Orchidectomy Surgery: Procedure, Recovery, Risks

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What is an orchiectomy?

An orchiectomy (also called orchidectomy ) is the removal of one or both of the testicles . It may be necessary to remove a testicle to prevent or stop the spread of certain types of cancer. In some instances, testicular injury requires an orchiectomy. Removal of the testicles is also one of several procedures performed for transgender women.

How long does an orchidectomy take?

An orchidectomy is usually performed under general anaesthetic and takes about 30 minutes. Your surgeon will make an incision (cut) in your scrotum or groin. They will remove your testicle (s) and close any wounds with dissolvable stitches. You may have the option of having prosthesis (fake testicle) inserted during your procedure.

How does an orchidectomy work?

An orchidectomy is usually done using a local anaesthetic, so you will not feel anything, but you will be awake. A small cut will be made in your groin allowing your surgeon to access your testicles and detach them from the spermatic cord.

What are the different types of orchiectomy?

There are several different types of orchiectomy procedure. These include: During simple orchiectomy, a surgeon will remove one or both testicles and a portion of the spermatic cord through a small incision in the scrotum. Depending on the person’s preference, the surgeon can insert a prosthetic testicle before closing the incision.

What is an orchidectomy (unilateral)?

Cancer can travel in lymph and can spread to other areas of the body. An orchidectomy (unilateral), is an operation to remove one testicle. It is carried out under a general anaesthetic, which means you are put to sleep for surgery. During surgery, a small incision is made into the groin region on the affected side and the testicle is removed.

Is orchidectomy reversible?

Orchidectomy is not reversible. You may find the removal of your testicles upsetting. Removing the testicles is a simple operation. You have the operation as an inpatient in the hospital. Most men stay overnight, but you might be able to go home on the same day. You usually have an orchidectomy under general anaesthetic.

What is an orchidectomy under general anaesthetic?

You usually have an orchidectomy under general anaesthetic. This means you'll be asleep for the whole operation. Or you might have a spinal anaesthetic. This means you are awake but have an anaesthetic injection into your spine. You can’t feel anything below the level of the injection.

What Is Orchidectomy

1. https://www.verywellhealth.com/orchiectomy-overview-4580446
2. https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/prostate-cancer/treatment/hormone-therapy/removing-testicles-orchidectomy
3. https://www.ruh.nhs.uk/patients/Urology/documents/patient_leaflets/orchidectomy.pdf
4. https://www.nuffieldhealth.com/treatments/orchidectomy
5. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/procedures/orchiectomy
6. https://www.healthline.com/health/mens-health/orchiectomy
7. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/orchiectomy
8. https://patients.uroweb.org/treatments/orchidectomy/
9. https://www.webmd.com/cancer/what-is-orchiectomy

Orchidectomy Information

1. https://www.baus.org.uk/_userfiles/pages/files/Patients/Leaflets/Radical%20orchidectomy.pdf
2. https://orchid-cancer.org.uk/diagnosis-and-orchidectomy/