Orchidectomy

What is Orchidectomy?

The testicles are male sex organs located in a sac of skin called the scrotum, which hang below the base of the penis. They produce testosterone (male hormones) and sperm. They are suspended by spermatic cords, which are supplied by a network of nerves and blood vessels and form the first section for the passage of sperm after ejaculation. A testicle that is severely injured or has a tumour is usually removed by a surgical procedure known as a radical orchiectomy, in which the entire testicle along with its spermatic cord is removed.

Procedure for Orchidectomy

The surgery is performed under local or general anaesthesia. A 5 to 10 cm incision is made in the groin on the affected side and deepened until the spermatic cord is identified and isolated. The blood supply to the testicle is blocked with a clamp. The testicle is then pushed upwards out of the scrotum and inspected. The incision may have to be widened in case of a large tumour of the testicle. The spermatic cord is then dissected and removed along with the testicle. The remaining part of the spermatic cord is tied and an artificial replacement may be placed in the scrotum if desired. The tissues are then carefully closed to avoid areas of weakness. The testicle is sent to the laboratory for analysis. The procedure takes approximately an hour to perform and you may leave following a short stay at the hospital. You can expect full recovery in 2 to 4 weeks.

Risks Associated with Orchidectomy

As with all surgical procedures, a radical orchiectomy is associated with certain risks which include bleeding into the scrotum and nerve injury.