Children with Cryptorchidism Complicated by Testicular Torsion: A Case Series.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical features, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of children with cryptorchidism complicated by testicular torsion.

METHODS: The clinical data of 6 children with cryptorchidism complicated by testicular torsion admitted to our hospital from December 2000 to December 2016 were analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTS: All 6 children were diagnosed with cryptorchidism by surgery, their age was from 12 days up to 11 years, and the average time between onset of symptoms and diagnosis was 20.5 h. Torsion testis was located in the groin area and the rate of left to right was about 2:1. Twist was 600° on average. All children were admitted because of the inconsolable cry, abdominal pain, and the swelling of the groin. Three patients underwent orchidectomy, while the other 3 patients underwent detorsion and cryptorchidopexy. Color Doppler ultrasound examination showed normal testes at 6 months after operation. Only 1 case was diagnosed with cryptorchidism after birth.

CONCLUSIONS: Cryptorchidism is an emergency in pediatric urology and often leads to a low testicular salvage rate, especially in infants, due to lack of knowledge, delayed diagnosis, and late treatment. Neonatal genital examination is important for the early diagnosis and management of cryptorchidism.