Torsion of normal adnexa in postmenarchal women and risk of recurrence

OBJECTIVE: To compare the incidence of recurrent torsion of normal adnexa to recurrent torsion of abnormal adnexa in postmenarchal women. METHODS: All cases of surgically confirmed adnexal torsion operated on in our department from January 2002 to April 2006 were retrospectively analyzed. Classification as torsion of pathologic adnexa versus torsion of normal adnexa was based on pre- and postoperative pelvic sonograms, operative findings, and pathologic diagnoses (when available). The torsion recurrence rates were evaluated by a telephone questionnaire, with 90.5% compliance. RESULTS: Twelve women had twisted normal adnexa and 50 women had twisted abnormal adnexa. The women with twisted normal adnexa were younger (25.5±7.9 years versus 31.4±11.4 years, P=.10) and had a lower median parity (0 versus 1, P=.06). Both groups had similar clinical presentations and a similar mean time from admission to surgery. The torsion recurrence rates were 63.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.3-0.9) in the twisted normal adnexa group and 8.7% (95% CI 0.02-0.2) in the twisted abnormal adnexa group (P<.001). The retorsion risk of the pathologic adnexa was especially low after cystectomy (5.3%, 95% CI 0.001-0.3) or salpingo-oophorectomy (0%). The Kaplan-Meier life table analysis also showed a higher retorsion risk for normal adnexa (P=.008). CONCLUSION: The current adnexa-sparing laparoscopic management of adnexal torsion by simply untwisting may predispose to recurrent torsion of normal adnexa. The role of ovariopexy procedures in the prevention of recurrent torsion events remains uncertain.