Ultrasonography showed testicular contusion with interstitial edema, a left epididymal head cyst, and a left hydrocele. The left testis showed vascularity, which was slightly decreased in the upper pole. The findings were discussed with urology and a follow-up ultrasound was recommended.
The plaintiff was discharged home with instructions to follow up in two weeks for a repeat ultrasound. Four days later, he returned to his pediatrician, who noted that the scrotum was hard to the touch with pain on palpation. On the pediatrician’s recommendation, the plaintiff was returned to the defendant hospital’s emergency department. At admission, it was noted that the testicle had enlarged and was more painful than during the previous visit.
Ultrasonography revealed left testicular ischemia without any left-sided vascular flow signal demonstrated. The plaintiff was then diagnosed with testicular torsion and taken to surgery for a left orchiectomy with contralateral septopexy. The plaintiff was discharged home later that day.
The plaintiff alleged negligence in the failure to diagnose testicular torsion at the time of his first presentation, which he claimed led to ischemia, necrosis, and loss of his left testicle. The defendants all denied negligence, as well as causation and harm. A $662,500 settlement was reached.