Adolescent Torsion of the Ovary and/or Fallopian Tube
What is a Adolescent Torsion of the Ovary and/or Fallopian Tube?
Torsion of the ovary and fallopian tube occurs when they become twisted on their ligament supports – cutting off blood supply to the ovary and/or fallopian tube.
It is one of the most common gynecologic emergencies, and it can affect girls and women of all ages. Most cases affect women under the age of 30.
What are the signs and symptoms of an Adolescent Torsion of the Ovary and Fallopian Tube?
If your daughter is experiencing torsion of the ovary and fallopian tube, her symptoms may include:
Sudden, severe lower abdominal pain, often on one side
Fever
Dizziness
Lower abdominal swelling
Lower back pain
These symptoms are not specific for torsion, however, and could be indicators of a variety of other conditions including gastroenteritis (stomach flu), appendicitis, ruptured ovarian cyst, pelvic inflammatory disease, bowel obstruction, ectopic pregnancy, and more.
It’s important to seek immediate medical care for severe symptoms.
How is a Adolescent Torsion of the Ovary and/or Fallopian Tube diagnosed?
Torsion of the ovary and fallopian tube is often diagnosed in the emergency room because of the sudden onset of severe pain. Whether you’ve brought your daughter to the ER or her regular doctor, the doctor will begin by conducting a physical exam and asking about all of her symptoms.
Additional testing to confirm the diagnosis may include:
Pelvic ultrasound
Blood testing
Pregnancy test
Laparoscopy – a surgery during which a thin tube with a camera on the end is inserted through a small abdominal incision to view the ovaries and fallopian tubes
What are the causes of a Adolescent Torsion of the Ovary and/or Fallopian Tube?
Torsion may be caused by:
Large ovarian or tubal cysts or other benign masses
Trauma to the ovaries or fallopian tube
Abnormalities of anatomy to the ovary or fallopian tube, such as a longer length of the ligament between the uterus and the ovary.
How is a Adolescent Torsion of the Ovary and/or Fallopian Tube treated?
Surgery
If your daughter is diagnosed with torsion of the ovary and/or fallopian tube, she will be treated with surgery to untwist the structures. In the most severe cases, an ovary and/or fallopian tube damaged by lack of blood supply may have to be removed.
Medication
In addition to surgery, your daughter may be given prescription or over-the-counter pain medications, intravenous fluids, and medications to help with pain and her recovery.
Adolescent Torsion of the Ovary and/or Fallopian Tube Doctors and Providers
