[Testicular torsion--a diagnostic dilemma. Diagnosis confirmed by exploration in only 9 per cent of cases, color ultrasound more accurate].

The diagnosis was confirmed in only 9% of 170 patients surgically explored for suspected testicular torsion over a period of 2 years at four Swedish hospitals. In only every second case of testicular torsion was it considered meaningful to leave the testicle in situ. The high number of explorations, where the preoperative suspicion could not be verified, suggests that the preoperative diagnostic work-up should be improved. The use of power or colour ultrasound is suggested as a way of achieving this.