What is ovarian torsion

The abdomen may feel tender. Doctors usually suspect adnexal torsion based on symptoms and results of a physical examination. Ultrasonography Ultrasonography Sometimes doctors recommend screening tests, which are tests that are done to look for disorders in people who have no symptoms.

If women have symptoms related to the reproductive system gynecologic The most common type of abnormal bleeding If the ovary is twisted, this procedure may show an enlarged ovary or a mass in the ovary, which supports the diagnosis of adnexal torsion. Color Doppler ultrasonography Color Doppler ultrasonography Ultrasonography uses high-frequency sound ultrasound waves to produce images of internal organs and other tissues.

A device called a transducer converts electrical current into sound waves If adnexal torsion is suspected, surgery is done immediately to check for a twisted ovary and thus confirm the diagnosis and, if it is twisted, to untwist it. Laparoscopy: Doctors may make one or more small incisions in the abdomen. They then insert a viewing tube laparoscope through one incision.

Using instruments threaded through other incisions, they try to untwist the ovary and, if also twisted, the fallopian tube. Laparoscopy is done in a hospital and usually requires a general anesthetic, but it does not require an overnight stay. Laparotomy: Doctors make a larger incision in the abdomen. Ovarian torsion is a surgical emergency. Rapid diagnosis and intervention are necessary to preserve ovarian function where this is clinically appropriate and it is important to maintain fertility.

Most often seen in women of reproductive age; can occur during pregnancy. Also seen in infants, children, adolescents, and post-menopausal women. Commonly presents with acute severe pelvic or abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and usually with a palpable abdominal mass. High clinical suspicion is necessary.

Clinical presentation is often non-specific, with no absolute clinical profile. Definitive diagnosis is surgical. Print Share Download. What are the symptoms of ovarian torsion? Who is at risk for ovarian torsion? It then seals itself off and forms what is called the corpus luteum, a hormone-secreting structure. If you do become pregnant, the corpus luteum sometimes fills with blood or fluid and turns into a cyst. This type of cyst is common and occurs most frequently in early pregnancy.

It often disappears on its own, but it can cause ovarian torsion. Hormonal medications: Taking hormones that trigger ovulation for infertility can stimulate the ovaries to develop cysts, which can increase the likelihood of ovarian torsion.

How is ovarian torsion diagnosed? How is ovarian torsion treated? There are two procedures commonly used: Laparoscopy: Surgeons make a few tiny incisions in your abdomen to insert a laparoscope a thin tube with a camera and light at the tip and surgical instruments to remove a cyst if necessary and untwist the ovary and, if needed, the fallopian tube.

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Ovarian torsion: Everything you need to know. Medically reviewed by Holly Ernst, P. Symptoms Seeing a doctor Causes Treatment Assisted reproduction Complications Outlook Ovarian torsion is a condition that occurs when an ovary twists around the ligaments that hold it in place.

Share on Pinterest Ovarian torsion can cause severe pelvic pain and abnormal bleeding. When to see a doctor. Share on Pinterest Post-menopausal women can experience ovarian torsion. Ovarian torsion and assisted reproduction. Share on Pinterest ART increases the risk of ovarian torsion.

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