Undiagnosed testicular torsion leads to testicle removal

James Cahan, specialist clinical negligence lawyer based at Thomson Snell & Passmore’s Tunbridge Wells and Dartford (Thames Gateway) offices, has secured £13,750 for a school boy who underwent an urgent orchiectomy (removal of testicle) and subsequent prosthesis insertion due to undiagnosed testicular torsion following his attendance at A&E, Eastbourne District General Hospital 3 weeks previously.

The claimant in this medical negligence claim was a 17 year old school boy who attended Eastbourne District General Hospital complaining of a sudden onset of lower abdominal pain radiating to his testicles.

He was assessed by the triage nurse during the first 6 hours at A&E, who failed to appreciate the significance of the pain radiating to the testicle. After 6 hours, he was then assessed by the A&E doctor who incorrectly diagnosed him with epididymo-orchitis (inflammation of the testes). The doctor failed to request a specialist opinion from either a general or urological surgeon. The claimant was discharged.

As a result of the above, complete testicular ischaemia (loss of blood flow) of the left testicle remained undiagnosed and the claimant’s testicle infarcted and eventually developed the early signs of gangrene.

The claimant had to have his left testicle removed and replaced with a prosthesis which may affect him psychologically and cause subfertility.

James Cahan, specialises in testicular torsion cases. If you would like to ask James a question about a potential case, or if you have a general query about any personal injury, contact James at Thomson Snell & Passmore solicitors on 01892 701289 in confidence.