Testicular Salvage Rate among Patients with Testicular Torsion in Abuja, Nigeria.

Background: Testicular torsion (TT) represents a critical urological emergency characterized by the twisting of the spermatic cord necessitating immediate surgical intervention to prevent irreversible ischemic damage to the testis. The testicular salvage rate (TSR) is influenced by demographic, logistical, and institutional factors. However, there is a paucity of data on this subject in our setting. The study aims to determine the TSR among patients who had TT at Federal Medical Centre, Abuja, and to clinically review the presentations and outcomes of surgical intervention of this urologic emergency. Methodology: We retrospectively reviewed the electronic medical records (EMRs) of all patients who had emergency scrotal exploration for testicular torsion between December 2022 and November 2025. The demographics, clinical presentation, intraoperative findings, procedures performed, and surgical outcomes were documented and analyzed. Results: A total of 46 patients with TT had scrotal exploration within the study period. Their mean age was 20.3 ± 6.5 years, with an age range of 5- 39 years. The peak age group was 11-20 years. The right-to-left laterality ratio was 1.6: 1. No statistically significant difference was found in the monthly incidence of torsion. Only 13(28.3%) presented within the 6 hours of onset of symptoms, while long mesorchium was the most common anatomic predisposing factor identified (n=21, 45.7%). The commonest associated symptom was abdominal pain (32.6%). Of the 18 patients who had orchidectomy, 12 had ≥540-degree twist of their spermatic cords and gangrene of testes. The testicular salvage rate was 67.4%. Median hospital stay was 1 day (range 1-4 days). Conclusion: Despite more than 70% of our patients presenting with delays, prompt surgical intervention achieved a salvage rate of 67.4%. Further research is necessary to investigate the long-term outcomes for patients post-salvage and evaluate the functional efficacy of the preserved tissue.