Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Light-Based Monitoring (SR-NIRS) for Suspected Testicular Torsion in Children

This study is exploring a new, gentle way to check blood flow and oxygen levels in boys' testicles using a special light. This method, called SR-NIRS, aims to help doctors quickly identify a condition called testicular torsion, where the blood supply to the testicle gets twisted. This condition needs fast treatment to prevent serious damage. Currently, doctors use scans or surgery, which can sometimes cause delays. This study wants to see if SR-NIRS can give doctors useful information without being invasive. It involves boys from 1 month to 18 years old, including those without testicular problems and those who come to the hospital with sudden scrotal pain. The results will help guide future research into better diagnosis.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Kourosh Afshar

Enrolment target

Start

01 Sep 2026

Estimated completion

01 Sep 2029

Testicular Torsion Healthy

What is this study about?

This study is looking into a new way to check the health of boys' testicles using a special light. The method, called Spatially Resolved Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (SR-NIRS), aims to measure how much blood is flowing to the testicles and how much oxygen is in that blood. This is really important because a condition called testicular torsion can happen, where the blood supply to the testicle gets twisted. If this isn't treated quickly, it can cause long-term damage.

Currently, when doctors suspect testicular torsion, they might use an ultrasound scan or sometimes even surgery to look inside. These methods can sometimes take time or lead to procedures that aren't strictly necessary. This study wants to find out if the SR-NIRS light device can give doctors useful and quick information about what's happening inside a boy's testicle, especially when they have sudden pain. It's a gentle test that doesn't involve needles or discomfort.

The study has two main parts. One part looks at healthy boys to see if the SR-NIRS device can easily collect good measurements. The second part looks at boys who come to the hospital with sudden pain in their scrotum to see if the measurements from the SR-NIRS device are different in those who have testicular torsion compared to those who don't. The results from this study will help guide future research to improve how doctors diagnose this important condition.

Key takeaways

The study uses a new, gentle light test to check blood flow in testicles.
It aims to help doctors quickly find 'twisted testicles' (testicular torsion) in boys.
The test is quick, gentle, and non-invasive (no needles or cuts).
It involves boys both with and without sudden scrotal pain.
Participation will not affect your medical diagnosis or treatment.
The results will help future research to improve care for children.

Who may be eligible?

This study welcomes boys between 1 month and 18 years old. For the first part of the study, we're looking for healthy boys who are visiting the doctor for something not related to their testicles.

The second part of the study is for boys between 1 month and 18 years old who come to the emergency room or a specialist clinic because they have sudden pain in their scrotum (the sac holding the testicles).

However, some boys might not be able to join. This includes those who have other known problems with their testicles or scrotum, such as a fluid build-up (hydrocele), a lump in the groin (hernia), an undescended testicle, swollen veins (varicocele), or boys who have had surgery in that area before (except for a specific operation called unilateral orchiopexy). Also, anyone who isn't able or willing to agree to take part won't be included.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you a boy between 1 month and 18 years old?
Are you generally healthy (for Part 1)?
Are you coming to the hospital with sudden pain in your scrotum (for Part 2)?
Have you NOT had previous surgery on your testicles or scrotum (except for a specific operation for an undescended testicle)?
Do you NOT have other known problems like a hernia, fluid build-up, or swollen veins in your scrotum?
Are you able and willing to agree to take part?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, it will only involve a single visit. We will place a small, gentle probe on the skin over your testicle (or testicles) and also on your thigh. This probe uses light to take measurements of blood flow and oxygen levels. The measurement itself will be very quick and should not cause any discomfort. This study will not change any diagnosis or treatment you would receive from your doctors; its purpose is purely for research.

Potential risks and benefits

This study is considered to have very little risk, as the SR-NIRS device is non-invasive and uses light, similar to a simple skin measurement. There are no direct benefits to you as a participant, as this study is for research purposes only and will not affect your diagnosis or treatment. However, your participation will help doctors learn more about improving the diagnosis of testicular torsion, which could benefit many children in the future. You are free to stop participating in the study at any time without giving a reason.

Locations (1)

BC Children's Hospital
Verified postcode
Vancouver, Canada

Common questions

What is a 'twisted testicle'?

A twisted testicle, called testicular torsion, happens when the blood supply to the testicle gets tangled. This is a medical emergency that needs quick treatment.

Is the light test painful?

No, the light test (SR-NIRS) uses a small probe placed on the skin and is not painful. It's like a gentle light scan.

Will this test change my doctor's diagnosis or treatment?

No, this study is for research only. The results from the light test will not change how your doctor diagnoses or treats you.

Who can take part in this study?

Boys aged 1 month to 18 years can take part. This includes healthy boys and boys with sudden scrotal pain, as long as they meet certain health criteria.

How long does taking part in the study last?

Participation only involves one short visit for the measurements.

How to find out more

Maryam Noparast, MD, MSc

maryam.noparast@cw.bc.ca 604-875-2734 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.