RESUMO
BACKGROUND: In patients with torsion of the testis, in addition to the urgency of early recognition and immediate operation, it is questionable which method should be used to prevent renewed torsion of the affected and/or contralateral testis with the least damage and most enduring results. Direct suturing or indirect adhesion fixation are recommended as alternative methods. A review of the literature has shown, however, that recurrence of testicular torsion can occur in many cases and that in some cases this leads to complete anatomical or functional loss of the testis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: As a logical continuation of a successful pilot study, it was retrospectively investigated by means of a structured questionnaire whether the known eversion operations according to Jaboulay or Kocher for the treatment of idiopathic hydrocele of the testis were also suitable as organ-sparing and enduring procedures for the prophylaxis of recurrent testicular torsion. RESULTS: In 53 out of 76 patients who were treated exclusively for testicular torsion by means of eversion orchidopexy between 1988 and 2008, no evidence of any subsequent recurrent testicular torsion or any other testicular disease was found by means of a structured questionnaire 1-21 years later. Occasional cicatricial symptoms that were of no clinical significance were found in only 5 cases (9.4%). CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of these results it may be concluded that eversion orchidopexy can be considered to be a safe and effective method for the prophylaxis of recurrent testicular torsion in comparison to alternative methods.