ABSTRACT
Background: Ovarian torsion is a gynecologic emergency that requires surgical intervention to avoid functional loss of the ovary. Our objective was to determine predictors of ovarian preservation in the setting of torsion, primarily time from initial presentation to surgery. Method(s): We conducted a retrospective cohort study of women aged 12-40 who presented to the Emergency Department (ED) at a single institution between 2008 and 2021 and had surgical confirmation of torsion. Cases were identified using diagnosis codes for ovarian torsion, and we performed chart review to confirm inclusion criteria. We compared ovarian preservation by time to surgery after ED presentation. Covariates included age, parity, sonographic doppler flow, presence of ovarian mass, intraoperative attempt at detorsion, intraoperative concern for necrosis, and night or weekend presentation. We considered the potential effect of COVID-19 pandemic on time to surgery. We assessed predictive factors for ovarian preservation based on preoperative sonographic findings and patient characteristics using multivariable logistic regression. Institutional IRB approved a waiver of consent. Result(s): We identified 60 surgical cases of confirmed ovarian torsion, of which 25 underwent oophorectomy (42%). The median time from initial presentation in ED to surgery was 8.6 hours (IQR: 5.9-12.9;8.3 hours in preserved versus 8.7 in removed;p=0.68). When time to surgery was < 4 hours (n=6), the ovary was preserved in 83% of cases, compared to 56% when time to surgery was >=4 hours (n=54;p=0.39). When time to surgery was < 8 hours (n=28), 61% had ovarian preservation compared to 56% at >=8 hours (n=32;p=0.73) (Figure). The COVID-19 pandemic was not associated with a longer time to surgery (n=7). Ovarian preservation was significantly more likely with present doppler flow on sonographic exam (60% vs 27%;p=0.02). Preservation was less likely with necrosis suspected intraoperatively (20% vs 84%;p< 0.01). Detorsion was attempted in 64% of cases, resulting in preservation of 35% of necrotic-appearing ovaries. 76% of cases underwent oophorectomy based on intraoperative concern for necrosis;however, only 48% of ovarian specimens had necrosis confirmed on pathology. Age, parity and night or weekend ED admission were not associated with ovarian preservation. Conclusion(s): Predictors with the greatest likelihood of ovarian preservation after torsion include surgical goal time of < 4 hours after ED presentation, present doppler flow on sonographic exam, and attempt at detorsion intraoperatively despite necrotic appearance. Intraoperative methods to confirm ovarian viability would reassure surgeons. The surgical decision for oophorectomy may be based on factors unrelated to functional loss of the ovary. Supporting Figures or Tables https://www.abstractscorecard.com/uploads/Tasks/upload/19245/RGXGDRUQ-1375800-1-ANY(2).docxCopyright © 2023