women s health issues
Adnexal Torsion
Introduction
Adnexal torsion is twisting of the ovary and sometimes the fallopian tube, interrupting or cutting off the blood supply of these organs. Twisting causes sudden, severe pain and often nausea and vomiting. Doctors use an ultrasound device inserted into the vagina (transvaginal ultrasonography) to aid in the diagnosis. Surgery using laparoscopy is done immediately to untwist the ovary or to remove it. An ovary and sometimes the fallopian tube twist on the ligament-like tissues that support them. Twisting of an ovary (adnexal torsion) is one of the most common medical emergencies in women. It is more likely to occur in women of reproductive age. It usually occurs when there is a problem with an ovary. The following conditions make adnexal torsion more likely to occur: Pregnancy if a Functional ovarian cysts is present Use of hormones to trigger ovulation (for infertility problems) Enlargement of the ovary, usually due to noncancerous (benign) tumors or cysts A previous episode of adnexal torsion Noncancerous tumors are more likely to cause twisting than cancerous ones. Rarely, a normal ovary twists. Children and adolescents are more likely to have this type of torsion. Adnexal torsion usually occurs on only one side. Usually, only the ovary is involved, but occasionally, the fallopian tube also twists. If the blood supply to the ovaries and/or fallopian tubes is cut off for too long, tissues in these organs may die, and the ovaries may not be able to function normally or the fallopian tubes may be damaged, 