What is testis appendix?
The appendix testis is a small appendage of normal tissue that is usually located on the upper portion of the testis. The appendix epididymis is a small appendage on the top of the epididymis (a tube-shaped structure connected to the testicle). Torsion of an appendage occurs when this tissue twists.
What causes torsion of the appendix testis?
What causes testicular appendage torsion? Appendage torsion can happen at any time. It’s most likely to happen during sleep and is more likely in preteen boys. When the appendage gets twisted, it cuts off its own blood supply.
How long does torsion of appendix testis last?
The prognosis is good for torsion of either testicular appendage as they are both vestigial remnants with no known function. The pain and inflammation associated with the torsion are self-limiting, and the condition typically resolves within one week without the need for surgical intervention.
How do you fix a testicular appendix?
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.
Is appendix testis normal?
The appendix testis is a small piece of tissue attached to the testicle. It is left over from before birth. It’s a normal part of the system that creates female organs. Since it isn’t needed in boys, it may disappear.
How common is appendix testis torsion?
Torsion of testicular appendices is the leading cause of acute scrotum in children. Torsion of an epididymal cyst is an extremely rare cause of acute scrotum in children and in young boys, with a reported incidence of 5-20%. Treatment is usually conservative.
Does appendix testis go away?
How serious is testicular torsion?
The twisting cuts off the testicle’s blood supply and causes sudden pain and swelling. Testicular torsion (also called testis torsion) requires immediate surgery to save the testicle. If testicular torsion goes on for more than a few hours, it can permanently damage the testicle, and a damaged testicle must be removed.
Can you touch Appendix of testis?
Torsion. The appendix of testis can, occasionally, undergo torsion (i.e. become twisted), causing acute one-sided testicular pain and may require surgical excision to achieve relief. One third of patients present with a palpable “blue dot” discoloration on the scrotum. This is nearly diagnostic of this condition.
Do all males have appendix testis?
What is torsion of the appendix testis? Torsion of the appendix testis is a twisting of a vestigial appendage that is located along the testicle. This appendage has no function, yet more than half of all boys are born with one. Although this condition poses no threat to health, it can be painful.
Can you live with testicular torsion?
When testicular torsion is not treated for several hours, blocked blood flow can cause permanent damage to the testicle. If the testicle is badly damaged, it has to be surgically removed. Inability to father children. In some cases, damage or loss of a testicle affects a man’s ability to father children.