Re-torsion of the ovaries

Research output: Contribution to journalReviewResearchpeer-review

The increasing use of de-torsion of the ovaries may result in re-torsion. This review addresses risk of re-torsion and describes preventive strategies to avoid re-torsion in pre-menarcheal girls, and fertile and pregnant women. We clinically reviewed PubMed, Embase, Trip and Cochrane databases. The main outcome measures were re-torsion and viability of ovary with fixation measures. A total of 38 publications including 71 girls, 363 fertile women, and 69 pregnant women were found to be relevant. All studies were case reports or case series, sometimes with non-randomized controls. The studies show considerable heterogeneity in design, population, management and outcome. Only four studies included more than 50 cases. In pregnancy the risk of re-torsion was as high as 19.5-37.5%; among fertile women it was 28.6%. Most articles concluded that fixation of the ovaries to the pelvic sidewall or plication of the ovarian ligament after torsion may prevent re-torsion. In one case a girl experienced re-torsion after ovariopexy. Based on observational studies it seems that de-torsion and fixation of the ovary is a safe procedure that usually ensures maintenance of ovarian function and reduces the risk of recurrence, especially when there are no ovarian cysts or adnexal masses.

Original languageEnglish
JournalActa Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica
Volume94
Issue number3
Pages (from-to)236-244
Number of pages9
ISSN0001-6349
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Mar 2015

    Research areas

  • Adnexal Diseases, Adult, Female, Gynecologic Surgical Procedures, Humans, Ovarian Cysts, Ovary, Pregnancy, Pregnancy Complications, Risk Factors, Torsion Abnormality, Young Adult

ID: 156085558