Torsion of the Appendix Testis |Overview
Torsion of the Appendix Testis |Symptoms & Causes
What are the symptoms of torsion of the appendix testis?
Symptoms include pain, and sometimes swelling, in the scrotum (the bag of skin hanging behind the penis). The symptoms for this condition are very similar to the symptoms oftesticular torsion.
What happens in torsion of the appendix testis?
The appendix testis is a vestigial remnant of the Müllerian duct, from which female reproductive organs form in the embryo. In boys, it has no function, much as the appendix in our abdomen has no function. More than half of all boys are born with an appendix testis, usually with no ill effects. Occasionally, a problem can occur if the appendix testis twists and chokes off its blood supply. Although it involves only a tiny amount of tissue, your son may experience considerable pain.
Torsion of the Appendix Testis |Diagnosis & Treatment
How is torsion of the appendix testis diagnosed?
A pediatric urologist will examine your son and make a diagnosis based on a physical examination and family history. A scrotalultrasoundor anx-rayor both are sometimes taken. If there is a lot of swelling or the radiology tests are inconclusive, the urologist may perform exploratory surgery to rule out testicular torsion, which is a medical emergency.
How is torsion of the appendix testis treated?
Once properly diagnosed, no treatment is generally needed, other than observation and measures to relieve pain, such as:
- rest
- analgesics, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen
- an ice pack over the affected area
Once symptoms subside, the problem is unlikely to recur. If the pain persists more than 10 days, your son might need surgery to correct the problem.