Who are the Most Commonly Affected?
The commonly affected ages are boys between the age of 12 and 16. It can happen at any age and can also occur from strenuous exercise. In testicular torsion cases, the blood supply to the testicle is cut off. This is caused due to a twisting of the spermatic cord. This is the cord that supplies blood to the testicle.
If untreated or unresolved it can lead to the loss of the testicle. Testicular torsion is an extremely painful condition that has a sudden onset – hence why it should be treated immediately. You should contact your GP or immediately visit an Accident and Emergency Department as soon as possible if you are experiencing any symptoms. If testicular torsion is diagnosed on time and surgery is undertaken swiftly it is usually possible to save the affected testicle.
Medical Malpractice
On the other hand, if there is a delay in the diagnosis or in providing treatment it can mean that by the time the surgery has been carried out the affected testicle has become necrotic (dead tissue). The patient will require an orchiectomy which essentially means that the testicle is removed.
In medical negligence cases, failure to diagnosis or the misdiagnosis of testicular torsion can have very serious implications. This may lead to the removal of the testicle as previously mentioned and may also affect fertility.
If treatment is rendered within six hours of the onset of the torsion, the testicle has an excellent chance of being saved. However, if twelve hours have passed the success rate drops to 50%. After 24 hours there is only a very small chance of saving the testicle.
Common Symptoms
- Severe pain in the testicle
- Pain in the abdomen
- Swollen scrotum
- Vomiting