Diagnostic tunica vaginoscopy in a rodent model of testicular torsion.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effectiveness of percutaneous endoscopy of the tunica vaginalis for identifying testicular torsion in a rodent model.


METHODS
One testis was randomly selected in 10 Wistar rats weighing 500 to 600 g. Following 2 hours of 720 degree torsion, bilateral percutaneous endoscopy of the tunica vaginalis was performed by a blinded investigator utilizing a 70 degree cystoscope lens through a single midline 3 to 4 mm scrotal cutdown incision.


RESULTS
Using this technique, the blinded investigator was able to identify the torsed testis rapidly in every case, which was distinguished by its cyanotic color and by the size and color of the testicular surface vessels.


CONCLUSIONS
Tunica vaginoscopy is a simple, accurate, rapidly performed, minimally invasive, diagnostic technique in this experimental model of testicular torsion.
Chen
R N
RN
Department of Urology, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Ohio 44195, USA.
Sabanegh
E S
ES
Inman
S R
SR
Ross
J H
JH
Stowe
N T
NT
Novick
A C
AC
D000818:Animals; D004724:Endoscopy; D008297:Male; D011897:Random Allocation; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D013086:Spermatic Cord Torsion / Q000175:diagnosis*