A Simple Guide to Ovarian torsion

A Simple Guide to Ovarian torsion
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What is a Ovarian torsion?
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Ovarian torsion is the twisting of the Ovary either spontaneously or due to another medical condition.

Ovarian torsion occurs usually in only one Ovary at a time.

Both normal or enlarged ovaries can be affected.

Rarely both ovaries may be affected.

It is a medical emergency as gangrene of Ovary may occur.


Who is at risk of Ovarian torsion?
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Women of all ages can develop this rare condition.

Most cases occur in women under 30 years old.

One fifth of all cases occur in pregnant women.



What is the Cause of Ovarian torsion?
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Ovarian torsion is caused by

1.congenital and developmental abnormalities

Longer than normal tubes or a missing mesosalpinx will cause ovarian torsion.

2.disease that affects the tube or Ovary resulting in the twisting of the ovarian axis.

a.Spasms or changes in the blood vessels in the mesosalpinx can cause the blood vessels to the ovaries to be congested resulting in torsion of the ovaries.

b.Ovarian cysts or fibromas,

c.tumor of the Ovaries or tubes,

d.Injury to either the ovaries or the tubes


What are the Symptoms and signs of Ovarian torsion?
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Symptoms :
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1.sudden onset of extreme lower abdominal pain that radiates to the back, side and thigh.

2.Nausea, vomiting,

3.diarrhea, or constipation

4.fever

5.tachycardia.

Signs:
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1.tenderness of the lower abdomen

2.tenderness of the Ovarian region on vaginal palpation


How do you make the Diagnosis of Ovarian torsion?
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1.suddenness of lower abdominal pain.

2.pregnancy test.

3. ultrasound and CT scan (computed tomography) can help to visualise the ovarian structures

4.laparoscopy.


What are the complications of Ovarian torsion?
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Damage to the Ovary with gangrene formation due to loss of blood flow.


What is the treatment of Ovarian torsion?
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Surgical repair of the ovarian torsion must done urgently.

For less severe cases laparoscopic surgery can release the torsion

Pain killers such as NSAIDs are given to control pain.


What is the prognosis of Ovarian torsion?
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The prognosis is usually good if the ovarian trosion is detected early and treated.

If however the treatment is delayed there is a danger of arterial blood flow into and venous blood flow out of the Ovarian may be compromised resulting in necrosis (death) of the ovarian tissue.

Infertility may be a result of ovarian torsion.