Torsion of the Spermatic Cord in Adults: Epidemiological, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Aspects Observed in 46 Patients at the Bouake Teaching Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Torsion of the spermatic cord (TSC) is a serious surgical emergency because it is responsible for acute ischemia that can lead to the loss of the testicle. Very few studies have been carried out in C?te d’Ivoire and particularly in Bouaké, on torsion of the testicle. The general objective of this work was to describe the epidemiological, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of testicular torsion in our context. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective study on 46 patients received urgently at the Teaching Hospital of Bouaké over a period of nine (9) years from December 01, 2010 to November 30, 2019 for torsion of the spermatic cord in adults. Results: The mean age of patients was 26.6 years with extremes of 17 to 41 years. 33 patients were seen before the sixth hour and 13 beyond. Scrotal pain, swelling of the hemibursa and testicular ascent were the dominant physical signs. Orchiectomy + contralateral testicular fixation was performed in 11 patients (23.9%). The average length of hospital stay was three (3) days. The immediate post-operative follow-up was simple. Late complications were marked by two testicular atrophy. Conclusion: Our series was marked by a high rate of orchiectomy. Actions to raise caregivers’ awareness of the population must be carried out so that they consult quickly in front of any painful stock market board to avoid the delay in diagnosis and management detrimental to the vitality of the torsional testicle.