Adnexal torsion

Abstract

This review provides timely information concerning clinical, surgical, and pathologic findings of adnexal torsion (AT). AT mostly occurs in the child-bearing age group, but is not uncommon in premenarchal girls or postmenopausal women. When AT is suspected, urgent surgical intervention is indicated, and is usually performed by laparoscopy. Incidence of AT is 3.5% of all benign cystic teratomas. Despite the "necrotic" appearance of the twisted ischemic ovary, detorsion is the only procedure which should be performed at surgery. Adnexectomy should be avoided as ovarian function is preserved in 88% to 100% of cases. Awareness and suspicion of the diagnosis of AT is needed in patients who present with lower abdominal pain.