Chapter 138 Ovarian Torsion
INTRODUCTION
Description: Ovarian torsion involves the twisting of part or all of the adnexa on its mesentery, resulting in tissue ischemia and frank infarction. This usually involves the ovary but may include the fallopian tube as well.
ETIOLOGY AND PATHOGENESIS
Causes: Spontaneous twisting of the ovary on its mesentery, generally associated with ovarian enlargement (50% to 60% have an ovarian tumor or cyst).
CLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Signs and Symptoms
• Pain (generally abrupt, intense, and unilateral—the pain of adnexal torsion generally comes and goes with a periodicity that varies from hours to days or longer; this is in contrast to the variable pain caused by obstruction of the bowel, ureter, or common bile duct, which is more regular and frequent)
