Testicular Torsion

Testicular Torsion Compensation

Testicular torsion is an emergency situation, which if not treated quickly enough, can result in the loss of the patient’s testicle. Testicular torsion occurs when the testicle rotates, and cuts off the blood supply to it. This can happen spontaneously and without any previous problems.

Signs of a testicular torsion can include sudden and severe pain in the scrotum, swelling of the scrotum, painful urination, abdominal pain and nausea. Emergency treatment should be sought for sudden or severe testicular pain. Surgery is likely to be required to untwist the testicle. If treated in time, loss of the testicle can usually be prevented.

The blockage of the blood flow to the testicle can lead to the testicle “dying” if the patient is not treated quickly enough. If this occurs, the testicle cannot be saved and will need to be removed in an operation.

A claim for medical negligence may arise if a doctor fails to diagnose testicular torsion or if they fail to provide prompt treatment for this emergency condition. Any delay in treatment increases the risk of the testicle dying.

Case Study for Testicular Torsion

The blood supply to the testicle can also be affected by recent surgery. We acted for a gentleman who suffered with intermittent testicular pain. He was diagnosed with a varicocele (a swelling in the scrotum) and underwent surgery as a day case procedure to remove this. Later that evening, when at home, our client began to suffer severe pain in his left testicle, which became very swollen. He could not move without supporting his testicles.

Our client tried telephoning the hospital several times that evening and the next day, but was advised that his pain was normal. The pain continued to increase and became so excruciating that our client returned to the hospital. He was examined and diagnosed with an infection. Our client was discharged with antibiotics.

A few days later, our client was seen by the district nurse who advised the client to return to the hospital immediately. An ultrasound scan showed that there was no blood supply to the testicle and it could not be saved. The testicle was removed during surgery later that day. Our client’s recovery was complicated by infection.

We successfully pursued a claim against the hospital for failing to take informed consent from our client and for causing the blood supply to the testicle to be cut off. There was also a failure to diagnose this complication and treat the same, prior to the testicle dying.

We successfully recovered £20,000 in compensation for our client.

Have you or a loved one suffered from the serious consequence of a delay in diagnosing and treating Testicular Torsion?

If so, we may be able to help.

Please do not hesitate to contact one of our specialised team members today for free advice regarding whether you may have a potential medical negligence claim on: 01244 354 688.

Our medical negligence team benefits from in-house medical knowledge from our head of department, Linda Schermer-Jones, who is dual qualified doctor and solicitor. We therefore have the ability to quickly and efficiently assess areas of potential negligence you, or a loved one, may have suffered.