Diagnosis of testicular torsion by measuring attenuation of dual wavelengths in transmission geometry across the testis: an experimental study in a rat model.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To develop a noninvasive and real-time dual-wavelengths optic system to detect testicular torsion in an animal model. Diagnosis of testicular torsion is challenging in emergency conditions and frequently ends with surgical exploration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, 9 male 8-month-old Wistar albino rats weighing an average of 400 g were used. A transverse incision on the upper scrotum was done and the right testis was torsed with a 720° medial rotation. The other testis of each rat was used as the control or sham group. In the sham group, the testicle was moved out of the body but no torsion was applied before repositioning into the scrotum. Transmission of continuous-wave light through all testes at wavelengths of 660 nm and 940 nm were measured. RESULTS: The ratio of the average intensities of the transmitted light of both wavelengths--660 nm to 940 nm--was used as a parameter to diagnose testis torsion. The ratios were significantly different (P = .001) between the torsion group and control group. CONCLUSION: Our noninvasive technique measuring attenuation of dual wavelengths in transmission geometry across the testis has the ability to distinguish between the testis with and without torsion on the basis of a threshold value of the ratio.