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 of testicular torsion.
Torsion of the Appendix Testis | Diagnosis & Treatments
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 scrotal ultrasound or an x-ray, or 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.
How Boston Children's Hospital cares for torsion of the appendix testis
Because torsion of the appendix testis poses no threat to the overall health of your son, treatment is relatively simple. Your physician will make sure no other complications exist, that the testicle itself has no torsion, and provide medication to help reduce any pain that your son may be having.
