[Spermatic cord torsion in the Comarca del Bierzo. Clinico-epidemiological analysis of the 5-year period 1994-1998].
OBJECTIVE
To review the cases of torsion of the spermatic cord diagnosed at the emergency and urology services of our hospital over the last 5 years and analyze the clinical and epidemiological features.


METHODS
The cases of torsion of the spermatic cord diagnosed at our hospital from 1994-1998 were reviewed. Age, reason for consultation, time from onset of symptoms to consultation, location of the torsion, final diagnosis, treatment, and other data were analyzed.


RESULTS
There were 20 cases of torsion of the spermatic cord in patients aged 1 to 25 years, with the highest incidence at age 14 years. The left testis was more frequently compromised. Six patients had a history of testicular pain and/or inflammation. The mean time from presentation of symptoms to consultation was 13.5 hours (range 1 hour to 7 days). The diagnosis was torsion of the spermatic cord in 14 cases and hydatid torsion in 6. Treatment was fundamentally by surgery (orchidopexy), except in three cases that spontaneously resolved or were detorsioned by manipulation. Two patients underwent excision of the compromised testis.


CONCLUSIONS
Torsion of the spermatic cord is a urological emergency due to the high risk of complications that may even require orchidectomy. The epidemiological findings for our area are similar to those reported in other series.
López Pacios
J C
JC
Servicio de Urgencias, Hospital del Bierzo, Ponferrada, León, España.
Parra Muntaner
L
L
Piñeiro Fernández
M C
MC
García Alonso
J
J
Gómez Cisneros
S C
SC
Madrid García
F J
FJ
Sánchez Merino
J M
JM
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D009919:Orchiectomy; D013030:Spain / Q000453:epidemiology; D013086:Spermatic Cord Torsion / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000601:surgery
Torsiones de cordón testicular en la Comarca del Bierzo. Análisis clínicoepidemiológico del quinquenio 1994-1998.