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  • Everything You Need to Know About Testicular Torsion Surgery

    Everything You Need to Know About Testicular Torsion Surgery

    Testicular torsion occurs when the spermatic cord, which supports the testicles, gets twisted. It’s a serious medical emergency, impacting about 3.8 out of every 100,000 boys under 18 each year. In fact, it’s responsible for 10%-15% of acute scrotal problems in younger kids. The key to preventing long-term damage is catching it early – the sooner you act, the better your chances of saving the testicle.

    When is Surgery Needed for Testicular Torsion?

    Testicular torsion requires immediate attention, and surgery is often the only way to fix it. If you notice symptoms, you need to get treated as soon as possible to ease the swelling and pain. If surgery happens within the first 6 hours of symptoms, it can prevent testicle loss. After 12 hours, though, the risk of permanent damage rises, and often, the testicle must be removed.

    What to Expect Before the Surgery

    Since testicular torsion is an emergency, doctors don’t usually have time for a lot of tests before surgery. However, they may still perform some imaging to check if there’s any tissue damage or issues with blood flow. Generally, you’ll be given pain medication and moved quickly to the operating room for treatment.

    The Risks of Testicular Torsion Surgery

    Like any surgery, there are some risks. The most common include bleeding, infection at the incision site, reactions to anesthesia, or, in rare cases, further damage to the testicle due to loss of blood flow.

    How Is the Surgery Done?

    Testicular torsion surgery is typically performed under general or epidural anesthesia. Here’s what happens during the procedure:

    1. The surgeon makes a small incision in the scrotum to untwist the spermatic cord.
    2. They then check the testicle for signs of damage or death due to loss of blood supply.
    3. If the testicle is too damaged, it will be removed.
    4. If the testicle is still healthy, the surgeon will stitch it to the scrotal wall to keep it in place and prevent future torsion.
    5. The incision is then closed.

    Testicular Torsion in Newborns and Infants

    While testicular torsion can happen to newborns and infants, it’s relatively rare. If it does occur, the affected testicle may swell, turn dark, and become firm. In these cases, surgery is often the only option since ultrasound can’t always detect the blood supply issues.

    It’s worth noting that by the time symptoms are noticed in newborns, it may be too late to save the testicle. Despite the risks, such as the use of general anesthesia, emergency surgery is essential for preventing damage to the testicle and preserving fertility in the future.

    What Happens If the Testicle Can’t Be Saved?

    If torsion is untreated for too long, the testicle may be beyond repair and needs to be removed. Don’t worry, though – losing one testicle doesn’t affect your ability to produce testosterone or father children, as long as the other testicle is still healthy. If you’d like, you can also opt for a prosthetic testicle for cosmetic reasons. In rare cases, untreated torsion may lead to infertility.

    Recovering After Surgery

    After surgery, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. For starters, avoid physical activities, sports, and sexual activities (including masturbation) for a few weeks. Your doctor will guide you on when it’s safe to resume normal activities.

    If you need a prosthetic testicle after removal, you’ll have to wait a few months before having the procedure done. But don’t worry about fertility – you can still become a father with one testicle intact. A prosthetic can help restore confidence if you’re concerned about your appearance.

    The Outlook After Testicular Torsion Surgery

    While testicular torsion is a serious condition, the good news is that the majority of patients recover successfully without losing a testicle. The success rate is incredibly high when surgery is performed within the first 6 hours of symptoms, with 99% of patients keeping their testicle. But after 12 hours, the success rate drops drastically to just 2%. That’s why it’s crucial to seek medical attention as soon as you notice signs of torsion. Early intervention really is the key to a full recovery.

  • What is a Hard Lump on the Testicle?

    What is a Hard Lump on the Testicle?

    A hard lump on your testicle can be concerning, but don’t panic—it’s actually not as rare as you might think. Your testicles, which are egg-shaped organs responsible for producing sperm and the male hormone testosterone, hang inside a sac called the scrotum. These lumps can form for various reasons, some of which are harmless. Let’s explore what could be behind this.

    Possible Causes of a Testicular Lump

    A hard lump on your testicle can happen at any age, but it’s common among teenage boys and adult men. Here’s a look at some of the most common causes:

    Varicocele
    Ever heard of varicocele? It’s one of the most frequent types of testicular lumps. In fact, one out of every seven men develops it. A varicocele happens when the veins in your testicles enlarge. During puberty, as blood flow increases to this area, the lumps may become more noticeable. The good news is, most of the time, you won’t need any treatment. The pain tends to go away on its own. However, if you find the discomfort recurring, your doctor might suggest surgery to improve the blood flow and reduce the swelling. Sometimes, tying off the affected veins can do the trick.

    Hydrocele
    If fluid builds up in your testicles, you could develop a hydrocele, which is actually quite common in newborns, particularly premature babies. Fortunately, most children with hydrocele don’t need surgery, as the fluid often drains on its own by the age of 2. But if you’re an adult and develop a hydrocele, your doctor may suggest a simple surgical procedure to remove the excess fluid.

    Epididymal Cysts
    Behind your testicles lies a tube called the epididymis. When fluid gets trapped in this tube and doesn’t drain properly, you may develop a cyst, sometimes called a spermatocele if it contains sperm. These lumps don’t always require treatment, especially if they don’t cause pain. However, if the cyst becomes painful, a minor surgery to remove it may be necessary. The good news is that this procedure is typically straightforward, and the stitches dissolve in about 10 days.

    Epididymo-Orchitis
    This condition occurs when the epididymis, the tube that stores sperm, becomes inflamed—often due to an infection. A bacterial infection is a common cause, but sexually transmitted diseases (like Chlamydia or gonorrhea) or even the mumps virus can also lead to this issue. Antibiotics are typically prescribed for bacterial infections, but if your infection is from an STD, both you and your partner may need treatment.

    Hernia
    A hernia happens when part of your bowel pushes through your groin, causing your scrotum to swell. While not always dangerous, hernias usually require surgery to correct. It’s important to consult with a specialist to determine the best course of action.

    Testicular Torsion
    Testicular torsion is one of the most serious conditions you can experience. This happens when the spermatic cord twists, cutting off the blood supply to the testicle. It’s different from other testicular lumps because it requires immediate medical attention. Common signs include severe testicular pain, nausea, vomiting, and swelling of the scrotum. If left untreated for too long, it can cause permanent damage or even lead to the loss of the testicle. Surgery is required to untwist the cord and restore blood flow, so don’t wait if you suspect this condition!

    Testicular Cancer
    Though rare, a hard lump on your testicle could be a sign of testicular cancer. In fact, less than 4% of testicular lumps are cancerous. These lumps tend to develop slowly and are often painless. Testicular cancer typically affects men between 15 and 49 years old, though it’s much less common in older men. If you have a lump, don’t wait—seek medical attention for an accurate diagnosis. Treatment often involves surgery, and depending on the cancer’s stage, chemotherapy or radiation may be recommended. Early detection significantly improves your chances of successful treatment.