Experimental torsion of testis: histopathological changes in the contralateral testis of dogs

ABSTRACT

Seventy male dogs were used in this study. Testicular torsion was performed in 60 of them and maintained for 24 hours, then either detorsion or orchiectomy was done. Four weeks later, the histologic changes in the contralateral testis were compared with 10 dogs serving as controls. The dogs were categorized into 5 groups Group I; control group [10 dogs], group II; detorsion group [15 dogs], group III; detorsion + cortisone therapy for 4 weeks [15 dogs], group IV; orchiectomy group [15 dogs], group V; orchiectomy + cortisone therapy for 4 weeks [15 dogs]. Testicular torsion was associated with decrease in the percentage of spermatogenesis and mean seminiferous tubular diameter and increase percentage of sperm abnormality. Histologically, there were degenerative changes in spermatogonial and Sertoli cells with infiltration of interstitial tissue by fibrous tissue and lymphocytes. Detorsion after 24 hours did not prevent the occurred damage. Orchiectomy after the same period minimized these changes. When cortisone was used [group III, V], the degenerative changes diminished. Accordingly, it could be recommended that the management of testicular torsion must include early detorsion and cortisone therapy. If the testis is badly damaged, orchiectomy should be done together with corticosteroid therapy for at least 4 weeks