[Spermatic cord torsion in children].
OBJECTIVES: Definition of prognostic factors for torsion of the testis in children. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From January 1986 to December 1996, 91 children were operated for torsion of the testis. Torsions were observed at all ages of childhood, but with two frequency peaks: during the neonatal period and in adolescence. Typical clinical features were observed in only three-quarters of cases. RESULTS: Thirty-nine testes were considered to be necrotic versus 52 with a chance of recovery. Factors of poor prognosis were: neonatal forms, delayed management or tight torsion with several turns. 28 of the necrotic testes were conserved: two were complicated by purulent necrosis, but 14% retained normal trophicity on long-term examination. CONCLUSION: The possibility of torsion at all ages of childhood and the frequently incomplete clinical features means that emergency surgical exploration must always be performed in the case of testicular pain. A conservative attitude is motivated by the possibility of recovery of testes considered to be necrotic at operation.