospective study of all consecutive patients with acute testicular torsion seen from January 2011 to November 2019 at our institution. Their demographic and clinical data were analyzed.ResultsThirty-one acute testicular torsion cases were seen during the study period. Mean age was 22.6 (±7.3) years. Two peaks of incidence were observed. These were in the 14-19-year and 20-25-year age groups. The left testis was more commonly affected than the right; 15 cases (48.4%) versus 13 cases (41.9%). Past history of intermittent torsion was seen in 48.4% of cases. Abdominal pain was the commonest associated symptom followed by vomiting; 20 (64.5%) and 11 (35.5%). Seven cases (22.6%) of acute torsion occurred during sleep. Delay in presentation and delay in surgical intervention were observed. Only 22.6% of patients presented within 6 h of onset of symptoms and only 32.3% were operated on within 6 h of presentation. Transverse lie of the testes was the most common intraoperative finding (36%). Testicular salvage rate was 87.1%.ConclusionsAcute testicular torsion is a disease of young adults in southeast Nigeria. It is commoner on the left side with transverse lie being the most common predisposing factor. A new peak incidence in the 20-25-year age group is demonstrated. Late presentation is common but did not impact testicular loss in this study.

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