A man suffered a really terrible fate after an operation for hernia left him badly swollen in his scrotum and he is now making people pay for his pain.
The man's scrotum swelled to nearly 6st after a hernia operation (file photo)
The man was shocked after his scrotum swelled to nearly 6st (80lb) after a hernia operation and he is now suing his health insurance provider for $1 million.
According to Daily Mail, the man, from Oregon, says after surgery to remove a hernia in the groin, his scrotum swelled to 80lbs (5.7st or 36kg) - the equivalent weight to that of an average 11-year-old child.
Eventually the problem meant he had one of his testicles removed - and he claims he has been left infertile and has suffered emotional distress as a result of his swollen scrotum.
The man had health insurance with Kaiser and was being treated at one of their facilities. So upon developing uncomfortable side effects of the operation, he went back to complain.
But he claims they did nothing to alleviate his engorged scrotum for almost three years, according to Courthouse News Service - a news agency based in Pasadena, California, which reports on court cases.
The man became frustrated - wanting help with his huge swelling- and so switched to a different doctor - who immediately sent him to a specialist.
In June 2014, he underwent surgery to reduce the size of his enormous scrotum - but ended up losing his left testicle.
Now, he is suing Kaiser as he claims their refusal to diagnose and treat the problem - or refer him to other medics for a second opinion - meant he has been left infertile and has suffered emotional distress.
In a complaint lodged last week at Multnomah County Circuit Court, Oregon, he says his wife is now unable to conceive a child with him.
The complaint said: 'Following surgery, plaintiff [name deleted] began to experience significant testicle and scrotal pain and swelling, his scrotum at one point swelling to 80 pounds and over 48" in diameter.'
The couple are seeking $1 million for medical malpractice and loss of consortium, a legal phrase which means the deprivation of the benefits of a family due to the injuries.
This sum is known as 'non-economical damages' - meaning rather than medical bills and lost earnings - they want compensation for the health issues and emotional distress they have suffered.
The couple, who are represented by Eric Hanson with Hanson, Hanson & Quist, also want to be reimbursed for past and future medical expenses, as well as $77,760 in lost wages.