Experimental Testicular Torsion and Its Effects on the Contralateral Testicle

Abstract

Objective: Following experimental unilateral torsion of the testis the histologic effects of unilateral testicular torsion on the contralateral testis were investigated. Materials and methods: Utilizing detorsion or orchiectomy at 4 hours and 8 hours after torsion, the effects of early and late treatment modalities on the contralateral testicle were observed. Results: Morphometry of the contralateral testis revealed some alterations including focal sclerosis, decrease in mean seminiferous tubular diameter and a marked increase of the Leydig cells in some subgroups. Conclusion: In spite of some changes, definite evidence for contralateral damage due to ipsilateral torsion contributing to male infertility was hardly observed.