Pediatric testicular torsion management practices

A survey of Canadian urologists

Auteurs-es

  • Wyatt MacNevin Dalhousie Medical School
  • Morgan MacDonald Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre, Halifax
  • Dawn L. MacLellan Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre, Halifax
  • Daniel T. Keefe Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre, Halifax

DOI :

https://doi.org/10.5489/cuaj.8644

Mots-clés :

Pediatric, Testicular Torsion, Management, Canada, Barriers to Care

Résumé

INTRODUCTION: Pediatric testicular torsion (TT) is a urologic emergency that may result in testicular loss if left untreated. Testicular salvage is dependent on prompt intervention, and thus delays in diagnosis and management may threaten testicular viability. Knowledge of real-world Canadian practice patterns for pediatric TT will allow optimization of practices based on resource availability and geographic limitations to improve care.

METHODS: An electronic survey on pediatric TT management was distributed to Canadian urologists. Descriptive statistics were performed on respondent demographic factors, hospital policies and barriers to care, surgical approaches, and transfer practices. Respondent practice patterns were analyzed based on geographic location and training.

RESULTS: Thirty-four urologists responded, with most respondents operating a community practice. Ultrasonography (US) was frequently used to support TT diagnosis. Despite this, poor US access was often cited as a barrier to care, with particular impact on rural urologists. Neonatal patients and <10 years old were commonly transferred to a pediatric hospital for definitive management due to surgeon discomfort and hospital policies. Reported transport methods commonly included use of the patient’s own vehicle or ambulance based on availability and timing.

CONCLUSIONS: Neonatal patients and patients under 10 years old are most commonly reported to be transferred to pediatric hospitals for TT management. Patients located in rural locations and at centers with limited US access may be at risk for delayed diagnosis and treatment. Pathways for prompt management of suspected TT may better serve these younger pediatric patients.

Téléchargements

Les données relatives au téléchargement ne sont pas encore disponibles.

Publié-e

2024-04-02

Comment citer

MacNevin, W., MacDonald, M. ., MacLellan, D. L. ., & Keefe, D. T. . (2024). Pediatric testicular torsion management practices: A survey of Canadian urologists. Canadian Urological Association Journal, 18(6), 201–7. https://doi.org/10.5489/cuaj.8644

Numéro

Rubrique

Original Research