Experimental testicular torsion and its effects on the contralateral testicle.

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.