Ovarian torsion: to pex or not to pex? Case report and review of the literature

• Published in: Journal of pediatric & adolescent gynecology Vol. 16; no. 6; pp. 381 - 384
• Main Authors: Crouch, Naomi S, Gyampoh, Bright, Cutner, Alfred S, Creighton, Sarah M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.12.2003
• Subjects: Adnexal Diseases - diagnosis; Adnexal Diseases - genetics; Adnexal Diseases - surgery; Appendectomy; Child; Diagnosis, Differential; Fallopian Tubes - surgery; Female; Hemorrhage - diagnosis; Humans; Laparoscopy - methods; Ovarian Diseases - diagnosis; Ovarian Diseases - genetics; Ovarian Diseases - surgery; Ovariectomy; Pelvic Pain - etiology; Torsion Abnormality - diagnosis; Torsion Abnormality - genetics; Torsion Abnormality - surgery
• ISSN: 1083-3188
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jpag.2003.09.017

We report the case of a 7-year-old girl who underwent laparoscopic ovariopexy for a suspected ovarian torsion after a previous oophorectomy. We consider the role of elective ovariopexy of the contralateral ovary in the case of adnexal torsion. Case study and review of the literature. There was evidence to suggest a very recent adnexal torsion and an unusually long ovarian pedicle, with a possible familial linkage. The patient underwent laparoscopic ovariopexy for the remaining normal ovary, which was found to be loosely twisted at operation. After detorsion, ovariopexy was performed laparoscopically, by suturing the ovary to the back of uterus. There are no other descriptions in the literature of a familial linkage with ovarian torsion. The case presented reminds doctors of the strong possibility of ovarian torsion in young girls presenting with pelvic pain. Laparoscopic ovariopexy for the contralateral ovary should be considered in all women with evidence of torsion, including children and adolescents, as is standard for testicular torsion.