Semiquantitative evaluation of testicular histology after testicular torsion: protective effect of external cooling.

To evaluate the protective effect of external cooling on testicular histology and tubular diameter, an experimental study was performed on rat testes that underwent a torsion procedure for a defined period of time (4 h). In a second group of animals external cooling for 90 min was performed during the torsion procedure. Evaluation of both the semiquantitative testicular histology and tubular diameter demonstrated a relatively well-preserved histology and tubular diameter. However, significant changes were noted in testes that underwent the torsion procedure without any protective measure. Our results indicate the protective effects of hypothermia in ischemic testes undergoing torsion with regard to both histologic and tubular alterations. Copyright 1999 S. Karger AG, Basel