Orchidectomy, otherwise called orchiectomy is a surgery wherein either one or both testicles are removed. When both testicles are surgically removed, it is known as bilateral orchiectomy which is the irreversible surgical form of castration.
What are the types of orchidectomy surgery ?
There are three chief types of orchiectomy surgeries.
- Simple
- Subcapsular
- Inguinal
Orchidectomy surgery can either be done as an outpatient procedure or with a shortened hospital stay.
The first two types are typically done with local or epidural anesthesia, and take around 30
minutes to be done. The third type, the inguinal orchiectomy is at times done under general
anesthesia, and takes a little longer to complete.
What does the procedure of Orchidectomy involve ?
- Simple orchidectomy surgery : A simple orchidectomy is frequently done for sex reassignment surgery (SRS) for transgenders or palliatively for progressive prostate cancer. After administration of anesthesia, the surgeon then make incisions in the midpoint of the scrotum to remove the testicles and some parts of the spermatic cord through the surgical cut. The wounds are then approximated with absorbable sutures and covered by a dressing. A prosthetic testicle can be put in place before the incision is stitched back to give a normal appearance of a pre-surgery scrotum. A catheter (plastic tube) may be used for urine drainage from the bladder. After the surgery, once the scrotal wound heals, the catheter is removed.
- Subcapsular orchidectomy surgery : A subcapsular orchiectomy, as the name suggests, preserves the capsule of the testis. It is also commonly done for prostate cancer. The surgery is very similar to that of a simple orchiectomy, except that the entire gland is not removed. This type of orchidectomy is done principally to keep the normal appearance of a scrotum.
- Inguinal orchidectomy surgery : This is the most extensive kind of orchidectomy (also known as radical orchidectomy). This is done when extensive or severe testicular cancer is suspected, in order to prevent it from spreading into the spermatic cord and lymph nodes near the kidneys.
What are the effects of the orchidectomy surgery ?
Within 1 to 2 weeks, regular activities may be resumed, and a full recovery may be complete within 2 to 4 weeks. Some swelling and bruising of the scrotal area is definitely to be expected. This may last for upto several days. There may be hematoma (blood collection) which requires surgical removal or resolves slowly by itself. Wound or testicular infection could be a possible sequela needing either antibiotics or surgical drainage.The side effects from hormonal changes of orchidectomy include the following.
- Infertility or Sterility
- A loss of sexual interest
- Problems with erection
- Larger increased breasts (Gynaecomastia)
- Gain in weight but atrophy of muscles
- Weak or brittle bones (osteoporosis)
How to find and reach urologists for orchidectomy surgery ?
Now you can find and reach urologists for orchidectomy surgery from different hospitals and destinations on a single platform, Hinfoways. You can avail opinions and information from multiple urologists , get cost estimates for orchidectomy surgery from different hospitals, compare things and then choose an urologist for orchidectomy surgery.
Find, reach and choose an urologist for orchidectomy surgery on Hinfoways. Make an informed choice.
Disclaimer: The content provided here is meant for general informational purposes only and hence SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, care or evaluation by a qualified doctor/physician or other relevantly qualified healthcare provider.
