What is the most appropriate management for a suspected ovarian torsion in a patient with acute abdominal pain and an adnexal mass?

In cases of suspected ovarian torsion, the most appropriate management is to admit the patient to the hospital for urgent surgical intervention. Ovarian torsion is a surgical emergency characterized by the twisting of the ovary, which can compromise its blood supply. This condition often presents with acute abdominal pain and is frequently accompanied by an adnexal mass.

Immediate surgical intervention is vital because the longer the ovary remains twisted, the greater the risk of ischemia and subsequent necrosis. Surgical exploration allows for assessment of the ovarian condition, and if viable, the ovary can be untwisted and preserved; if not, it may need to be removed. Delay in treatment can lead to loss of the affected ovary, which has implications for future fertility and overall gynecological health.

Other management options such as administering medications or recommending outpatient follow-up do not address the urgency of the situation. Ovarian torsion is not appropriately managed with outpatient methods, as this could lead to significant morbidity. Therefore, the urgency of surgical intervention is emphasized in the management of suspected ovarian torsion.