Medical negligence – Testicular Torsion

If you or a loved one has experienced a delay in diagnosis and treatment of a testicular torsion, which has led to the loss of a testicle or any other complications, you may be entitled to make a claim for compensation. Powell & Co has a specialist team of medical negligence solicitors with experience and expertise in helping both child and adult claimants bring medical negligence claims regarding the loss of a testicle following a delay in diagnosis of testicular torsion. In our experience, sometimes a delay in diagnosis arises following an incorrect diagnosis of epididymo-orchitis (an infection requiring antibiotics).

What is a Testicular Torsion?
The testes lie in the scrotum. The spermatic cord is a flexible tube that connects the testes with the abdomen. The testes can move around in the scrotum but not usually enough to twist round fully. However, in some circumstances, the testes can move around more than normal and when this occurs the affected testis can twist and rotate trapping the spermatic cord. This is called testicular torsion. Torsion causes the blood supply to the affected testis to be cut off and unless this is restored quickly through timely medical treatment, permanent damage can occur, leading to the loss a testicle.

What are the symptoms of Testicular Torsion?
The most common symptom is severe and persistent pain in the testicle or lower abdomen. Sometimes torsion can also cause symptoms of nausea or vomiting. Any pain in the testicle or lower abdomen should be considered a potential medical emergency and it is essential to attend the nearest Accident & Emergency Department as soon as possible to be examined and, if appropriate undergo treatment.

Diagnosis and management
In considering a diagnosis of testicular torsion a doctor will ask about the patient’s sexual history and whether there is any history of trauma. Testicular torsion is more common in younger people and so when anyone under the age of 30 presents with testicular and/or lower abdominal pain, there is a high index of suspicion that they may have a testicular torsion.

The doctor will then perform an examination of the testicle to check for swelling, the position of the testicle, tenderness and size. Testicular torsion is a medical emergency and if testicular torsion is suspected, then an emergency operation is performed to untwist the affected testis from the spermatic cord to restore blood flow. The testis is usually fixed in place internally during the operation to prevent the torsion occurring again. If the surgery takes place within 6 hours of the onset of pain, then it is likely the testicle can be saved. The chance of saving the testicle diminishes over time and while it is possible for the testicle to be saved after 48 hours from onset of pain, the chance of this occurring is very small.

Making a Claim for Compensation
If you would like to speak to a member of our team to discuss a potential no win, no fee claim for compensation, please call us on 0208 854 9131 or complete our online enquiry form and a member of our team will ger back to you within 1 working day.

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