Torsion of the Testicle
Torsion of the testicle describes a situation where the testicle twists around the spermatic cord (the structure which connects the testicle to the abdomen, consisting of the vas deferens, the artery that supplies the blood to the testicle, and the vein that drains the blood). When the testicle twists around the cord it cuts off the blood supply, which causes acute pain and swelling. It is more common in patients whose testicles lie abnormally in the scrotum. It usually affects those under the age of thirty, and maybe precipitated by vigorous exercise (though it may occur at night, and wake them from sleep). Unless it is reversed urgently by surgery it can result in the death, or infarction, of the testicle. Since abnormalities are often bilateral, it might be wise to ensure that the other testicle cannot twist by fixing it to the bottom of the scrotum.
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