Going For Surgery

Back to List of Surgery

 About the Surgery

Orchidectomy is a relatively minor surgical procedure to remove a testicle. It is often performed by an incision in the groin region on the side corresponding to the testicle to be removed.

 Aim of Surgery

· Inguinal orchidectomy is the recommended procedure if testicular cancer is suspected.

· Bilateral orchidectomy (ie both sides) is sometimes performed in patients with prostate cancer.

 How Long is Surgery

· 30-60 minutes

 Anaesthetic

· General Anaesthetic

 Incision/Cut

· 5-6 cm incision in the groin on the side of the testicle to be removed.

 Description of Surgery

· The testicle is then pulled up through the inguinal canal, the spermatic cord is clamped off in two places and cut between the clamps.
At this time, some patients elect to have a prosthetic testicle inserted into their scrotum.
The testicle and spermatic cord are then sent to a pathologist to determine the makeup of the tumor, and the extent of spread within the testicle and cord.

The pathology report, along with pre-surgical imaging studies and tumor markers, will determine the course of treatment.

 Complications of Surgery

· Bleeding
· Infection

 Duration of Hospital Stay

· 2-4 days