[Bilateral intrauterine testicular torsion]

Abstract

Torsion of the testes is the most frequent urogenital emergency in childhood. Bilateral intrauterine torsion of the testes is a rare event. Only 15 cases have been reported up till now. We add two patients. Clinical findings, consequences and therapy of bilateral torsion of the testes are discussed. Etiology and symptomatology of testicular torsion in the newborn and the adult are different. Predisposing factors are lacking in the extravaginal torsion of the newborn but are present in the intravaginal torsion of the adult. The diagnosis is made by inspection, palpation, Doppler sonography and, if necessary, by immediate surgical exploration. Except for the local findings there are usually no symptoms in the newborn. Following bilateral torsion of the testes with consecutive bilateral orchiectomy the loss of exocrine function remains irreversible. Androgenic substitution therapy should begin at the age of 14. The full dose of hormone should not be given before the termination of bone growth. For psychological and cosmetic reasons a testicular prosthesis can be recommended.