Objectives: To evaluate the clinical findings and therapeutic options following adnexal torsion.
Study design: A retrospective series of 135 patients presenting with adnexal torsion between January 1992 and December 2001 in Sousse- Tunisia- a university teaching hospital.
Results: Adnexal torsion accounted for 14.8% of surgically treated adnexal tumors. Pregnancy was associated in 17% of cases and diagnosis was accurate at first clinical examination in only 57.8% of cases. Ultrasound allowed visualisation of Adnexal Diseases in all cases. Operative laparoscopy was successfully achieved in 34% of patients. Conservative management was used in 57% of the premenopausal patients. No major postoperative complication was noted.
Conclusion: Clinicians must be aware of a possible adnexal torsion in women with acute pelvic pain. Ultrasound is a useful tool in these situations. Laparoscopy allows diagnosis and surgical management even during pregnancy.